2    2.C- 

LIBRARY  OF  THE  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 

PRINCETON,   N.  J. 

Presented  by 


Tres,"?/^.^ 


\tDoe.r^ 


Sechon....!..^....^-.'  — 

1  Q  ^    7. 


Kltft    OAHKETT 


'  '^Art 


^GrlEDB-SX  H^DmSfJE^BoBc 


^.,  / 


V  T.  (lUvf,EngT«vr,l  V.N  .l.B.  i.cn^'nr 
PuMishfd  In,  .  '/Ir.,'   lotoor. 


^^Uetrtistmeut* 


WHAT  the  royal  moralist  observes  of  seasonable  coun- 
sels,  that  "  they  are  like  apples  of  gokl  in  pictures  of  sil- 
ver," may,  with  the  greatest  propriety,  i)e  applied  to  the 
Book  of  Psalms,  as  illustrated  by  the  inestimable  Commen- 
tary of  the  venerable  Bishop  *Horne.  Here  learning  is, 
what  it  always  should  be,  the  handmaid  to  devotion;  and 
the  most  refined  taste  is  brought  to  the  service  of  piety. 
The  Christian  professor  is  here  continually  reminded  of  his 
Saviour,  and  of  the  riches  of  redemption  wliich  are  laid  up 
in  him  who  made  more  use  of  the  Psalms  than  any  other 
portion  of  the  sacred  writings,  not  only  because  they  spake 
of  his  humiliation  and  sufierings,  his  resurrection  and 
ascension,  but  particularly  because  these  divine  compo- 
sitions are  adapted  to  all  the  purposes  for  which  he  came 
into  the  world,  of  "  purif3'ing  unto  himself  a  people  zealou«; 
of  good  works." 

To  the  same  end,  and  in  imitation  of  her  great  head  and 
exemplar,  the  Church  has  appointed  these  inspired  hymns 
to  be  used  in  a  regular  order  in  her  daily  offices ;  but  it  is 
to  be  feared  that  too  many  of  her  members  lose  the  benefit 
intended,  for  want  of  having  the  veil  lifted  up  which  covers, 
under  typical  characters  and  figurative  representations,  the; 
sublime  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of  God. 

To  animate  Christians  in  j)ublic  worship,  and  to  edify 
them  in  their  private  studies,  the  excellent  autlior  of  this 
work  has  employed  many  years  of  his  valuable  life  in  eluci- 
dating that  book,  which  the  great  Luther  emphatically  and 
Justly  termed.  "The  Little  Bible." 


OF    THE 

RIGHT  REVEREND  GEORGE  HORNE,  D.  D. 

LORD  BISHOP  OF  NORWICH. 


This  exemplary  prelate  was  the  son  of  the  reverend  Samuel  Home, 
M.  A.  rector  of  Biede,  in  Sussex,  and  of  Otham,  in  Kent,  in  the  l.Tst  of 
which  livings  he  was  succeeded,  in  1768,  by  his  son  William  Home,  M.  A. 
formerly  demy  of  Magdalen  College,  Oxford.  The  bishop  was  born  at 
Otham,  and  baptized  in  the  parish  church  there,  November  1,  1730.  His 
early  education  was  conducted  by  his  worthy  father,  and  next  by  the  reve- 
rend Deodatus  Bye,  master  of  Maidstone  grammar  school,  who  observed, 
at  his  admission,  that  "  he  was  fitter  to  go  from  school  than  to  come  to  it."" 
In  March  1745-6,  he  was  admitted  at  University  College,  Oxford,  having' 
been  previously  chosen  to  a  scholarship  from  Maidstone  school ;  and,  in 
October  1749,  he  took  his  degree  of  bachelor  of  arts.  The  year  following, 
he  was  elected  to  the  fellowship  of  Magdalen  College,  which  is  appropriated 
to  a  native  of  the  county  of  Kent.  He  was  a  very  laborious  student,  and  he 
had  an  elegant  taste  in  Greek,  Latin,  and  English  poetry,  of  which  he  gave 
many  admirable  specimens,  while  he  was  no  more  than  an  undergraduate  in 
the  university.  His  constant  aim,  however,  was  to  render  the  acquisition 
of  polite  literature  subservient  to  the  study  of  theology  and  the  illustration 
of  the  sacred  writings  In  the  language  of  the  early  companion  of  his  liter- 
ary pursuits,  and  who  became  his  chaplain  and  biographer,  "  he  raised  his 
thoughts  from  the  poets  and  orators  of  Greece  and  Rome,  to  the  contem- 
plation of  the  great  Creator's  wisdom,  in  his  word  and  in  his  works."* 
While  at  University  College  he  became  enamoured  of  the  Hebrew  language, 
which  he  studied  with  close  application,  and  this  brought  him  acquainted 
with  the  writings  of  the  learned  John  Hutchinson,  whose  whole  life  was  de. 
voted  to  the  great  object  of  deducing  from  the  Mosaic  scriptures  the  princi- 
ples of  true  philosophy. 

In  1751,  Mr.  Home  manifested  his  attachment  to  this  system,  wliich  wa.s 
at  that  time  exceedingly  unpopular  in  our  seats  of  learning,  by  publishing 
witliout  his  name,  a  tract  entitled,  "  The  Theology  and  Philosophy  in 
Cicero's  Somnium  Scipionis  explained ;  or  a  brief  attempt  to  demonstrate, 
that  the  Newtonian  system  is  perfectly  agreeable  to  the  notions  of  the 
wisest  ancients ;  and  that  mathematical  principles  are  the  only  sure  ones."' 
The  chief  merit  of  this  pamphlet  lies  in  its  wit,  the  aim  of  it  being  to  expose 
the  received  philosophy  as  no  other  than  a  revival  of  what  was  maintained 
ages  ago  by  Cicero  and  the  Stoics. 

*  Dedication  to  the  Rev.  William  Jones's  Sermon  "  on  the  Natwal  History  of  tlie  E<ulli 
and  its  Minerals."    Svo.  1787. 


vi  MEMOIR  OF 

In  June  1752,  Mr.  Home  took  liis  de^ee  of  master  of  arts,  and  about  the 
same  time  he  engaged  in  a  controversy,  through  the  medium  of  the  Gentle- 
man's Magazine,  on  the  subject  of  the  Cherubim,  which  he,  in  common 
with  the  followers  of  Hutchinson,  held  to  be  symbolical  of  the  Trinity.  The 
letters  of  our  autlior  were  signed  Ingenius;  but  tlie  publisher  of  the  maga- 
zine, after  suffering  the  discussion  to  connnence  in  tliet  work,  put  a  stop  to 
it,  by  declining  to  insert  the  reply  which  Mr.  Home  drew  up  in  defence  of 
the  doctrine  he  espoused,  thus  exercising  an  unwarrantable  disposition  over 
the  privilege  of  inquiiy,  and  the  freedom  of  the  press.  The  year  following, 
Mr.  Home  published  a  masterly  pamphlet,  with  this  title,  "  A  fair,  candid, 
and  impartial  state  of  the  case  between  Sir  Isaac  Newton  and  Mr.  Hutch- 
inson: In  which  is  shown,  how  far  a  sj'stem  of  physics  is  capable  of  ma- 
thematical demonstration;  how  far  Sir  Isaac'.s,  as  such  a  system,  has  that 
demonstration;  and,  consequently,  what  regard  Mr.  Hutchinson's  claim 
may  deserve  to  have  paid  to  it."  Of  this  luminous  and  closely  reasoned 
production,  which  was  never  answered,  a  new  edition  appeared  in  1795. 
In  the  year  1754,  our  awthor  gave  to  the  world,  though  anonymously,  an 
ironical  piece  with  this  curious  title,  "  Spicilegium  Shuckfordianum,  or  a 
nosegay  for  the  critics:  being  some  choice  flowers  of  modern  theology 
and  criticism,  gathered  out  of  Dr.  Shuckford's*  supplemental  discourse 
on  the  creation  and  fall  of  man,  not  forgetting  Dr.  Garnct'st  Vatikra." 

But  religious  controversy  and  ^philosophical  pursuits,  were  far  from  nar- 
rowing the  mind  and  abating  the  cheerfulness  of  this  amiable  man;  for  at 
this  period  we  find  him  corresponding  with  Mr.  Berkeley,  son  of  the  excel- 
lent bishop  of  Cloyne,  in  a  strain  of  playful  humour  and  fervent  piety,  of 
which  the  following  letter  is  an  admirable  specimen. 

Mag.  Coll.  Oxon.  Maij  10,  1755. 
My  dearest  George, 

IT  was  with  the  greatest  jjleasurc  that  I  set  my  eyes  on  your  hand- 
writing, and  with  no  less  do  I  now  take  up  the  pen  to  have  some  conversa- 
tion with  you  upon  paper,  which  is  very  sweet  and  comfortable  when  we 
are  prevented  from  having  it  face  to  face.  Without  this,  the  hurry  about 
us,  and  constant  succession  of  fresh  objects,  insensibly  deface  the  image  of 
absent  friends  in  our  hearts,  (such  is  our  weakness  and  frailty)  in  spite  of 
all  our  endeavours  to  the  contrary.  How  lamentably  would  this  be  the  case 
with  regard  to  our  best  friend,  our  absent  Lord  and  Master,  were  it  not  for 
those  letters  full  of  love,  the  Holy  Scriptures,  which  come  directed  to  every 
soul,  though  so  few  take  the  trouble  to  open  tlu^  seals  and  read  them.  As 
he  has  been  pleased  (blessed  be  his  holy  name  for  it)  to  lead  us  to  a  know 
ledge  of  them,  we  should  be  taking  all  opportunities  of  comforting  and  en- 
couraging one  another  in  this  our  pilgrimage  through  the  land  of  the  dead, 
to  the  land  of  the  living.  When  we  cannot  do  it  by  talking,  we  must  do  it 
by  writing.     And  those  can  never  want  a  subject  to  write  upon,  who  have 

*  Samuel  Shuckford,  D.  D.  autlior  of  the  "  Connexions  of  Sacred  and  Profane  Ilistoiy," 
and  other  works  of  great  learning'.    He  was  prcljentlai-y  of  Canterbury,  and  died  in  1751. 

t  Jolin  Garnet,  D.  D.  wlio,  by  going  to  Irolaml  \\  ilh  tin-  DuUc  of  DorsiCt,  in  1751,  ohtainrd 
Ihe  bisliopric  of  Leighlin  and  Ferns,  from  wluiuc  \n-  u;is  t];m>l:itc(i  to  Clotrher.  He  di.-d 
in  1732.  Uisliop  Garnet  was  tliQ  autlior  of  a  mi  y  iKiiiilnim''  irc.iii-c  on  the  iSook  of  .Job.  U> 
which,  like  Warburton,  he  assigns  a  date  postrrioi-  lo  tlio  caplivily. 


BISHOP  HORNE.  vii 

an  interest  in  him,  and  are  concerned  in  the  increase  of  liis  king^doni ;  who, 
as  members  of  the  same  body,  have  an  intimate  fellow-feeling,  and  all  suffer 
or  rejoice  for  the  loss  or  recovery  of  a  limb. 

Archdeacon  Hamilton  I  know  well,  and  Am  happy  in  callins:  him  my  old 
friend  and  companion.  He  is  a  Christian  in  head  and  heart,  the  one  en- 
lightened with  knowledge,  the  other  warm  with  love;  equally  removed  from 
a  dead  profession  and  a  groundless  enthusiasm,  the  two  baneful  plagues  of 
tlus  (I  am  afraid  I  must  say  falling)  church.  The  news  of  his  recovery, 
since  attested  by  a  kind  and  most  excellent  letter  from  himself,  we  received 
with  great  joy.  He  comes  forth  like  gold  tried  and  brightened  in  the  fur- 
nace of  sorrows  and  adversity,  to  enrich  many  with  the  riches  of  grace,  the 
treasures  of  wisdom  and  knowledge,  hid  in  Christ,  and  manifested  by  the 
preaching  of  the  Gospel  of  God.  I  rejoice  to  hear  you  have  other  faithful 
labourers  on  that  side  of  the  water,  which  confirms  to  us  tiie  truth  of  that 
divine  maxim,  that  God  will  never  leave  himself  without  a  witness.  There 
is  always  a  call,  if  men  had  but  ears  to  hear,  which  nothing  but  grace  can 
furnish  them  witii, — "  The  hearing  ear  and  the  seeing  eye,  the  Lord  hath 
made  both  of  them."— I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  how  Dr.  Ellis**  goes  on,  and 
whether  he  builds  up  as  well  as  he  pulls  down.  You  surprise  me  mucii  with 
the  account  of  bishop  Brownf  being  an  admirer  of  Hutchinson.  Let  us  know 
a  little  of  your  confab  togetlier,  and  how  that  matter  stands.  When  you 
see  young  Mrs.  Brown,  present  my  compliments  to  her,  and  likewi3e  to  the 
other  sister,  good  Mrs.  Brcviter,  a  near  relation  of  Mrs.  Quicklv  of  facetious 
memory.  You  mention  nothing  of  Mr.  Auchmuty,  an  ohl  friend  of  mine  at 
Edmund  HA],  son,  I  think,  of  the  late  dean  of  Armagh.  If  he  be  in  Dub- 
lin's own  self,  touch  him  up.  He  knows  tlie  truth,  but,  I  am  afraid,  sleepeth. 
Give  him  a  jog  or  so. 

Now  for  a  da<h  at  Oxford  news.  The  plantation  at  Christ  Church  thrives 
and  flourishes.  Little  Charles  by  going  to  a  play,  (the  Conscious  Lovers,  I 
think)  and  scampering  from  hence  again  upon  our  friend  Pie-ball,  to  dance 
ui)on  his  brothers  birth-night,  has  pretty  well  got  off  the  imputation  of  nie- 
ihodism,  and  things  are  quiet.  I  intend  to  exist  with  him  often  in  a  paradi- 
saical way,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Wheat  Sheaf,  flio  prettiest  retire- 
ment from  the  noise  and  lunry  of  the  world  that  1  know.  Tliat  most  excel- 
lent youth  ille  noster,  is  much  better  in  mind  and  body,  bavin"-  taken  our 
advice  concerning  the  nature,  use  and  advantages,  of  an  able-bodied  servitor 
to  assist  in  the  education  of  the  Mr.  L.'s  men,  more  famous  than  they  are 
likely  to  be  usr/id  in  their  generations. 

I  have  spent  two  or  three  evenings  with  Dr.  Patten,t  in  whose  manner  and 
conversation  the  spirit  of  Christianity  breathes  as  strong  as  ever  I  saw  it. 

■  Dr.  .lohn  KlUc,  formerly  of  Braisennose  CoUego,  Oxford,  afterwards  hcneficed  at  Ches- 
ipr,  and,  lanly,  in  Dublin.  He  was  the  author  of  a  very  valuable  treatise  which  cuts  up 
infidelity  by  the  roots.  This  work,  entitled  "  The  Knowleiljre  of  Divine  Tliinfrs  from  Revc- 
iHtion,  not  from  Rea.son  or  Nature,"  appeared  first  in  one  volume  octavo,  in  17J3,  and  has 
since  been  reprinted  three  times. 

t  Dr.  Peter  nro\vn,  bishop  of  Cork,  apd  the  author  of  «  The  Procedure  of  Human 
L/nderstanding;"  "  Things  Divine  and  Supernatural  conceived  by  Analogy- ;»  «Sennon.s," 

-.A.Tliow'.a"' Patten,  D.  D.  then  Miavr  of  Corpus  Christ!  College,  and  afterwai-ds  rector  of 
ChdOrey  in  Berkshire.    He  wa?  the  author  of  some  excellent  Sermons,  and  died  ui  1790. 


viii  MEMOIR  OF  \^ 

He  is  quite  a  spiritual  man,  and  has  imbibed  Law's  piety  without  liis  whims* 
We  have  had  a  pretty  translation  of  Psalm  cvii.  from  Ben.  Wheelcr,t  of 
Trinity,  occasioned  by  reading  Romaine,t  so  that  3'ou  see  we  are  putting 

on  XD'^  nrDX.§ 

Coins:  last  Sunday  evenin«r  to  call  upon  Glasse,||  I  found  him  and  Charles 
Poyntz,11  instead  of  tlaunting^  in  oiu  carnival  walks,  sitting  together  over 
the  cordi.al  bishop  Hall.  How  acceptable  to  God  are  such  young  converts ! 
It  brought  to  my  mind  a  sweet  passage  in  the  Song;  "  I  went  down  into 
"  the  garden,  to  see  the  fruits  of  the  valley,  to  see  whether  the  vine  flou- 
"  rished,  and  the  pomegranate  budded. " 

And  now,  my  dear  friend,  what  shall  I  say  more.'  It  has  pleased  God  to 
bring  you  up  to  an  early  piety,  under  the  best  of  fathers,  an  ornament  and 
honour  to  the  Christian  church,  to  keep  you  steady  in  the  communion,  doc- 
trine, and  discipline  of  that  church,  committed  to  the  saints  by  Jesus  Christ, 
(he  glorious  liead  of  it;  to  lead  you  to  those  living  fountains  of  waters,  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  which  to  so  many  are  indeed  "  a  fountain  sealed,"  and  not 
to  be  opened  but  by  the  keys  of  David,  so  graciously  put  into  our  hands; 
to  give  you  a  noble  courage,  undaunted  perseverance  of  mind,  and  great 
readiness  of  speech ;  and  thus  furnished,  to  throw  you  into  a  large  acquain- 
tance amongst  the  heads  and  rulers  of  our  disordered  affairs.  Gird  close, 
therefore,  the  armour  of  God,  pray  earnestly  for  the  wisdom  of  the  Spirit  to 
direct;  and  his  almighty  power  to  strengthen  you;  thus  go  forth  in  the 
name  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  conqueror  of  sin,  death,  and  hell,  and — "  the 
Lord  prosper  you,  I  wish  you  good  luck  in  the  name  of  the  Lord." 
And  oh!  in  your  prayers  to  the  throne  of  grace,  remember  one,  whose  ar- 
dent desire  it  is,  by  giving  you  any  assistance  in  his  power,  to  prove  himself, 
vour  sincere  and  affectionate  brother  in  the  faith  of  Christ, 

G.  HORNE. 

Love  to  the  Archdeacon,  who  shall  hear  soon  from  me.  I  am  just  told 
there  is  an  apology  come  out  for  the  clergy  against  Romaine.  If  we  can 
pnce  make  them  talk  we  shall  do.  "  The  dumb  spake,  and  the  people  won- 
dered!" 

To  George  Berkeley,  Esq.  Mari/sireet,  Dublin. 

*  William  Law,  A.  M.  He  was  a  nonjui-ing  divine,  or  one  who  refused  to  take  the  oatli>^ 
to  the  reig'ning-  family.  He  was  dome.'iticated  as  chaplain  in  the  family  of  Mr.  Gibbon, 
the  histoi-ian,  who  speaks  highly  of  his  piety  and  fjenius.  It  is  however  to  be  laniented 
that  the  author  of  "  the  Serious  Call  to  a  devout  and  holy  life,"  should  have  fallen  into 
the  very  dregs  of  mysticism.    He  died  in  1761. 

t  Benjamin  Wheeler,  of  Trinity  College,  and  afterwards  fellow  of  Magdalen  College, 
took  his  doctor's  degiee  in  1770,  and  died  July  21, 1783.  Ue  was  professor  of  poetry  in  the 
University ;  and  of  whom  Dr.  .Johnson,  in  a  Utter  to  a  young  clergyman,  relates  the  following 

anecdote i "My  learned  friend,  Dr.  Wheeler  of  Oxford,  when  he  was  a  young  man,  had 

the  care  of  a  neighbouring  parish,  for  which  he  was  never  paid ;  but  he  counted  it  a  con- 
venience, that  it  compelled  him  to  make  a  sermon  weekly.  One  woman  he  could  not  bring 
to  the  communion ;  and  when  he  reproved  or  exhorted  her,  she  only  answered,  that  she  was 
no  scholar.  He  was  advised  to  set  some  good  woman  or  man  of  the  parish,  a  little  wiser 
than  herself,  to  talk  to  her  in  language  level  to  her  mind," 

t  The  late  celebrated  William  Romaine,  M.  A.  rector  of  St.  Anno,  BUickfriars,  who  had 
just  before  published  his  Discourbcs  on  the  107th  Psalm. 

§  The  covering  of  truth. 

II  Samuel  Glasse,  then  a  student  of  Christ  Church,  D.  D.  in  1769,  and  afterwards  chaplain 
in  ordinary  to  his  majesty,  and  rector  of  Wanstead.  Between  this  exceUent  divine  and 
bishop  Home  the  closest  iiitima'-y  .subsisted  during  life. 

T  Charles  Poynti,  was  M.  A.  of  Chri-it  Church,  in  1759,  and  D.  D.  in  17G'>. 


BISHOP  HORNE.  ix 

About  this  time  our  author  published  two  sermons;  one  preached  in  Mag- 
daleu  Colleg^e  Chapel,  on  the  anniversary  of  St.  John  the  Baptist ;  and  the 
other,  entitled,  "  Christ  the  Light  of  the  World.  "  It  is  very  extraordinary, 
that  neither  of  these  valuable  discourses  should  have  found  a  place  in  the 
collection  of  his  works;  which  unaccountable  omission  leads  us  to  express 
our  regret  that  a  correct  and  uniform  edition  of  the  productions  of  this 
sound  divine  and  elegant  writer,  has  not  hitherto  made  its  appearance. 
The  publication  of  the  sermon  preached  in  the  university  pulpit,  brought 
the  author  into  a  controversy,  in  which  he  distinguished  himself  not  more 
by  his  zeal  for  truth,  than  by  Christian  meekness.  In  1756,  appeared  a 
pamphlet  with  this  title,  "  A  Word  to  the  Hutchinsonians ;  or,  Remarks  on 
three  extraordinary  Sermons,  lately  preached  before  the  University  of  Ox- 
ford, by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Patten,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wetherell,*  and  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Home."  About  the  same  time  was  published,  another  tract  to  the  same 
purpose,  but  to  which  the  author  had  the  candour  of  prefixing  his  name. 
This  last  piece  bears  the  title  of  "  The  Use  of  Reason,  asserted  in  matters 
of  Religion  ;  or.  Natural  Religion  the  foundation  of  Revealed.  In  answer 
to  a  Sermon  preached  before  tlic  University  of  Oxford,  on  Whit-Sunday, 
.Inly  13,  1755;  and  lately  published  at  the  request  of  the  Vice-Chancellor, 
and  other  heads  of  houses,  by  T.  Patten,  D.  D  Fellow  of  Corpus  College ; 
by  Ralph  Heathcote,  M.  A.  of  Jesus  College,  Cambridge,  and  assistant 
preacher  at  Lincoln's  Inn."  To  these  violent  attacks  upon  a  set  of  respec- 
table scholars,  who  had  no  otherwise  rendered  themselves  the  object  of  cen- 
sure, than  by  exerting  themselves  with  peculiar  energy  in  the  revival  of 
Hebrew  literature;  our  author  replied  in  "An  Apology  for  certain  Gentle- 
men in  the  University  of  Oxford,  aspersed  in  a  late  anonymous  pamphlet; 
with  a  postscript  concerning  another  pamphlet  lately  published  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Heathcote."  The  last  of  these  adversaries  had  piiidence  enough  to 
withdraw  from  a  contest  into  which  he  had  obtruded  out  of  vanity,  and  to 
in"Tatiate  iiimself  into  the  favour  of  his  friend,  the  redoubtable  Dr.  ^Var- 
burton;  but  the  anonymous  writer  who  had  provoked  the  warfare,  conti- 
nued it,  though  with  a  feeble  hand,  in  a  tract  entitled,  "  True  Censure  no 
Aspersion;  or  a  vindication  of  a  late  seasonable  admonition,  called  a  Word 
to  the  Hutchinsonians,  in  a  letter  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Home."  It  is  now  well 
known  that  this  piece,  and  the  one  which  it  defends,  came  from  the  pen  of 
Mr.  Kennicott,  the  celebrated  collator  of  Hebrew  manuscripts,  whose  learn- 
in"-  lay  contracted  within  very  narrow  limits,  but  who  compensated  the 
want  of  genius  and  judgment  by  the  most  indefatigable  industry.  The  illi- 
berality  with  which  this  divine  treated  some  of  his  contemporaries,  who  were 
by  much  his  superiors,  not  only  in  general  knowledge,  but  even  in  that 
branch  of  study  ujjon  which  he  prided  himseliihe  most,  very  naturally  excited 
their  jealousy,  when  they  saw  him  embark  in  a  concern  of  such  apparent 
hazard,  as  that  of  publishing  an  improved  edition  of  the  Old  Testament. 
Estimating  his  abilities  by  what  they  knew  of  him,  and  of  his  spirit  by  these 
intemperate  publications,  the  persons  who  were  stigmatized  as  a  sect,  by 
the  name  of  Hutchinsonians,  regarded  the  project  of  Kennicott  in  the  light 
of  a  speculation  pregnant  with  mischief  to  the  cause  of  revelation.    Among 

*  Natlian  Wetlicrell,  of  University  College,  took  his  Master's  Degree  in  1750,  and  those 
of  B.  ana  D.U.  in  1764.  He  became  Msfter  of  hi.<  college,  Prebendary  of  Weslmin^ter. 
inrt  Dean  of  Hereford. 


X  MEMOIR  OF 

others  who  took  alarm  on  this  occasion  was  Mr.  Home,  whose  apprehen- 
sions, instead  of  being-  removed  by  the  publication  of  the  plan,  were  in- 
creased by  the  petulance  of  its  language,  the  confidence  of  the  author,  and 
the  freedom  of  his  censures.  This  work  drew  from  Mr.  Home  one  of  the 
keenest  of  his  performances,  under  the  title  of  "  A  View  of  Mr.  Kennicott's 
method  of  correcting  the  Hebrew  Text,  with  three  queries  formed  there- 
upon, and  twenty  submitted  to  the  consideration  of  the  learned  and  Chris- 
tian world."  It  is  but  justice,  however,  to  these  two  eminent  men,  to  ob- 
serve in  this  place,  that  as  the  work  whicli  was  the  subject  of  animadversion 
in  this  tract  proceeded,  tlie  opposition  to  it  abated,  in  consequence  of  the 
circumspection  adopted  by  the  collator,  who  had  the  discretion  to  turn  the 
hints  of  his  opponents  to  the  advantage  of  his  literary  labours.  Thus  con- 
troversj',  when  properly  managed  and  duly  improved,  tends  to  put  the  one 
party  upon  his  guard,  and  to  direct  him  in  a  better  course,  while  it  acts  as 
a  stimulant  to  tlie  other  in  detecting  errors,  and  suggesting  practical  im- 
provements. The  province  of  science  has  been  extended  by  those  disputes, 
in  which  the  world  at  large  finds  little  interest,  and  of  which  superficial 
minds  are  apt  to  entertain  an  unfavourable  judgment,  as  though  it  were 
nothing  more  than  a  waste  of  words  and  the  ebullition  of  passion  excited  by 
the  diflerence  of  opinion.  But  it  should  be  considered,  that  truth  is  not 
elicited  without  inquiry,  and  that  on  subjects  of  importance,  when  men  of 
ability  contend,  they  of  necessity  bring  forward  their  strongest  reasons,  and 
examine  every  argument  and  testimony  with  a  rigid  and  scrupulous  severity. 
It  is,  however,  happy  when  theological  contests  are  conducted  in  the  spirit 
which  distinguished  that  great  ornament  of  our  church,  the  judicious 
Hooker,  whose  sharpest  language  to  a  captious  disputant  was  this,  "  Your 
uext  argument  consists  of  railing  and  of  reasons ;  to  your  railing  I  say  no- 
thing; to  your  reasons,  I  say  what  follows."  Such  was  the  temper  in 
which  our  author  defended  the  principles  he  espoused ;  and  it  is  pleashig  to 
remark  that  though  he  had  received  rather  coarse  treatment  from  Kennicott, 
and  thought  very  little  of  his  gieat  scheme,  a  perfect  friendship  afterwards 
subsisted  between  them,  which  was  not  in  the  least  disturbed  till  the  death 
of  the  collator,  in  1783. 

In  1758,  Mr.  Home  discharged  the  office  of  junior  proctor  of  the  Univer- 
s.ity;  and  the  next  year,  he  took  his  degree  of  Bachelor  in  Divinity.  At  this 
time  he  was  a  liberal  correspondent  of  Dr.  Dodd,  who  had  tlien  undertaken 
the  management  of  the  Christian  Magazine,  for  Newberry.  Some  of  the 
most  valuable  papers  in  that  useful  miscellany  can>e  from  the  pen  of  our 
author,  under  the  signature  of  Academicus. 

In  17fi4,  he  took  the  degree  of  Doctor  in  Divinity;  but  it  is  remarkable 
that  he  never  had  any  benefice,  or  preferment,  till,  by  the  death  of  Dr.  Jen- 
ncr,  President  of  Magdalen  College,  in  1768,  he  was  elected  to  succeed  him 
in  that  important  station.  This  year  he  also  entered  into  the  marriage  state, 
with  the  daughter  of  Philip  Burton,  Esq.  of  Hatton-street,  in  London,  and 
of  Eltliam,  in  Kent,  ^y  this  lady  he  had  three  daughters.  The  year  fol- 
lowing he  testified  his  regard  for  the  Junior  members  of  his  college,  by  pub- 
lishing, with  a  view  to  their  edification,  "  Considerations  on  the  Life  and 
Death  of  St.  John  the  Baptist."  This  inestimable  little  work  was  the  sub- 
stance of  several  sermons,  which  were  delivered  by  the  author,  before  the 
University,  in  Magdalen  College  Chapel,  according  to  annual  custom 


BISHOP  HORNE.  xi 

In  1771,  he  w.is  appointed  Chaplain  in  Ordinary  to  his  Majesty;  and  in 
1772,  when  an  association  was  formed  by  those  divines  who  inclined  to  the 
Arian  or  Socinian  tenets,  for  the  purpose  of  abolishing  subscription  to  the 
Thirty-nine  Articles,  Dr.  Home  printed  a  letter,  addressed  to  Lord  North, 
•'  On  tlie  projected  Reformation  of  the  Church  of  England;"  in  which  he 
showed  clearly,  that  the  projected  sciieme,  instead  of  promoting  unity,  and 
ad^■anfing  the  cause  of  Cluistifinity,  would  be  the  occasion  of  discord,  and 
the  source  of  infidelity. 

In  1776  appeared  that  great  work  which  had  for  many  years  been  his  fa- 
vourite employment,  and  to  the  perfection  of  which  he  brought  all  the  stores 
of  bis  multifarious  studies,  and  the  fruits  of  his  retired  meditations.  This 
was  his  "  Commentary  on  the  Psalms,"  in  two  volumes,  quarto;  and  when 
i\Ir.  Prince  the  publisher,  was  carrying  the  first  set  to  the  college,  some  per- 
son who  met  him  asked  what  he  had  got  there.  "  It  is,"  said  the  booksel- 
ler, "  a  new  work  of  the  President  of  Magdalen,  whose  former  production* 
have  given  him  a  name,  but  this  will  render  his  name  immortal."  Of  this 
Commentary  it  may  be  truly  said,  that  it  is  equally  adapted  to  edify  the 
profound  scholar  and  the  unlearned  Christian;  that  it  throws  light  upon 
dark  passages,  and  clears  up  difficuhies  without  tlie  parade  of  criticism; 
while  in  every  elucidation,  practical  improvement  is  consulted,  and  the 
reader  of  every  description  is  enabled  to  draw  si>iritual  instruction  even 
from  the  dry  subject  of  j)hilological  discus.sion. 

This  year  Dr.  Home  was  appointed  Vice-ChanceUor  of  the  University,  in 
which  important  station  ho  continued  till  the  close  of  1780;  and  it  may  be 
truly  said,  that  no  person  ever  held  that  oftice  with  greater  dignity  and 
popularity.  On  the  death  of  Da^id  Hume,  his  zealous  admirer,  Adam 
Smith,  published  an  extravagant  panegyric  upon  the  phUsopher;  in  which 
he  was  not  contented  with  praising  his  friend  for  his  meritorious  qualities, 
a*  a  moral  character,  and  his  splendid  talents  as  a  wi'itcr,  but  he  coloured 
the  picture  in  such  a  manner  as  to  give  his  liero  every  virtue  that  could 
adorn  human  nature,  and  that  obviously  for  the  purpose  of  undervaluing  the 
principles  of  revealed  religion,  and  of  depreciating  the  motives  of  its  profes- 
sors. As  an  antidote  to  this  pernicious  apology  for  the  poison  of  infidelity, 
the  Vice-Chancellor  of  Oxford  published  '•  A  Letter  to  Dr.  Smith,  on  the 
Life,  Death,  and  Philosophy  of  his  Friend,  David  Hume,  Esq.  by  one  of  the 
People  called  Cliristians."  In  tliis  little  piece,  which  happily  blends  the 
closest  reasoning  with  the  keenest  wit,  the  character  of  Hume  is  faithfully 
delineated,  and  the  malignant  conduct  of  his  panegyrist  completely  exposed. 
In  1779,  Dr.  Home  favoured  the  world  with  two  vakimes  of  admirable  Ser- 
mons, in  which  line  of  composition  it  may  safely  be  affirmed  that  he  has 
been  equalled  by  few  and  excelled  by  none;  for  his  style  is  remarkably  vi- 
gorous, and  yet  so  perfectly  simple,  that  the  plainest  understanding  cannot 
avoid  being  immediately  convinced  by  tlie  arguments,  and  affected  by  the 
exhortations. 

On  the  advancement  of  Dr.  Comwallis  to  the  bishopric  of  Lichfield,  in 
1781,  the  President  of  Magdalen  was  appointed  to  succeed  him  in  the  dean- 
ery of  Canterbury,  from  which  period,  till  his  elevation  to  a  higher  station 
in  the  church,  he  divided  his  time  in  a  regular  course  between  the  duties  of 
the  College  and  the  Cathedral,  to  the  equal  satisfaction  of  all  who  had  the 
happiness  of  living  under  his  g^overnment     During  bis  residence  at  Canter- 


xii  MEMOIR  OF 

bury,  he  was  ever  ready  to  exert  his  services  in  the  pulpit  on  public  occa- 
sions. The  opening  of  a  new  organ  in  the  Cathedral,  the  institution  of  Sun- 
day Schools,  the  anniversary  of  the  gentlemen  educated  in  the  King's 
School,  and  the  visitation  of  the  Archbishop,  afforded  him  opportunities  of 
displaying  in  that  city  with  what  taste  and  feeling  he  could  describe  the 
power  of  music;  with  what  zeal  he  could  plead  for  the  indigent;  with  what 
energy  he  could  point  out  the  means  of  obtaining  true  wisdom;  and  with 
what  strength  he  could  "  contend  for  the  faith  once  delivered  unto  the 
saints." 

While  on  these  occasions  he  gratified  the  public  as  a  preacher,  his  talents 
were  also  employed  as  a  writer,  in  exposing  the  vain  pretensions  of  "  Sci- 
ence, falsely  so  called."  In  1784  appeared,  but  without  his  name,  a  small 
volume  entitled,  "  Letters  on  Infidelity;"  in  which  the  system  of  Hume  is 
held  up  to  just  contempt,  and  the  sophistry  of  that  sceptic  laid  open  in  all 
its  native  deformity.  With  the  same  anxious  concern  for  the  cause  of 
Christianity,  our  author  next  encountered  the  great  champion  of  Socini- 
anism,  in  "  A  Letter  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Priestley,  by  an  Undergraduate."  For 
while,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Dean,  infidelity  had  a  necessaiy  tendency  to 
destroy  morality,  by  depriving  it  of  the  only  sanction  that  can  give  it  force 
for  the  regulation  of  human  actions,  he  also  looked  upon  that  which  is  called 
tlie  Unitarian  doctrine,  especially  as  taught  in  the  modern  schools,  in  the 
light  of  an  auxiliary,  or  rather  guide  to  that  enemy  of  God's  image  in  the 
soul  of  man. 

At  length,  though  too  late  for  the  benefit  of  the  church,  the  great  merit 
of  Dr.  Hoi-ne  was  rewarded  with  the  mitre,  by  his  consecration  to  the 
bishopric  of  Norwich,  June  7th,  1790;  the  sermon  on  which  occasion  being 
preached  by  his  old  and  constant  friend  Dr.  Berkeley,  Prebendary  of  Can- 
terbury. Soon  after  this  event,  he  resigned  his  station  in  Magdalen  Col- 
lege ;  but,  though  he  repaired  to  his  episcopal  palace,  he  found  it  difficult 
to  go  up  and  down  the  steps,  owing  to  his  increasing  infirmities,  for  the  al- 
leviation of  which  he  was  constrained  to  reside  at  Bath,  where  the  use  of 
the  waters  gave  him  temporary  relief.  At  this  time  his  eldest  daughter  was 
married  to  the  reverend  Mr.  Sclby  Hele,  rector  of  Colesworth,  in  Bedford- 
shire, and  chaplain  to  his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  of  Wales.  On  this 
occasion,  the  Bishop  wrote  the  following  letter  to  Dr.  Berkeley,  which 
evinces  the  same  fervent  piety  and  innocent  gayety  that  distinguished  the 
accomplished  writer  throughout  life. 

Bath,  May  21,  1791. 
My  Dear  Frienb, 

IN  negotiations  of  the  matrimonial  kind,  nmlta  cederunt  inter,  he.  and 
therefore  I  think  it  better  to  say  nothing  of  the  matter  till  the  newspapers 
tell  it  every  body  at  once  that  the  thing  is  done,  and  there's  an  end  of  if. 
I  always  desired  my  girls  to  secure  three  points  in  a  husband — good  temper, 
good  sense,  and  good  principles :  if  they  meet  with  a  good  person  and  a 
good  fortune,  they  might  be  thrown  in,  and  no  harm.  For  the  present  in- 
stance, as  far  as  I  can  judge,  we  are  well  off"  throughout,  and  all  parties 
pleased,  and  so  God  bless  them.  To  see  a  little  of  the  world  before  they 
settle,  they  are  gone  for  three  or  four  months  upon  the  Continent ;  as 
to  cake,  we  must  therefore  wait,  I  believe,  for  a  slice  of  right  national,  for 


BISHOP  HORNE.  xiii 

they  set  off  on  tlip  evening  of  the  wedding-day  ;  and  (he  trusty  Betty,  on 
her  return  to  Eltliani,  deposed  she  had  seen  'em  under  sail  for  tlie  coast  of 
France.  Best  tliunks  to  Mrs.  Berkeley,  for  her  very  kind  letter,  which  ha«; 
found  its  way  hither.  My  wife  is  passing  a  few  days  at  Olhaiu,  after  the 
hurry  and  heat  of  Sackville-street. 

I  bless  God  the  waters  and  weather  here  carry  me  on  charmingly.  I 
write,  you  sec,  nearly  as  well  as  ever  I  did  ;  and  as  to  utterance,  hope  to  be 
a  match  for  Norwich  Cathedral  by  the  end  of  July,  when  I  am  engaged 
there  for  the  infirmary.  Once  a  year,  by  God's  blessing,  I  propose  to  refresh 
nature  at  Bath,  and  keep  things  going. 

I  hope,  when  we  can  get  rid  of  these  cold  winds,  for  such  they  arc,  not- 
withstanding the  sun  this  day,  Mr.  Berkeley's  gout  will  melt  away  like  ice 
in  the  fair  weather.  The  doctors  want  me  to  have  a  fit ;  but  I  wish  to  leave 
that  matter  to  God's  goodness.  I  sooth  my  mind,  and  settle  my  temper 
every  night  with  a  page  or  two  of  Bozzy  [i.  e.  Boswell's  Life  of  Dr.  Johnson], 
and  always  meet  with  something  to  the  purpose.  My  sleep  is  sweet  after  it. 
God  bless  you  all.     So  prayeth,  my  dear  friend, 

Your  affectionate  friend  anl  servant, 

G.  NORWICH. 

This  year  the  ^ood  prelate  published  the  "  Charge  to  tiie  Clergy  of  his 
Diocess ;"  whicii,  on  account  of  tiie  declining  state  of  his  health,  he  had 
been  prevented  from  delivering  personally,  but  which  he  now  sent  to  them 
from  the  press,  as  he  says  in  the  preliminary  advertisement,  "  that  so,  when- 
ever he  should  be  called  hence,  he  might  leave  some  testimony  of  his  regard 
for  them,  and  attention  to  their  concerns."  This  was  the  completion  of  all 
his  public  customs  ;  and  the  close  was  marked  by  the  same  liveliness  of  sen- 
timent, perspicuity  of  illustration,  and  zeal  for  evangelical  truth,  which  dis- 
tinguished him  in  every  stage  of  his  ministry.  In  this  farewell  discourse, 
he  treats  with  a  vigour  of  reasoning  almost  peculiar  to  himself,  "  the  nature 
of  God  ;  the  nature  of  man  ;  the  saving  principle  of  faith  ;  the  importance 
and  use  of  the  church  ;  the  obedience  due  to  civil  government ;  and  the  ne- 
cessity of  a  pure  life  and  holy  conversation." 

The  complication  of  disorders  with  which  this  excellent  man  was  afflicted, 
compelled  him  to  return  to  Bath  ;  but,  on  the  road,  he  was  attacked  by  a 
paralytic  stroke,  which,  though  it  did  not  weaken  his  mental  powers,  de- 
prived him  of  articulate  utterance  ;  and  it  was  but  by  slow  degrees  that  he 
so  far  recovered  his  speech  as  to  be  understood  by  his  attendants.  Not  long 
before  his  departure  "  to  that  rest  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God, ' 
he  signified  a  strong  wish  to  have  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  ad- 
ministered to  him ;  and  when  the  solemn  ordinance  was  over,  he  clasped 
his  hands  with  an  emotion  of  rapturous  devotion,  and  exclaimed,  '•  Now  am 
I  blessed  indeed  1"  He  languished  on,  from  this  time  till  January  17th, 
1792,  and  then  breathed  his  last,  without  a  groan.  "  Mark  the  perfect  man, 
and  behold  the  upright,  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace." 

The  mortal  remains  of  the  bishop  were  interred  in  the  family  vault  be- 
longing to  his  father-in-law,  Philip  Burton,  Esq.  at  Eltham,  in  Kent ;  in  the 
church-yard  of  which  parish  is  a  monument,  with  the  following  inscription, 
a  copy  of  which,  with  some  slight  alteration,  is  also  placed  on  a  tablet  to  his 
memory,  in  the  Cathedral  of  Norwich. 


xiv  MEMOIR  OF  BISHOP  IIORNE. 

Here  lie  interred 

Tlie  earthly  Kemains  of 

The  Rig^ht  Keveromi  GEOUGE  HORNE,  D.D. 

Maiiy  years  President  of  Magtlalen  College,  in  Oxforil, 

l)ean  of  Canterbiu-y, 

And  late  Bishop  of  Norwich. 

In  whose  Character, 

r>epth  of  Learning;,  brigfhtness  of  Imao;ination, 

Sanctity  of  Manners,   and   sweetness  of  Temper, 

Were  united  beyond  the  usual  lot  of  Mortality. 

With  his  discourses  from  the  Pulpit,  his  hearers, 

Whether  of  the  University,  the  City, 

or  the  Country  Parish, 

Were  edified  and  delig'hted. 

His  Commentai-y  on  the  Psalms  will  continue  to  be 

A  Companion  to  the  Closet, 

Till  the  Devotion  of  Earth  shall  end  in  the  Hallelujahs 

of  Heaven. 

Having  patiently  suffered  under  such  infirmities 

As  seemed  not  due  to  his  years. 

His  Soul  took  its  flight  from  this  Vale  of  Misery, 

To  the  unspealial>le  loss  of  the  Church  of  England, 

And  his  surviving  Friends  and  Admirers, 

Jan.  17th,  1792,  in  the  62d  Vear  of  his  Age. 

The  style  of  Bishop  Home  is  nervous,  and  frequently  epigrammatic,  par- 
ticularly on  subjects  of  a  controversial  nature,  and  where  serious  argument 
would  have  been  thrown  away  upon  those  who  either  wanted  sense  or  ho- 
tiesty  to  feel  its  force,  and  to  treat  it  witii  reverence.  But  though  this  Chris- 
tian advocate  sometimes  indulged  a  sportive  humour,  when  he  condescended 
to  enter  the  list  with  writers  whose  talents  he  conceived  to  be  dangerously 
employed,  he  never  disgraced  his  powers  by  acrimony,  nor  weakened  the 
effect  of  them  by  abuse.  "  Wit,"  said  he,  "  if  used  at  all,  should  be  tem- 
pered with  good  humour,  so  as  not  to  exasperate  the  person  who  is  the  ob- 
ject of  it;  and  tlien,we  are  sure  there  is  no  mischief  done.  The  disputant 
ought  to  be  at  once  firm  and  calm ;  his  head  cool,  and  his  heart  warm." 

The  conduct  of  the  bishop  corresponded  with  the  picture  of  his  heart  ex- 
hibited in  his  literary  productions.  He  was  distinguished  by  the  suavity  of 
his  manners,  no  less  than  by  the  firmness  of  bis  faith  and  the  ardour  of  his 
zeal.  He  was  not  only  a  "  burning,  but  a  shining  light,"  exhibiting  in  every 
relation  the  practical  influence  of  those  principles  which  he  tliought  it  his 
duty  to  defend  against  all  gainsayer?. 

He  was  a  most  agreeable  as  well  as  instructive  companion  ;  and,  as  he 
abounded  in  anecdote,  which  he  alv/ays  introduced  in  season,  liis  conversa- 
tion never  failed  to  afford  delightful  entertainment  to  those  who  had  a  taste 
for  moral  and  intellectual  pleasure.  That  he  might  never  forget  the  solemn 
obligations  by  which  he  had  bound  himself,  it  was  his  prescribed  custom  to 
read  over  the  service  for  the  ordination  of  priests,  on  the  first  day  of  every 
month,  which  practice  being  accompanied  by  devout  meditation,  was  well 
cal<:ulatcd  to  increase  his  humility,  to  strengthen  his  faith,  and  to  animate 
his  resolution  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty. 

Besides  the  publications  which  have  been  already  noticed,  he  wrote  the 
"  Preface  to  Dodd's  Translation  of  Callimachus  ;"  a  Tract  "  On  the  Repeal 
of  the  Test  Act ;"  tlie  "  Miscellany  by  Nathaniel  Freebody,"  in  tlie  St. 
James's  Chronicle  for  1767;  several  papers  signed  Z.  in  the  Olla  Podrida, 
published  in  1787  ;  some  others  printed  by  the  late  Rov.  William  Jones,  his 
Chaplain,  in  the  "  Scholar  Armed,"  2  vols.  8vo. ;  and,  since  his  death,  three 
volumes  of  his  Sermons  have  been  printed,  together  with  his  "  Miscellane- 
ous Works  and  Essays;"  ajid  "  Considerations  on  the  Life  and  Death  of 
Abel  "  &.C. 


PREFACE. 


1  HE  Psalms  are  an  epitome  of  the  Bible,  adapted  to  the  pur- 
poses of  devotion.  They  treat  occasionally  of  the  creation  and 
formation  of  the  world ;  the  dispensations  of  Providence,  and  the 
economy  of  grace ;  the  transactions  of  the  patriarchs ;  the  ex- 
odus of  the  children  of  Israel ;  their  Journey  through  the  wilder- 
ness, and  settlement  in  Canaan  ;  their  law,  priesthooii,  and  ritual ; 
the  exploits  of  their  great  men,  wrought  through  faith  ;  their  sins 
and  captivities  ;  their  repentances  and  restorations;  the  sufl'erings 
and  victories  of  David;  the  peaceful  and  happy  reign  of  Solomon; 
the  advent  of  Messiah,  with  its  effects  and  consequences ;  his 
incarnation,  birth,  life,  passion,  death,  resurrection,  ascension, 
kingdom,  and  priesthood  ;  the  effusion  of  the  Spirit ;  the  conver- 
sion of  the  nations  ;  the  rejection  of  the  Jews  ;  the  establishment, 
increase,  and  perpetuity  of  the  Christian  church  ;  the  end  of  the 
world;  the  general  judgment;  the  condemnation  of  the  wicked, 
and  the  final  triumph  of  the  righteous  with  their  Lord  and  King. 
These  are  tlie  subjects  here  presented  to  our  meditations.  We 
are  instructed  how  to  conceive  of  them  aright,  and  to  express  the 
different  affections,  which,  when  so  conceived  of,  they  must  ex- 
cite in  our  minds.  They  are,  for  this  jnirpose,  adorned  v.ith  the 
figures,  and  set  off  witli  all  the  graces  of  poetry  ;  and  poetry  itself 
is  designed  yet  farther  to  be  recommended  by  the  charms  of  music, 
thus  consecrated  to  the  service  of  God;  that  so  delight  may  pre- 
pare the  way  for  improvement,  and  pleasme  -become  the  hand- 
maid of  wisdom,  while  every  turbulent  passion  is  calmed  by  sa- 
cred melody,  and  the  evil  spirit  is  still  dispossessed  by  the  Harp 
of  the  Son  of  Jesse.  This  little  volume,  like  the  paradise  of 
Eden,  affords  us  in  perfection,  though  in  miniature,  every  thing 
that  groweth  elsewhere,  "  every  tree  that  is  pleasant  to  the  sight, 
and  good  for  food  :"  and  above  all,  what  was  there  lost,  but  is 
here  restored,  the  TRfiE  op  life  in  the  midst  op  the  garden. 
That  which  we  read,  as  matter  of  speculation,  in  the  other  Scrip- 
tures, is  reduced  to  practice,  when  we  recite  it  in  the  Psalms  ;  in 
those,  repentance  and  faith  are  described,  but  in  these  they  are 


xvi  PREFACE. 

acted ;  by  a  perusal  of  the  former,  we  learn  how  others  served 
God,  but,  by  using  the  latter,  we  serve  him  ourselves.  "  What 
is  there  necessary  for  man  to  know,"  says  the  pious  and  judicious 
Hooker,  "  which  the  Psalms  are  not  able  to  teach  ?  They  are  to 
beginners  an  easy  and  familiar  introduction,  a  mighty  augmenta- 
tion of  all  virtue  and  knowledge  in  such  as  are  entered  before,  a 
strong  confirmation  of  the  most  perfect  among  others.  Heroical 
magnanimity,  exquisite  justice,  grave  moderation,  exact  wisdom, 
repentance  unfeigned,  unwearied  patience,  the  mysteries  of  God, 
the  sufferings  of  Christ,  the  terrors  of  wrath,  the  comforts  of  grace, 
the  works  of  Providence  over  this  world,  and  the  promised  joys 
of  that  world  which  is  to  come,  all  good  necessarily  to  be  either 
known,  or  done,  or  had,  this  one  celestial  fountain  yieldeth.  Let 
there  be  any  grief  or  disease  incident  unto  the  soul  of  man,  any 
wound  or  sickness  named,  for  which  there  is  not,  in  this  treasure- 
house,  a  present  comfortable  remedy  at  all  times  ready  to  be 
found."*  In  the  language  of  this  divine  book,  therefore,  the  pray- 
ers and  praises  of  the  church  have  been  offered  up  to  the  throne 
of  grace,  from  age  to  age.  And  it  appears  to  have  been  the  Ma- 
nual of  the  Son  of  God  in  the  days  of  his  flesh  ;  who,  at  the  con- 
clusion of  his  last  supper,  is  generally  supposed,  and  that  upon 
good  grounds,  to  have  sung  a  hymn  taken  from  it  ji  who  pro- 
nounced on  the  cross  the  beginning  of  the  xxiid  Psalm  ;  "  My 
God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me?"  And  expired  with 
a  part  of  the  xxxist  Psalm  in  his  mouth  ;  "  Into  thy  hands  I  com- 
mend my  spirit."  Thus  He,  who  had  not  the  spirit  by  measure, 
in  whom  were  hidden  all  the  treasures  of  wisdom  and  knowledge, 
and  who  spake  as  never  man  spake,  yet  chose  to  conclude  his  life, 
to  solace  himself  in  his  greatest  agony,  and  at  last  to  breathe  out 
his  soul,  in  the  Psalmist's  form  of  words,  rather  than  his  own.  No 
tongue  of  man  or  angel,  as  Dr.  Hammond  justly  observes,  can 
convey  a  higher  idea  of  any  book,  and  of  their  felicity  who  use  it 
aright. 

Proj)ortionable  to  the  excellency  of  the  Psalms,  hath  been  the 
number  of  their  expositors.  The  ancients  were  chiefly  taken  up 
in  making  spiritual  or  evangelical  applications  of  diem ;  in  adapt- 
ing their  discourses  on  them  to  the  general  exigencies  of  the  Chris- 

'  Hooker's  Ecclcsiast.  Pol.  B.  v.  Sect.  37. 

t  St.  Matthew  inl'ornis  as,  Chap.  xxvi.  30.  that  he  and  his  apostles  "  sung 
an  hymn;"  and  the  hymn  usually  sung  by  the  .Tews,  upon  that  occasion,  was 
what  they  called  the  "  great  Ilailel,"  "consisting  ol"  the  Tsalius  from  the 
<:xiiith  to  the  cxviiitli  inclusive. 


PREFACE.  xvii 

tian  cluirch,  or  to  the  particular  necessities  of  the  aire  in  wliich 
tliey  wrote.  The  moderns  have  set  themselves  to  investigate 
with  diligence,  and  ascertain  Avith  accuracy,  their  literal  scope 
and  meaning.  Piety  and  devotion  characterize  the  writings  of 
the  ancients ;  the  commentaries  of  the  moderns  display  more 
learning  and  judgment.  The  ancients  have  taught  us  how  to 
rear  a  goodly  superstructure  ;  but  the  moderns  have  laid  the  surest 
foundation.  To  bring  them  m  some  measure  together,  is  the  de- 
sign of  the  following  work  ;  in  which  the  author  has  not  laboured 
to  point  out  what  seemed  wrong  in  either,  but  to  extract  what  he 
judged  to  be  right  from  both ;  to  make  the  annotations  of  the  latter 
a  ground-work  for  improvements,  like  those  of  the  former ;  and 
thus  to  construct  an  edifice,  solid,  as  well  as  specious.  Materials, 
and  good  ones,  he  cannot  be  said  to  have  wanted  ;  so  that  if  the 
building  should  give  way,  the  cement  must  have  been  faulty,  or  the 
workman  unskilful. 

The  right  of  the  Psalter  to  a  place  in  the  sacred  canon  hath 
never  been  disputed ;  and  it  is  often  cited  by  our  Lord  and  his 
apostles  in  the  New  Testament,  as  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
Whether  David,  therefore,  or  any  other  prophet,  were  employed 
as  the  instrument  of  communicating  to  the  church  such  or  such 
a  particular  Psalm,  is  a  question,  which,  if  it  cannot  always  be 
satisfactorily  answered,  needs  not  disquiet  our  minds.  When  we 
discern,  in  an  epistle,  the  well-known  hand  of  a  friend,  we  are  not 
solicitous  about  the  pen  with  which  it  was  written. 

The  number  of  Psalms  is  the  same  in  the  original,  and  in  the 
version  of  the  LXX;  only  these  last  have,  by  some  mistake, 
thrown  the  ninth  and  tenth  into  one,  as  also  the  hundred  and  four- 
teenth and  the  hundred  and  fifteenth,  and  have  divided  the  hun- 
dred and  sixteenth  into  two,  as  also  the  hundred  and  Ibrty- 
sevcnth.  The  Hebrews  have  distributed  them  into  five  books ; 
but  for  what  reason,  or  upon  what  authority,  we  know  not.  This 
is  certain,  that  the  apostles  quote  from  "  the  book  of  Psalms,*'* 
and  that  they  quote  the  "  second"  psalm  of  that  book,  in  the  order 
in  which  it  now  stands.t  That  division,  which  our  own  church 
hath  made  of  them,  into  thirty  portions,  assigning  one  to  each  day 
of  the  month,  it  hath  been  thought  expedient  to  set  down  in  the 
margin  ;  as  persons  may  often  choose  to  turn  to  the  conuiientary 
on  those  Psalms,  which  occur  in  their  daily  course  of  reading. 

In  the  titles,  prefixed  to  some  of  the  Psalms,  there  is  so  mucli 

'   Afts.  i.  20.  t   Acts  xiii.  n.'i. 


xviii  PREFACE. 

obscurity,  and  in  the  conjectures  which  have  been  made  concern- 
ing them,  both  in  a  literal  and  spiritual  way,  so  great  a  variety 
and  uncertainty,  that  the  author,  finding  himself,  after  all  his 
searches,  unable  to  offer  any  thing  which  he  thoi-ght  could  con- 
lent  the  learned,  or  edify  the  unlearned,  at  length  determined  to 
omit  them  ;  as  the  sight  of  them,  unexplained,  only  distracts  the 
eye  and  attention  of  the  reader.  The  omission  of  the  word  selah 
must  be  apologized  for  in  the  same  manner.  The  information  ob- 
tained from  the  historical  titles  will  be  found  in  the  argument 
placed  at  the  head  of  each  Psalm  ;  though  even  that  is  not  always 
to  be  relied  on. 

Where  this  information  failed,  the  occasion  and  drift  of  the 
Psalm  were  to  be  collected  from  the  internal  evidence  contained 
in  itself,  by  a  diligent  perusal  of  it,  with  a  view  to  the  sacred  his- 
tory ;  the  light  of  which,  when  lield  to  the  Psalms,  often  dissipates 
the  darkness  that  must  otherwise  for  ever  envelope  allusions  to 
particular  events  and  circumstances :  sometimes,  indeed,  the  de- 
scriptions are  couched  in  terms  more  general ;  and  then,  the  want 
of  such  information  is  less  perceived.  If  it  appear,  for  instance, 
that  David  at  the  time  of  composing  any  Psalm,  was  under  perse- 
cution, or  had  been  lately  delivered  from  it,  it  may  not  be  of  any 
great  consequence,  if  we  cannot  determine  with  precision,  whether 
his  persecution  by  Saul  and  Doeg,  or  that  by  Absalom  and  Ahito- 
phel,  be  intended  and  referred  to.  The  expressions  either  of  his 
sorrow  or  his  joy,  his  strains  whether  plaintive  oi  jubilant,  may  be 
nearly  the  same,  in  both  cases  respectively.  This  observation 
may  be  extended  to  many  other  instances  of  calamities  bewailed, 
or  deliverances  celebrated  in  the  Psalms,  sometimes  by  the  prince, 
sometimes  by  the  community,  and  frequently  by  both  together. 
Upon  the  whole,  it  is  hoped,  that  the  design  of  each  Psalm  hath 
been  sufficiently  discovered,  to  explain  and  aj)ply  it  for  the  instruc- 
tion and  comfort  of  believers. 

The  result  of  such  critical  inquiries  as  were  found  necessary  to 
be  made,  is  given  in  as  few  words  as  possible ;  often  only  by  in- 
serting into  a  verse,  or  subjoining  to  it,  that  sense  of  a  word,  or 
phrase,  whici)  seemed  upon  mature  deliberation,  to  be  the  best  j 
as  it  was  deemed  iinproper  to  clog,  with  prolix  disquisitions  of 
this  kind,  a  work  intended  for  general  use.  The  reader  will,  how- 
ever, reap  the  benefit  of  many  such,  whicli  have  been  carefully 
consulted  for  him.  And  he  will  not,  it  is  presumed,  have  reason 
to  complain,  that  any  verse  is  passed  over,  without  a  tolerably 
consistent  interpretation,  and  some  useful  improvement.     Where 


PREFACE.  xix 

the  literal  sense  was  pluin,  it  is  noticed  only  so  far  as  was  ne- 
cessary to  make  an  application,  or  form  a  reflection.  Where 
there  appeared  any  obscurity,  or  difliculty,  recourse  was  had  to 
the  best  critics,  and  that  solution  which  seemed  the  most  satisfac- 
tory,, given  in  the  concisest  manner.  Much  labour  hath  here  been 
bestowed,  where  little  appears.  The  plan  of  every  Psalm  hath 
been  attentively  studied,  with  the  connexion  and  dependence 
of  its  parts,  which  it  is  the  design  of  the  Argument  to  exhibit  at 
one  view,  and  of  the  Cojinnentary  to  pursue  and  explain,  from 
beginning  to  end.* 

No  person  is  more  thoroughly  sensible,  than  the  author  is,  of 
the  respect  and  gratitude  due  from  all  lovers  of  the  sacred  wri- 
tings, to  those  who  have  laboured  in  the  field  of  literal  criticism. 
Great  and  illustrious  characters,  whose  names  will  be  had  by 
the  church  in  everlasting  remembrance  !  All  who  desire  to  un- 
derstand the  Scriptures,  must  enter  into  their  labours,  and  make 
the  proper  advantcige  of  them,  as  he  himself  hath  endeavoiu-ed  to 
do.  But  let  us  also  bear  in  min-i,  tliat  all  is  not  done  when  this 
is  done.  A  work  of  the  utmost  importance  still  remains,  which  it 
is  the  business  of  t  Theology  to  undertake  and  execute ;  since, 
with  respect  to  the  Old  Testament,  and  the  Psalter  more  espe- 
cially, a  person  n)ay  attain  a  critical  and  grammatical  knowledge 
of  them,  and  yet  continue  a  Jew,  with  a  veil  upon  his  heart;  an 
utter  stranger  to  that  sense  of  the  holy  books,  evidently  intended, 
in  such  a  variety  of  instances,  to  bear  testimony  to  the  Saviour 
of  the  world;   that  sense,  which  is  styled,  by   the  divines,  the 

PROPHETICAL,     EVANGELICAL,     MYSTICAL,     or     SPIRITUAL     Sense. 

As  it  is  one  great  design  of  the  following  work  to  investigate  that 
sense  in  many  of  the  Psalms,  this  is  the  proper  place  to  lay  be- 
fore the  reader  those  grounds  and  reasons,  upon  which  such  inves- 
tigation has  been  made. 

That  the  spiritual  interpretation  of  the  Scripture,  like  all  other 
good  things,  is  liable  to  abuse,  and  that  it  hath  been  actually 
abused,  both  in  ancient  and  modern  days,  cannot  be  denied.  He 
who  shall  go  about  to  apply,  in  this  way,  any  passage,  before  he 
hath  attained  its  literal  meaning,  may  say  what  in  itself  is  pious 

*  Nos  Lcctoris  pium  hunc  laborem  adjuvandumsuscepimus:  dum  consti- 
tutis  argumeiUis  scopuin  attentioiii  figimus:  dum  scrutainur  literani,  et  ex 
sacra  historia  quantum  possumus,  omnia  repctinius:  dum  annotamus  qufe 
pietatcm  inflamnicnt :  alio  eo  cxemplo  qusrenda  indicawus.  Bossuet  Disser- 
tai.  in  Psal.  Cap.  vii. 

t  Thoologiw  insipnis  liic  usus  est,  ut,  verbomm  gensu  exposito,  rem  intel- 
lig^as.    £ls7ier.  PraJ'at.  ad  Observat.  Sacr. 


XX  PREFACE. 

and  true,  but  foroign  to  the  text  from  which  he  endeavoureth  to 
deduce  it.  St.  Jerom,  it  is  well  known,  when  grown  older  and 
wiser,  lamented  that,  in  the  fervours  of  a  youthful  fancy,  he  had 
spiritualized  the  jirophecy  of  Obadiah,  before  he  understood  it. 
And  it  must  be  allowed,  that  a  due  attention  to  the  occasion  and 
scope  of  the  Psalms  would  have  pared  off  many  unseemly  excres- 
cences, which  now  deform  the  commentaries  of  St.  Augustin,  and 
other  Fathers,  upon  them.  But  these  and  other  concessions  of 
the  same  kind  being  made,  as  they  are  made  very  freely,  "  men 
of  sense  will  consider,  that  a  principle  is  not  therefore  to  be  re- 
jected, because  it  has  been  abused;"*  since  human  errors  can 
never  invalidate  the  truths  of  God. 

It  may  not  be  amiss,  therefore,  to  run  through  the  Psalter,  and 
point  out  some  of  the  more  remarkable  passages,  which  are  cited 
from  thence  by  our  Lord  and  his  apostles,  and  applied  to  matters 
evangelical. 

No  sooner  have  we  opened  the  book,  but  the  second  Psalm  pre- 
senteth  itself,  to  all  appearance,  as  an  inauguration-hymn,  com- 
posed by  David,  the  Anointed  of  Jehovah,  when  by  him  crowned 
Avith  victory,  and  placed  triumphant  on  the  sacred  hill  of  Sion. 
But  let  us  turn  to  Acts  iv.  25.  and  there  we  find  the  apostles,  with 
one  voice,  declaring  the  Psalm  to  be  descriptive  of  the  exaltation 
of  Jesus  Christ,  and  of  the  opposition  raised  against  his  Gospel, 
both  by  Jew  and  Gentile. 

In  the  eighth  Psalm  we  imagine  the  writer  to  be  setting  forth 
the  pre-eminence  of  man  in  general,  above  the  rest  of  the  creation ; 
but  by  Heb.  ii.  6.  we  are  informed,  that  the  supremacy  conferred 
on  the  second  Adam,  the  man  Christ  Jesus,  over  all  things  in  hea- 
•  vcn  and  earth,  is  the  subject  there  treated  of. 

St.  Peter  stands  up.  Acts  ii.  25.  and  preaches  the  resurrection  of 
Jesus  from  the  latter  part  of  the  sixteenth  Psalm ;  and,  lo,  three 
thousand  souls  are  converted  by  the  sermon. 

Of  the  eighteenth  Psalm  we  are  told,  in  the  course  of  the  sacred 
history,  2  Sam.  xxii.  that  "  David  spake  before  the  Lord  the 
words  of  that  song,  in  the  day  that  the  Lord  delivered  him  out  of 
the  hand  of  all  his  enemies,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  Saul."  Yet 
in  Rom.  xv.  9-  the  50th  verse  of  that  Psalm  is  adduced  as  a  proof, 
that  "  the  Gentiles  should  glorify  God  for  his  mercy  in  Jesus 
Christ,  as  it  is  written.  For  this  cause  will  I  confess  to  thee  among 
the  Gentiles,  and  sing  unto  thy  name." 

"  Bishop  Ilurd's  Introduction  to  the  study  of  the  Propliocios,  p.  64. 


PREFACE.  xxi 

In  the  nineteenth  Psalm,  David  seems  to  be  speaking  of  the 
material  heavens  and  their  operations  only,  when  he  says,  '•  Their 
sound  is  gone  out  into  all  the  earth,  and  their  words  unto  the  ends 
of  the  world."  But  St.  Paul,  Rom.  x.  18.  quotes  the  passage  to 
show,  that  the  Gospel  has  been  universally  published  by  the 
apostles. 

The  twenty-second  Psalm  Christ  appropriated  to  himself,  by 
begimiing  it  in  the  midst  of  his  suffering  on  the  cross;  "  My  God, 
my  God,"'  &c.  Three  other  verses  of  it  are  in  the  New  Testament 
applied  to  him;  and  the  words  of  the  8th  verse  were  actually 
used  by  the  chief  priests,  when  they  reviled  him:  "  He  trusted  in 
God,"  &-C.  Matt,  xxvii.  13. 

When  David  saith,  in  the  fortieth  Psalm,  '•'  Sacrifice  and  offering 
thou  didst  not  desire — Lo  I  come  to  do  thy  will  :"  we  might  sup- 
pose him  only  to  declare,  in  his  own  person,  that  obedience  is  bet- 
ter than  sacrifice.  But  from  Heb.  x.  5.  we  learn,  that  Messiah,  in 
that  place,  speaketh  of r  his  advent  in  the  flesh,  to  abolish  the  legal 
sacrifices,  and  to  do  away  sin,  by  the  oblation  of  himself  once  for 
all. 

That  tender  and  pathetic  com})laint,  in  the  forty-first  Psahn, 
"  Mine  own  familiar  friend,  in  whom  I  trusted,  which  did  eat  of  my 
bread,  hath  lifted  up  his  heel  against  me,"  undoubtedly  might  be, 
and  probably  was,  originally  uttered  by  David,  upon  the  revolt  of 
his  old  friend  and  counsellor,  Ahitophel,  to  the  party  of  his  re- 
beUious  son,  Absalom.  But  we  are  certain,  from  John  xiii.  18. 
that  this  Scripture  was  fulfilled,  when  Christ  was  betrayed  by  his 
apostate  disciple — "  I  speak  not  of  you  all ;  I  know  whom  I  have 
chosen;  but  that  the  Scriptures  maybe  fulfilled,  He  that  eateth 
bread  with  me,  hath  lifted  up  his  heel  against  me." 

The  forty-fouiih  Psalm  we  must  suppose  to  have  been  written 
on  occasion  of  a  persecution,  under  which  the  church  at  that  time 
laboured ;  but  a  verse  of  it  is  cited,  Rom.  viii.  36.  as  expressive 
of  what  Christians  were  to  suflisr  on  their,  blessed  Master's  ac- 
count; "  as  it  is  written.  For  thy  sake  are  we  killed  all  the  day 
long ;  we  are  counted  as  sheep  ajjpointed  to  be  slain." 

A  cjuotation  from  the  forty-fifth  Psalm,  in  Heb.  i.  8.  certifies  us, 
that  the  whole  is  addressed  to  the  Son  of  God,  and  therefore  cele- 
brates his  spiritual  union  with  the  church,  and  the  happy  fruits  of  it. 

The  sixty-eighth  Psalm,  though  apparently  conversant  about 
Israelitish  victories,  the  translation  of  the  ark  to  Sion,  and  the 
services  of  the  tabernacle,  yet  does,  under  those  figures,  treat  of 
Christ's  resurrection,  his  g<ung  up  on  high,  leading  captivity  cap- 


xxii  PREFACE. 

tive,  pouring  out  the  gifts  of  his  Spirit,  erecting  his  church  in  the 
world,  and  enlarguig  it  by  the  accession  of  the  nations  to  the 
faith ;  as  will  be  evident  to  any  one  who  considers  the  force  and 
consequence  of  the  apostle's  citation  from  it,  Eph.  iv.  7,  8.  "  Unto 
every  one  of  us  is  given  grace,  according  to  the  measure  of  the 
gift  of  Christ.  Wherefore  he  saith,  AVhen  he  ascended  up  on  high, 
he  led  captivity  captive,  and  gave  gifts  unto  men." 

The  sixty-ninth  Psalm  is  five  times  referred  to  in  the  gospels, 
as  being  uttered  by  tlie  jjrophet,  in  the  person  of  Messiah.  The 
imprecations,  or  ratlier  predictions,  at  the  latter  end  of  it,  are  ap- 
plied, Rom.  xi.  9,  10.  to  the  Jews;  and  to  Judas,  Acts  i.  20.  where 
the  hundred  and  ninth  Psalm  is  also  cited,  as  prophetical  of  the 
sore  judgments  which  should  befall  that  arch-traitor,  and  the 
wretched  nation  of  which  he  was  an  epitome. 

St.  Matlliew,  informing  us.  Chap.  xiii.  34.  that  Jesus  spake  to 
the  muhitudes  in  parables,  gives  it  as  one  reason  why  he  did  so, 
"  that  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken  by  the  prophet ;  Psalm 
Ixxviii.  2.  I  will  open  my  mouth  in  a  parable  :  I  will  utter  things 
which  have  been  kept  secret  from  the  foundation  of  the  world." 

The  ninety-first  Psalm  was  applied  by  the  tempter  to  Messiah  : 
nor  did  our  Lord  object  to  the  application,  but  only  to  the  false 
inference  which  his  adversary  suggested  from  it.  Matt.  iv.  6,  7- 

The  ninety-fifth  Psalm  is  explained  at  large  in  Heb.  iii.  and  iv. 
as  relative  to  the  state  and  trial  of  Christians  in  the  world,  and  to 
iheir  attainment  of  the  heavenly  rest. 

The  hundred  and  tenth  Psalm  is  cited  by  Christ  himself.  Matt, 
xxii.  44.  as  treating  of  his  exaltation,  kingdom  and  priesthood. 

The  hundred  and  seventeenth  Psalm,  consisting  only  of  two 
verses,  is  employed,  Rom.  xv.  11.  to  prove,  that  the  Gentiles  were 
one  day  to  praise  God  for  the  mercies  of  redemption. 

The  22d  verse  of  the  hundred  and  eighteenth  Psalm,  "  The 
stone  which  the  builders  refused,"  &c.  is  quoted  six  different  times 
as  spoken  of  our  Saviour. 

And,  lastly,  "  the  fruit  of  David's  body,"  which  God  is  said  in 
the  hundred  and  thirty-second  Psalm  to  have  promised  that  he 
would  "  place  ui)on  his  throne,"  is  asserted.  Acts  ii.  30.  to  be  Je- 
sus Christ. 

These  citations,  lying  dispersed  through  the  Scriptures  of  the 
New  Testament,  are  often  suffered  by  common  readers  to  pass 
unnoticed.  And  many  others  content  tliemselvcs  with  saying, 
that  they  are  made  in  a  sense  of  acconunodation,  as  passages 
may  be  quoted  from  poems  or  liistories  merely  human,  for  the  illus- 


PREFACE.  xxiii 

tration  of  truths,  of  which  their  authors  never  thought.  "  And 
this  (as  a  learned  critic  oijserves)  is  no  fauh,  but  rather  a  beauty 
in  writing.  A  passage  applied  justly,  and  in  a  new  sense,  is  ever 
pleasing  to  an  ingenious  reader,  who  loves  to  be  agreeably  sur- 
prised, and  to  see  a  likeness  and  pertinency  where  he  expected 
none.  He  has  that  surprise  which  the  Latin  poet  so  poetically 
gives  to  the  tree ; 

'  MiraUirqiic  novas  frondcs,  ct  non  sua  ponia.'  " 

The  readers,  who  have  been  accustomed  to  consider  the  New 
Testament  citations  in  this  view  of  accommodation  onl}',  must 
perceive  the  necessity  of  such  accommodation,  at  least,  to  adapt 
the  use  of  Psalms,  as  a  part  of  divine  service,  to  the  times  and 
circumstances  of  the  gospel ;  and  canilbt  therefore  reasonably 
object,  upon  their  own  principles,  to  the  applications  made  in  the 
following  sheets  for  that  purpose.  But  not  to  inquire,  at  present, 
whether  passages  are  not  sometimes  cited  in  this  manner,  surely 
no  one  can  attentively  review  the  above  made  collection  of  New 
Testament  citations  from  the  book  of  Psalms,  as  they  have  been 
placed  together  before  him,  without  perceiving  that  the  Psalms 
are  written  upon  a  divine,  preconcerted,  prophetical  plan,  and  con- 
tain much  more  than,  at  first  sight,  they  appear  to  do.  They 
are  beautiful  without,  but  all  glorious  within,  hke  ••■  apples  of  gold 
in  pictures,  or  net-work  cases,  of  silver,"  Prov.  xxv.  11.  The 
brightness  of  the  casket  attracts  our  attention,  till,  through  it,  up- 
on a  nearer  approach,  we  discover  its  contents.  And  then  in- 
deed, it  may  be  said  to  have  '•  no  glory,  by  reason  of  the  glory  that 
so  far  excelleth.''*  Very  delightful  and  profitable  they  are,  in 
tlieir  literal  and  historical  sense,  which  well  repayeth  all  the  pains 
taken  to  come  at  it.  But  that  once  obtained,  a  farther  scene  be- 
gins to  open  upon  us,  and  all  the  blessings  of  the  gospel  present 
themselves  to  the  eye  of  faith.  So  that  the  expositor  is  as  a  tra- 
veller ascending  an  eminence  neither  unfruitful  nor  unpleasant ; 
at  the  top  of  which  when  he  is  arrived,  he  beholds,  like  iMoses 
from  the  summit  of  mount  Nebo,  a  more  lovely  and  extensive 
prospect  lying  beyond  it,  and  stretching  away  to  the  utmost  bounds 
of  the  everlasting  hills.  He  sees  valleys  covered  over  with  corn, 
blooming  gardens,  and  verdant  meadows,  with  flocks  and  herds 
feeding  by  rivers  of  water  ;  till  ravished  with  the  sight,  he  cries 
out,  as  St.  Peter  did,  at  the  view  of  his  Master's  glory,  "  It  is  good 
to  be  here!"' 


xxiv  PREFACE. 

It  would  bo  unreasonable  to  suppose,  tliat  no  parts  ol  the 
Psalms  may  by  us  be  spiritually  applied,  but  such  as  are  already 
expressly  applied  for  us  by  the  inspired  writers.  Let  any  man 
consider  attentively  a  New  Testament  citation;  then  let  him  as 
carefully  read  over,  with  a  view  to  it,  the  Psalm  from  which  il 
is  taken,  and  see  if  it  will  not  serve  him  as  a  key,  wherewith  tu 
unlock  the  treasures  of  eternal  wisdom  ;  if  it  will  not  "  open  his 
eyes,"  and  show  him  "  wonderful  things"  in  God's  law.  When 
we  are  taught  to  consider  one  verse  of  a  Psalm  as  spoken  by  Mes- 
siah, and  there  is  no  change  of  person,  what  can  we  conclude, 
but  that  he  is  the  speaker  through  the  whole  ?  In  that  case,  the 
Psalm  becomes  at  once  as  much  transfigured,  as  the  blessed  per- 
son, supposed  to  be  the  subject  of  it,  was  on  mount  Tabor.  And 
if  Messiah  l)e  the  speaker  of  one  Psalm,  what  should  hinder,  but 
that  another  Psalm,  where  the  same  kind  of  scene  is  evidently  de- 
scribed, and  the  same  expressions  are  used,  ma}'  be  expounded  in 
the  same  manner? 

It  is  very  justly  observed  by  Dr.  Allix,  that  "  although  the 
sense  of  near  fifty  Psalms  be  fixed  and  settled  by  divine  authors, 
yet  Christ  and  his  aj)ostles  did  not  undertake  to  quote  all  the 
Psalms  they  could  quote,  but  only  to  give  a  key  to  their  hearers, 
by  which  the}'  might  appl}'  to  the  same  subjects  the  Psalms  of  the 
same  composure  and  expression."*  The  citations  in  the  New 
Testament  were  made  incidentally,  and  as  occasion  was  given. 
But  can  we  imagine,  that  the  church  was  not  farther  instructed 
in  the  manner  of  applying  the  Psalms  to  her  Redeemer,  and  to 
herself?  Did  she  stop  at  the  applications  thus  incidentally  and  oc- 
casionally made  by  the  inspired  writers  ?  Did  she  stop,  because 
they  had  directed  her  how  to  proceed  ?  We  know  she  did  not. 
The  primitive  Fathers,  it  is  true,  for  want  of  critical  learning, 
and  particularly  a  comj)etent  knowledge  of  the  original  Hebrew, 
often  wandered  in  their  expositions ;  but  they  are  unexception- 
able witnesses  to  us  of  this  matter  of  fact,  that  such  a  method  of 
expounding  the  Psalms,  built  upon  the  practice  of  the  apostles 
in  their  writings  and  preachings,  did  universally  prevail  in  the 
church  from  the  beginning.  They,  who  have  ever  looked  into 
St.  Augustin,  know,  that  he  pursues  this  plan  invariably,  treating 
of  the  Psalms,  as  proceeding  from  the  mouth  of  Christ,  or  of  the 
church,  or  of  both,  considered  as  one  mystical  person.  The  same 
is  true  of  .lerom,  Ambrose,    Vrnobius,   Cassidore,  Hilary,   and 

rivCacc  to  liis  Book  of  Psahiis,  p.  9 


PREFACE.  XXV 

Prosper.  Chrysostom  studies  to  make  the  Psalter  useful  to  be- 
lievers under  the  gospel.  Theodoret  attends  both  to  the  literal 
and  prophetic  sense.  But  what  is  very  observable,  TertuUian, 
who  flourished  at  the  beginning  of  the  third  century,  mentions  it, 
as  if  it  were  then  an  allowed  point  in  tlie  church,  that  ''  almost 
all  the  Psalms  are  spoken  in  the  person  of  Christ,  being  addressed 
by  the  Son  to  the  Father,  that  is,  by  Christ  to  God."*  In  this 
channel  flows  the  stream  of  the  eailiest  Christian  expositors.  Nor 
did  they  depart  in  this  point  from  the  doctrine  held  in  the  church 
of  the  ancient  Jews,  who  were  always  taught  to  regard  Messiah 
as  the  capital  object  of  the  Psalter.  And  though,  when  the  time 
came,  that  peojjle  would  not  receive  Jesus  of  Nazareth  as  their 
Messiah,  it  does  not  ajipear  that  they  ever  objected  to  the  propriety 
of  the  citations  made  by  our  Lord  and  his  apostles,  or  thought  such 
passages  applicable  to  David  only,  and  his  concerns.  Nay,  the 
most  learned  of  their  Ilabbies,  who  have  written  since  the  com- 
mencement of  the  Christian  era,  still  agree  with  us  in  referring 
many  of  the  Psalms  to  Messiah  and  his  kingdom ;  diflering  only 
about  the  person  of  the  one,  and  the  nature  of  the  other. 

When  learning  ai'ose,  as  it  were,  from  the  dead,  in  the  sixteenth 
century,  and  the  study  of  primitive  theology  by  that  means  re- 
vived, the  spiritual  interpretation  of  the  Scriptures  revived  with  it. 
It  was  adopted,  at  that  time,  by  one  admiral^ly  qualified  to  do  it 
justice,  and  to  recommend  it  again  to  the  world  by  every  charm  of 
genius,  and  every  ornament  of  language.  I  mean  the  accomplished 
Erasmus,  who  omitteth  no  opportunity  of  insisting  on  the  useful- 
ness, and  even  the  necessity  of  it,  for  the  right  understanding  of 
the  scriptures;  for  the  attainment  of  that  wisdom  which  they 
teach,  and  that  holiness  which  they  prescribe  ;  seeming  to  think 
himself  never  better  employed,  than  w4ien  he  is  removing  the 
earth  and  rubbish  with  which  those  Philistines,  the  monks,  had 
stopped  up  the  wells  of  salvation,  opened  by  the  apostles,  and  first 
fathers  of  the  church,  for  the  benefit  of  mankind.!  This  great 
man  was  much  importuned  by  his  learned  friends,  as  he  informeth 
us  in  an  epistle  to  Cardinal  Sadolet,  to  write  a  conmientaiy  on 
the  Psalms.t     Such  a  work,  executed  by  him,  had  been  one  of 

*  Omncs  pr-nr-  Psalmi  Cliristi  personam  susUnent, — Filium  ad  Patrcm,  id 
est  Christum  ad  Ucum  verba  facientcin  repra^sintant. 

+  Enchirid.  Mil.  Christ,  in  I'rwfat.  Canon.  5.  et  passim. 

tLib.  XXV.  Epist.  11.  Edit.  Froben.  10S5.  Edit.  Cler.  Non  semel  rogfatus 

sum  quum  ab  alii.s,  turn  ab  Anglorum  Regc,  ut  in  omnes  Psaluios  tdciem 

Commentarios  ;  scd  deterrcbant  me  quum  alia  nuilta,  turn  ilia  duo  potissi- 

inmii,  quod  viderum  hoc  argumcntcm  vix  posse  pro  di;.jnitatc  tractari,  nisi 

4 


xxvi  PREFACE. 

the  richest  gifts  that  were  ever  cast  into  the  Christian  treasury;  as 
we  may  judge  from  the  specimen  which  he  hath  left  us,  in  his  dis- 
courses on  eleven  of  them.  Some  of  these  were  drawn  up  with 
a  view  to  enlarge  upon  the  transactions  of  the  times  ;  imd  in  all  of 
them  he  is  more  diffuse  and  luxuriant,  than,  it  is  to  be  presumed, 
he  would  have  been  in  a  general  exposition.  But  they  abound 
with  a  rich  variety  of  sacred  learning,  communicated  in  a  manner 
ever  pleasing,  and  ever  instructive.  If  at  any  time  he  takes  us 
out  of  the  road,  it  is  to  show  us  a  fine  country,  and  we  are  still 
in  company  with  Erasmus.  He  considers  a  Psalm,  as  it  may 
relate  to  Christ,  either  suflering,  or  triumphant  ;  as  it  may  con- 
cern the  church,  whetlier  consisting  of  Jews  or  Gentiles,  whether 
in  adversity  or  prosperity,  through  the  several  stages  and  periods 
of  its  existence;  and  as  it  may  be  applicable  to  the  different  states 
and  circumstances  of  individuals,  during  the  trials  and  temptations 
which  they  meet  with,  in  the  course  of  their  Christian  pilgrimage 
and  warfare  here  below,  till  having  overcome  their  last  enemy, 
they  shall  sit  down  with  the  Lord  in  his  kingdom  ;  when  the 
scheme  of  prophecy  shall  receive  its  final  accomplishment,  and 
"  the  MYSTERY  of  God  be  finished."* 

It  is  obvious,  that  every  part  of  the  Psalter,  when  explicated 
according  to  this  scriptural  and  primitive  methoil,  is  rendered  uni- 
versally "  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for 
instruction  in  righteousness;"  and  the  propriety  immediately  ap- 
pears of  its  having  always  been  used  in  the  devotional  way,  both 
by  the  Jewish  and  the  Christian  church.  AVith  regard  to  the 
Jews,  Bishop  Chandler  very  pertinently  remarks,  that  "they  must 
have  understood  David  their  prince  to  have  been  a  figure  of  Mes- 
siah. They  would  not  otherwise  have  made  his  Psalms  part  of 
their  daily  worship,  nor  would  David  have  delivered  them  to  the 
church,  to  be  so  employed,  were  it  not  to  instruct  and  support  them 
in  the  knowledge  and  belief  of  this  fundamental  article.  Was  the 
Messias  not  concerned  in  the  Psalms,  it  were  absurd  to  celebrate, 
twice  a  day,  in  their  public  devotions,  the  events  of  one  man's  life, 
who  was  deceased  so  long  ago  as  to  have  no  relation  now  to  the 
Jews,  and  the  circumstances  of  their  afiairs ;  or  to  transcribi; 
whole  passages  from  them  into  their  prayers  for  the  coming  of  the 
Messiah."t     Tpon  tlie  same  princijile,  it  is  easily  seen,  that  the 

quis  calleat  Hebraorum  litcras,  atqiio  ctiam  antiquitatcs  ;  partim  quoil  vo- 
rebar  nc  turba  CommeiUaiioium  obscuraretur  Seniio  rroplicticus,  citius 
(juam  illustraictur. 

"  Rev.  X.  7.  1  Defence  of  Chiistianity,  First  Part,  p.  241 


PREFACE.  xxvii 

ohjt'ctlons,  which  may  seem  to  lie  against  the  use  of  Jewish  ser- 
vices in  Christian  congregations,  cease  at  once.  Thus,  it  may 
be  said,  Are  we  concerned  with  the  aflairs  of  David  and  of  Israel? 
Have  we  any  thing  to  do  whh  the  ark.  and  tlie  temple?  They  are 
no  more.  Are  we  to  go  up  to  Jerusalem,  and  to  worship  on  Sion  ? 
They  are  desolated,  and  trodden  under  foot  by  the  Turks.  Are 
we  to  sacrifice  young  bullocks,  according  to  the  law  ?  The  law  is 
abolished,  never  to  be  observed  again.  Do  we  pray  for  victory 
over  Moab,  Edom,  and  Philistia;  or  for  deliverance  from  Baby- 
h)n?  There  are  no  such  nations,  no  such  places  in  the  world. 
What  then  do  we  mean,  when,  taking  such  expressions  into  our 
mouths,  we  utter  them  in  our  own  persons,  as  parts  of  our  devo- 
tions, before  God?  Assuredly  we  must  mean  a  spiritual  Jerusalem 
and  Sion;  a  spiritual  ark  and  temple;  a  spiritual  law  ;  spiritual 
sacrifices ;  and  spiritual  victories  ;  spiritual  enemies  ;  all  described 
under  the  old  names,  which  are  still  retained,  though  "old  things 
are  passed  away,  and  all  things  are  to  become  new.''*  By  sub- 
stituting jMessiah  for  David,  the  gospel  for  the  law,  the  church 
Christian  for  that  of  Israel,  and  the  enemies  of  the  one  for  those 
of  the  other,  the  Psalms  are  made  our  own.  Nay,  they  are  with 
more  fulness  and  propriety  applied  now  to  the  substance,  than 
they  were  of  old  to  the  "shadow  of  good  things  then  to  come,"t 
And  therefore,  ever  since  the  commencement  of  the  Christian 
era,  the  church  hath  chosen  to  celebrate  the  gospel  mysteries  in 
the  words  of  these  ancient  hymns,  rather  than  to  compose  for  that 
purpose  new  ones  of  her  own.  For  let  it  not  pass  unobserved, 
that  when,  upon  the  first  publication  of  the  Gospel,  the  apostles 
had  occasion  to  utter  their  transports  of  joy,  on  their  being  counted 
worthy  to  suffer  for  the  name  of  their  dear  Lord  and  Master, 
which  was  then  opposed  by  Jew  and  Gentile,  they  broke  forth 
into  an  application  of  the  second  Psalm  to  the  transactions  then 
before  their  eyes.  See  Acts  iv.  25.  The  primitive  Christians 
constantly  followed  this  method  in  their  devotions  :  and,  particu- 
larly when,  delivered  out  of  the  hands  of  'persecuting  tyrants  by 
the  victories  of  Constantine,  they  praised  God  for  his  goodness, 

*  2  Cor.  V.  17.  Ergo  anige  aures,  Christiane  Lector,  et  ubi  taliain  Da- 
vide  Icgci  is,  tu  mill!  fac  cogitas,  non  Arcain,  fragile  lignum,  aut  Taberna- 
rulnin  contectum  pellibus,  non  urbein  lapidibus  compositam  :  non  Tcmpluin 
divinae  Majestati  augustuni :  seel  Christi  et  occlesiae  Sacran)cnta,  scd  vivos 
lapides,  Cfhri.sto  angiilari  lapidi  coaptatos  ;  sed  ipsani  Eucliaristiam  pra>- 
se»itis  Dei  tcstcni ;  dcniquc  caeleste  rcgniini  ct  a^lernam  fclicitateni.  Bos- 
snet  Dhscrtat.  de  Psal.  Cap.  i.  ad  Jin. 

\  Hob.  X.  1. 


xxviii  PREFACE. 

and  the  glorious  success  and  establishment  of  Christ's  religion,  no 
words  were  found  so  exquisitely  adapted  to  the  purpose,  as  those 
of  David,  in  the  xcvi.  xcviii.  and  other  Psalms — "  Sing  unto  the 
Lord  a  new  song:  sing  unto  the  Lord,  all  the  earth.  Sing  unto 
the  Lord,  and  praise  his  name;  be  telling  of  his  salvation  from 
day  to  day.  Declare  his  honour  unto  the  heathens,  his  worship 
unto  all  people," — &c.  &c.  &;c.  In  these,  and  the  like  Psalms, 
WE  continue  to  praise  God,  for  all  his  spiritual  mercies  in  Christ, 
to  this  da}'. 

The  Psalms,  thus  applied,  have  advantages,  which  no  fresh 
compositions,  however  finely  executed,  can  possibly  have ;  since, 
besides  their  incomparable  fitness  to  express  our  sentiments,  they 
are,  at  the  same  time,  memorials  of,  and  appeals  to,  former  mercies 
and  deliverances ;  they  are  acknowledgments  of  prophecies  ac- 
complished ;  they  point  out  the  connexion  between  the  old  and 
new  dispensations,  thereby  teaching  us  to  admire  and  adore  the 
wisdom  of  God  displayed  in  both,  and  furnishing,  while  we  read 
or  sing  them,  an  inexhaustible  variety  of  the  noblest  matter  that 
can  engage  the  contemplations  of  man. 

Why  is  the  mind  more  than  ordinarily  affected,  and  either 
melted  into  sorrow,  or  transported  with  joy,  when  on  the  days  set 
apart  for  the  commemoration  of  our  Saviour's  birth,  passion,  resur- 
rection, &c.  the  Proper  Psalms  are  read,  which  the  church  hath 
appointed,  following  herein  the  directions  of  the  evangelists  and 
apostles,  and  the  usage  of  the  early  ages  ?  Why,  but  because,  by 
such  appointment,  we  are  necessarily  put  upon  transferring  our 
ideas  from  the  complaints  or  exultations  of  David  and  Israel,  to 
those  of  a  suffering  or  glorified  JMessiah,  of  whose  sufferings  or 
glories  we  participate,  as  members  of  his  mystical  body?  And  how 
much  more  intense  would  be  the  effect,  if,  in  the  sermons  preached 
on  such  occasions,  such  Proper  Psalms  were  expounded  to  the 
people,  and  their  jn-opriety  evinced,  as  it  might  easily  be  ?  Dis- 
courses of  this  kind  would  make  the  hearts  of  the  auditors  to 
"  burn  witJiin  them,"  and  men  wonlil  cease  to  wonder,  that  three 
thousand  Jews  were  converted  to  the  faith,  by  St.  Peter's  ani- 
mated discourse  on  jiart  of  the  sixteenth  Psalm.  Were  believers 
once  brought  Avell  acquainted  with  these  Proper  Psalms,  they 
would  be  better  enabled  to  study  and  apply  the  rest,  which  might 
hkewise  be  explained  to  them  at  different  times,  and  certainly 
afford  the  finest  subjects  on  which  a  Christian  orator  can  employ 
his  eloquence.  That  this  was  done  in  the  primitive  church,  we 
learn  from  the  exposition  of  the  Psalms  left  us  by  St.  Chiysostom 


PREFACE.  xxix 

in  llic  east,  and  St.  Aiigustin  in  the  west,  those  expositions  still 
subsisting  in  the  form  of  homilies,  as  delivered  to  their  respective 
<;ongregations.  Is  it  not  to  be  feared,  that,  for  want  of  such  in- 
structions, the  repetition  of  the  Psalms,  as  performed  by  multi- 
tudes, is  but  one  degree  above  mechanism  ?  And  is  it  not  a  melan- 
choly reflection,  to  be  made  at  the  close  of  a  long  life,  that,  after  re- 
citing them  at  pro])er  seasons,  through  the  greatest  part  of  it,  no 
more  should  be  known  of  their  true  meaning  and  application,  than 
when  the  Psalter  was  first  taken  in  hand  at  school ! 

Many  sensible  and  well-disposed  persons,  therefore,  who,  when 
they  read  or  sing  tite  Psalms,  desire  to  read  and  to  sing  "  with  the 
spirit  and  the  understanding,"  have  long  called  for  a  commentary 
which  might  enable  them  to  do  so;  which  might  not  only  explain 
the  literal  sense  of  these  divine  compositions,  and  show  how  they 
may  be  accommodated  to  our  temporal  affairs,  as  members  of  civil 
society;*  but  might  also  unfold  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of 
God,  which  are  involved  in  them,  and  teach  their  application  to 
us,  as  members  of  that  spiritual  and  heavenly  society,  of  which 
Christ  Jesus  is  the  head,  and  for  whose  use,  in  every  age,  they 
were  intended  by  their  omniscient  Author.  A  work  of  this  kind, 
though  often  desired,  has  never  yet  been  executed,  upon  any  regu- 
lar and  consistent  plan.  The  survey  of  a  province  in  Theology, 
hitherto  almost  unoccupied  among  the  moderns,  which  promised  a 
great  deal  of  jjleasing  as  well  as  profitable  employment,  gave  birth 
to  the  attempt  which  hath  been  made  to  cultivate  it,  in  the  ensuing 
commentary;  in  which  the  author  has  only  endeavoured  to  evince, 
by  an  induction  of  particulars,  the  truth  of  what  so  many  learned 
and  good  men  have  asserted  in  general,  concerning  tiie  prophetical, 
or  evangelical  import  of  the  Psalter.  Dr.  Hammond,  in  the  pre- 
face to  his  Annotations,  tells  us,  he  chose  to  leave  every  man  to 
make  applications  of  this  kind  for  himself,  finding  he  had  work 
enough  upon  his  hands  in  the  literal  way.  But  so  much  having 
been  done  by  him  and  other  able  critics  in  that  way,  it  seems  to  be 
now  time  that  something  should  be  done  in  the  other,  and  some 
directions  given,  in  a  case  where  directions  cannot  but  be  greatly 
wanted. 

*  A  concern  for  the  present  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  world,  and  of 
that  kingdom  to  which  we  belong,  ought  ever  to  bo  entertained  and  che- 
tished  by  the  most  exalted  Christian.  And  if  this  part  of  the  subject  should 
at  any  time,  in  the  following  work,  appear  to  be  but  slightly  touched  upon, 
the  reason  is,  because  it  lies  obvious  upon  the  surface,  and  has  been  so  fre- 
quently inculcated  by  other  expositors.  Nor  are  mankind  indeed  so  liable. 
to  forget  the  relation  they  bear  to  the  world,  as  they  are  to  overlook  thai 
w  I'.ich  subsists  between  them  and  their  Creator  and  Redeemer. 


XXX  PREFACE. 

Very  few  of  the  Psalms,  comparatively,  appear  to  be  simply  pro- 
phetical, and  to  belong  only  to  Messiah,  without  the  intervention 
of  any  other  person.  Most  of  them,  it  is  apprehended,  have  a 
double  sense,  which  stands  upon  this  ground  and  foundation  that 
the  ancient  patriarchs,  prophets,  priests,  and  kings,  were  typical 
characters,  in  their  several  offices,  and  in  the  more  remarkable 
passages  of  their  lives,  their  extraordinary  dejiressions,  and  mira- 
culous exaltations,  foreshowing  Hini  who  was  to  arise,  as  the 
Head  of  the  holy  family,  the  great  Prophet,  the  true  Priest,  the 
everlasting  King.  The  Israelitish  polity,  and  the  law  of  Moses, 
were  purposely  framed  after  the  example  and  shadow  of  things 
spiritual  and  heavenly  :  and  the  events  which  hapjiened  to  the 
ancient  people  of  God,  were  designed  to  shadow  out  parallel  oc- 
currences, which  should  afterwards  take  place  in  the  accomplish- 
ment of  man's  redemption,  and  the  rise  and  progress  of  the 
Christian  church.  For  this  reason,  the  Psalms  composed  for  the 
use  of  Israel,  and  Israel's  monarch,  and  by  them  accordingly  used 
at  the  time,  do  admit  of  an  apphcation  to  us,  who  are  now  "  the 
Israel  of  God,"*  and  to  our  Redeemer,  who  is  the  King  of  this 
Israel. t 

Nor  will  this  seem  strange  to  us,  if  we  reflect,  that  the  same 
divine  person,  who  inspired  the  Psalms,  did  also  foreknow  and 
predispose  all  events,  of  which  he  intended  them  to  treat.  And 
hence  it  is  evident,  that  the  spiritual  sense  is,  and  must  be  pecu- 
liar to  the  Scriptures;  because,  of  those  persons  and  transactions 
only,  which  are  there  mentioned  and  recorded,  can  it  be  affirmed 
for  certain  that  they  were  designed  to  be  figurative.  And  should 
any  one  attempt  to  apply  the  narrative  of  Alexander's  expedition 
by  Quintus  Curtius,  or  the  commentaries  of  Caesar,  as  the  New 
Testament  writers  have  done,  and  taught  us  to  do  the  histories  of 
the  Old,  he  would  find  himself  unable  to  proceed  throe  steps  with 
consistency  and  propriety.  The  argument  therefore,  which  would 
infer  the  absurdity  of  supposing  the  Scriptures  to  have  a  spiritual 
sense,  from  the  acknowledged  absurdity  of  supposing  histories  or 
poems  merely  human  to  have  it,  is  inconclusive;  the  sacred  writings 
differing  in  this  respect,  from  all  other  writings  in  the  world,  as 
nuich  as  the  nature  of  the  transactions  which  they  relate  differs 

*  Gill.  vi.  16. 

i  'I'liat  expressions  and  descriptions  in  luiman  writings  are  often  so 
framed  as  to  admit  of  a  double  sense,  without  any  impropriety  or  confusion, 
is  shown  by  the  very  learned  Mr.  Merrick,  in  bis  excellent  Observations  on 
Dr.  Benson'.s  Essay  concerning  the  Unity  of  Sense,  k-c.  subjoined  to  bis 
.ill iiolat ions  Oil  the  Pnalins. 


PREFACE.  xwi 

tVoni  that  of  all  other  transactions,  and  the  author  who  relates  them 
tlilFers  from  all  other  authors. 

"  This  double,  or  secondary  sense  of  prophecy,  was  so  far  from 
jriving  offence  to  Lord  Bacon,  that  he  speaks  of  it  with  admi- 
ration, as  one  striking  argument  of  its  divinity.  In  sorting  the 
prophecies  of  Scripture  with  their  events,  we  must  allow,  says  he, 
for  that  latitude,  ichich  is  agreeable  and  familiar  unto  divine 
prophecies,  being  of  his  nature,  with  whom  a  thousand  years  are 
but  as  one  day;  and  therefore  they  are  not  fulfilled  punctually  at 
once,  but  have  springing  and  genninant  accompUshtncnt  through 
many  ages,  though  the  height,  or  fulness  of  them,  may  refer  to 
some  one  age. 

'•  But,  that  we  may  not  mistake  or  pervert  this  fine  observation 
of  our  great  philosopher,  it  may  be  proper  to  take  notice,  that  the 
reason  of  it  holds  in  such  prophecies  only  as  respect  the  several 
tiuccessive  parts  of  one  sjstem  :  which  being  intimately  connected 
together,  may  be  supposed  to  conje  within  the  view  and  contem- 
plation of  the  same  prophecy ;  whereas  it  would  be  endless,  and 
one  sees  not  on  what  grounds  of  reason  we  are  authorized  to  look 
out  for  the  accomplishment  of  prophecy,  in  any  casual  unrelated 
events  of  general  history.  The  Scripture  speaks  of  prophecy,  as 
respecting  Jesus,  that  is,  as  being  one  connected  scheme  of  provi- 
dence, of  which  the  Jewish  dispensation  makes  a  part:  so  that 
liere  we  are  led  to  expect  that  springing  and  germinant  accom- 
plishment which  is  mentioned.  But,  had  the  Jewish  law  been 
complete  in  itself,  and  totally  unrelated  to  the  Christian,  the  general 
principle — that  a  thousand  years  arc  with  God  but  us  one  day — 
would  no  more  justify  us  in  extending  a  Jewish  j)rophecy  to 
Christian  events,  because  perlta])s  it  was  eminently  fulfilled  in 
them,  than  it  would  justify  iis  in  extending  it  to  any  other  signally 
corresponding  events  whatsoever.  It  is  only  when  the  prophet 
hath  one  uniform  connected  design  before  him  that  we  are  autho- 
rized to  use  this  latitude  of  interpretation.  For  then  the  prophetic 
Spirit  naturally  runs  along  the  several  parts  of  such  design,  and 
unites  the  remotest  events  with  the  nearest :  the  style  of  the  pro- 
phet, in  the  mean  time,  so  adapting  itself  to  this  double  prospect, 
as  to  paint  the  ne;ir  and  subordinate  event  in  terms  that  emphati- 
cally represent  the  disteint  and  more  considerable.  So  that,  with 
this  explanation,  nothing  can  be  more  just  or  philosophical,  than 
the  idea  which  Lord  Bacon  suggests,  of  divine  prophecy. 

"  The  great  scheme  of  redemption,  we  are  now  considering, 
being  the  only  scheme  in  the  plan  of  Providence,  which;  as  far 


xxxii  PREFACE. 

as  we  know,  hath  been  prepared  and  dignified  by  a  continued 
system  of  prophecy,  at  least  this  being  the  only  scheme  to  which 
we  have  seen  a  prophetic  system  applied,  men  do  not  so  readily 
apprehend  the  doctrine  of  double  sense  in  prophecy,  as  they  would 
do,  if  they  saw  it  exemplified  in  other  cases.  But  what  the  his- 
tory of  mankind  does  not  supply  we  may  represent  to  ourselves 
by  many  obvious  suppositions;  which  cannot  justify,  indeed, 
such  a  scheme  of  things,  but  may  facilitate  the  conception  of 
it."* 

In  allegories  framed  by  man,  the  ground-work  is  generally  fic- 
tion,t  because  of  the  difficulty  of  finding  one  true  series  of  facts, 
which  shall  exactly  represent  another.  But  the  gi'eat  disposer 
of  events,  "  known  unto  whom  are  all  his  works,"  from  the  be- 
ginning to  the  end  of  time,  was  able  to  efiect  this ;  and  the  scrip- 
ture allegories  are  therefore  equally  true  in  the  letter  and  in  the 
spirit  of  them.  The  events  signifying,  no  less  than  those  signi- 
fied, really  happened,  as  they  are  said  to  have  done.|  Why  the 
allegories  of  the  most  perfect  form,  with  which  the  book  of  God 
abounds,  and  which  are  all  pregnant  with  truths  of  the  highest 
import,  should  be  treated  with  neglect  and  contempt,  while  the 
imperfect  allegoi'ies  of  man's  devising  are  universally  sought  after 
and  admired,  as  the  most  pleasing  and  most  efficacious  method  of 
conveying  instruction,  it  is  not  easy  to  say.  Why  should  it  not  af- 
ford a  believer  as  much  delight,  to  contemplate  the  lineaments  of 
his  Saviour,  portrayed  in  one  of  the  patriarchs,  as  to  be  informed, 
that  the  character  of  lapis  was  designed  by  Virgil  to  adumbrate 
that  of  Antonius  Musa,  physician  to  Augustus  ?  Or  why  should 
not  a  discourse  upon  the  redemption  of  the  church,  as  foresha- 
dowed by  the  exodus  of  Israel,  have  as  many  admirers  among 
Christians,  as  a  dissertation,  however  ingeniously  composed,  on 
the  descent  of  vEneas  to  the  infernal  regions,  considered  as  typical 
of  an  initiation  into  the  Eleusinian  mysteries? 

A  learned,  judicious,  and  most  elegant  writer  of  the  present 

*  feishop  Hurd's  excellent  Intiotluctiou  to  the  Study  of  the  Prophecies, 
Scrm.  iii. 

t  I  sny  "  generally,"  since,  as  the  above  cited  Mr.  Rlerrick  justly  observes, 
"  It  is  possible  (lor  example)  in  a  conipliniental  address  to  a  moilern  states- 
man, or  general,  to  relate  the  actions  of  some  ancient  patriot  of  the  same 
character,  in  such  a  manner,  that  the  parallel  intended  to  be  drawn  between 
them,  shall  be  readily  known,  and  the  praises  expressly  bestowed  on  the  one. 
be  transferred,  by  the  reader's  own  application,  to  the  other." 

\  jN'equc  proplerca  ab  historico,  sive  literali  atquc  immediatio,  ut  aiimt, 
sensu  abcrrare  nos  oportet ;  quin  co  erit  clarior  ct  fundatior  sccrctioris  illius 
intelligentio;  sensus,  quo  typuni  ipsum,  hoc  est,  historian!  ac  litoram  ligenius 
certius.     Bossuet.  Disstrlal.  in  Pml.  udfincm. 


PREFACE.  xxxii. 

age  hath  stated  and  illustrated  the  subject  we  are  now  upon,  witii 
a  felicity  of  thought  and  expression  peculiar  to  himself.  I  shall 
endeavour  to  gratify  the  English  reader  with  a  view  of  his  senti- 
ments.    The  beauties  of  his  language  are  not  to  be  translated. 

"  It  would  be  an  arduous  and  adventurous  undertaking  to  at- 
tempt to  lay  down  the  rules  observed  in  the  conduct  of  the  Mystic 
Allegory;  so  diverse  are  the  modes  in  which  the  Holy  Spirit  has 
thought  proper  to  communicate  his  counsels  to  different  persons 
upon  different  occasions,  inspiring  and  directing  the  minds  of  the 
prophets  according  to  his  good  pleasure;  at  one  time  vouchsafing 
more  full  and  free  discoveries  of  future  events  :  while,  at  another, 
he  is  more  obscure  and  sparing  in  his  intimations.  From  hence, 
of  course,  ariseth  a  great  variety  in  the  scripture  usage  of  this  kind 
of  allegory,  as  to  the  manner  in  which  the  spiritual  sense  is  couched 
under  the  other.  Sometimes  it  can  hardly  break  forth  and  show 
itself  at  intervals  through  the  literal,  which  meets  the  eye  as  the 
ruling  sense,  and  seems  to  have  taken  entire  possession  of  the 
words  and  phrases.  On  the  contrary,  it  is  much  oftener  the  ca- 
pital figure  in  the  piece,  and  stands  confessed  at  once  by  such 
splendour  of  language,  that  the  letter,  in  its  turn,  is  thrown  into 
shades,  and  almost  totally  disappears.  Sometimes  it  shines  with 
a  constant  equable  liglit ;  and  sometimes  it  darts  upon  us  on  a  sud- 
den, like  a  flash  of  liglitning  from  the  clouds.  But  a  composition 
is  never  more  truly  elegant  and  beautiful,  than  when  the  two  senses, 
alike  conspicuous,  run  parallel  together  through  the  whole  poem, 
mutually  corresponding  with,  and  illustrating  each  other.  I  will 
produce  an  undoubted  instance  or  two  of  this  kind,  which  will 
show  my  meaning,  and  confirm  what  has  hitherto  been  advanced 
on  the  subject  of  the  mystic  allegory. 

"  The  establishment  of  David  upon  his  throne,  notwithstand- 
ing the  opposition  made  to  it  by  his  enemies,  is  the  subject  of  the 
second  Psalm.  David  sustains  in  it  a  two-fold  character,  literal 
and  allegorical.  If  we  read  over  the  Psalm  first  with  an  eye  to 
the  literal  David,  the  meaning  is  obvious,  and  put  out  of  all  dis- 
pute by  the  sacred  history.  There  is  indeed  an  uncommon  glow 
in  the  expression,  and  sublimity  in  the  figures,  and  the  diction  is 
now  and  then  exaggerated  as  it  were  on  purpose  to  intimate,  and 
lead  us  to  the  contemplation  of  higher  and  more  important  mat- 
ters concealed  within.  In  compliance  with  this  admonition,  if  we 
take  another  survey  of  the  Psalm,  as  relative  to  the  person  and 
concerns  of  the  spiritual  David,  a  nobler  series  of  events  instantly 
rises  to  view,  and  the  meaning  becomes  more  evident,  as  well  as 


xxxiv  PREFACE. 

exalted.  The  colouring,  which  may  perhaps  seem  too  bold  and 
glaring  for  the  king  of  Israel,  will  no  longer  appear  so,  when  kid 
upon  his  great  antitype.  After  we  have  thus  attentively  consi- 
dered the  subjects  apart,  let  us  look  at  them  together,  and  we  shall 
behold  the  full  beauty  and  majesty  of  this  most  charming  poem. 
We  shall  perceive  the  two  senses  very  distinct  from  each  other,  yet 
conspiring  in  perfect  harmony,  and  bearing  a  wonderful  resem- 
blance in  every  feature  and  lineament,  while  the  analogy  between 
them  is  so  exactly  preserved,  that  either  may  pass  for  the  original 
from  whence  the  other  was  copied.  New  light  is  continually  cast 
wpon  the  phraseology,  fresh  weight  and  dignity  are  added  to  the 
sentiment,  till  gradually  ascending  from  things  below  to  things 
above,  from  human  affairs  to  those  which  are  divine,  they  bear  the 
great  important  theme  upwards  with  them,  and  at  length  place  it 
in  the  height  and  brightness  of  heaven. 

"  What  hath  been  observed  with  regard  to  this  Psalm,  may  also 
be  applied  to  the  seventy-second;  the  subject  of  which  is  of  the 
same  kind,  and  treated  in  the  same  manner.  Its  title  might  be, 
The  Inauguration  of  Solomon.  The  scheme  of  the  allegory  is 
alike  in  both;  but  a  diversity  of  matter  occasions  an  alteration  in 
the  diction.  For  whereas  one  is  emplo3ed  in  celebrating  the  mag- 
nificent triumphs  of  victory,  it  is  the  design  of  the  other  to  draw  a 
pleasing  picture  of  peace,  and  of  that  felicity  which  is  her  insepa- 
rable attendant.  The  style  is  therefore  of  a  more  even  and  tem- 
perate sort,  and  more  richly  ornamented.  It  aboundeth  not  with 
those  sudden  changes  of  the  person  speaking,  which  dazzle  and 
astonish;  but  the  imagery  is  borrowed  from  the  delightful  scenes 
with  which  creation  cheers  the  sight,  and  the  pencil  of  the  di- 
vine artist  is  dipped  in  the  softest  colours  of  nature.  And  here 
we  may  take  notice  how  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  genius  of  this 
kind  of  allegory  the  parabolical  style  is,  on  account  of  that  great 
variety  of  natural  images  to  be  found  in  it.  For  as  these  images 
are  capable  of  being  employed  in  the  illustration  of  things  divine 
and  human,  between  which  there  is  a  certain  analogy  maintained, 
so  they  easily  alTord  that  ambiguity  which  is  necessary  in  this 
species  of  composition,  where  the  language  is  applicable  to  each 
.sense,  and  obscure  in  neither;  it  comprehends  both  parts  of  the 
allegory,  and  may  be  clearly  and  distinctly  referred  to  one  or  the 
other."* 

The  scheme  of  exposition  so  beautifully  delineated,  and  illus- 

■  Bishop  Lowtli  on  the  Hebrew  poetry,  Lect.  xi 


PREFACE.  XXXV 

irated  in  two  instances  by  this  truly  valuable  author,  has  been  ex- 
tended, in  theory,  by  another  learned  writer,  to  a  great  part  of  the 
Psalter;  and  that  upon  a  principle  deduced  from  the  attributes  ol 
God,  and  the  nature  and  design  of  the  divine  dispensations;  though 
his  own  labours,  like  those  of  Dr.  Hammond,  were  employed 
chiefly  in  Hteral  criticism.     His  reasoning  is  as  follows — 

''  In  this  point  (namely,  the  application  of  the  Psalms  to  the 
mysteries  of  the  gos})el)  I  am  very  clear.  The  Jews  only,  as  a 
nation,  acknowledged  the  one  supreme  God,  under  the  name  of  Je- 
hovah; they  must  be  therefore  his  peculiar  people.  There  is  no- 
thing capricious  in  this ;  they  are  correlates,  and  of  necessity  an- 
swer reciprocally  to  each  other.  Hence  that  singular  intercourse 
between  God  and  them.  Hence,  among  other  instances  of  his 
favour,  his  communication  of  himself  to  them  by  supernatural 
ways  of  oracle,  inspiration,  &;c.  When  the  acknowledgment  of 
tlie  one  God  branched  itself,  from  this  Jewish  flock,  over  the  face 
of  the  earth,  and  by  that  means  he  was  become  the  God  of  all  man- 
kind, they  must  all,  for  the  same  reason,  become  his  people.  As 
God  is  ever  the  same,  and  his  doings  uniform,  his  conduct  towards 
mankind  must  exactly  be  proportioned  to  his  conduct  towards  the 
Jewish  nation.  Let  us  therefore  place  God  in  common  over  them 
both;  and  there  will  be — on  one  side,  the  Jewish  nation;  and  on 
the  other,  mankind;  on  one  side  Canaan,  and  a  national  prospe- 
rity ;  on  the  other,  heaven,  and  human  happiness :  on  one  side,  a 
redemption  from  Egyptian  servitude,  and  national  evils;  on  the 
other,  a  redemj)tion  of  the  whole  human  race  from  absolute  evil :  on 
one  side,  national  crimes  atoned  by  national  ceremonies,  sacrifices, 
priests;  on  the  other,  sins  expiated  by  the  one  universal  sacrifice 
of  Jesls  Christ :  on  one  side,  national  and  temporary  saviours, 
kings,  prophets,  &c. ;  on  the  other,  all  this  universal  and  eternal : 
on  one  side  the  law,  and  every  branch  of  it,  adapted  to  a  fa- 
vourite nation;  on  the  other,  the  everlasting  gospel,  suited  to  ail 
mankind.  It  is  impossible,  therefore,  that  God  can  say  any  thing 
to  David,  under  the  cjuality  of  king  of  this  chosen  nation,  which 
he  does  not  speak  at  the  same  time  to  Jesus  Christ,  as  king  of 
all  the  elect;  and  that  in  a  truer  and  nobler  sense.  To  each  of 
them  he  speaks  in  a  sense  adapted  to  the  nature  of  their  respective 
kingdoms.  Nor  is  this  latter  a  bare  accommodation  of  words,  but 
the  first  and  highest  meaning  of  them,  and  which  only,  absolutely 
speaking,  can  be  the  ti-ue  sense  of  God ;  the  other  being  this  sense, 
confined  to  a  particular  circumstance;  in  other  words,  an  absolute 
truth,  made  history,   and  matter  of  fact.     This   is  a  principle. 


xxxvi  PREFACE. 

which  shows,  that,  far  from  denying  the  Christian  application,  I 
consider  the  literal  and  historical  sense  only  as  a  kind  of  vehicle 
for  it.* 

Upon  this  plan  it  is,  that  many  of  the  Psalms  are  interpreted  in 
the  foUowinj^  sheets. 

In  such  of  them  as  were  written  by  David,  and  treat  of  his  af- 
fairs, that  extraordinary  person  is  considered  as  an  illustrious  re- 
presentative of  Messiah,  who  is  more  than  once  foretold  under  the 
name  of  David,  and  to  whom  are  applied,  in  the  New  Testament, 
Psalms  which  do  undoubtedly,  in  the  letter  of  them,  relate  to  Da- 
vid, and  were  composed  on  occasion  of  particular  occurrences 
which  befell  him;  a  circumstance  in  theology,  to  be  accounted  for 
upon  no  other  principle. 

When  therefore  he  describeth  himself  as  one  hated  and  perse- 
cuted without  a  cause ;  as  one  accused  of  crimes  which  he  never 
committed,  and  suffering  for  sins,  the  very  thoughts  of  which  he 
abhorred  :  as  one  whose  life  was  imbittered  by  affliction,  and  his 
soul  overwhelmed  with  sorrows ;  yet,  withal,  as  one  whom  no  trouF 
bles  could  induce  to  renounce  his  trust  and  confidence  in  the  pro- 
mises of  God  concerning  him,  when  he  repeateth  his  resolutions  of 
adhering  to  the  divine  law,  setting  forth  its  various  excellencies,  and 
the  comforts  which  it  afforded  him  in  the  days  of  adversity  ;  when 
he  complaineth  of  that  implacable  malice,  and  unrelenting  fury, 
with  which  he  was  pursued  by  Saul  and  his  attendants,  by  Doeg 
the  Edomite,  by  rebellious  Absalom,  traitorous  Ahitophel,  &c.  and 
when,  contrary  to  all  appearances,  he  predicteth  their  destruction, 
with  his  own  final  exaltation ;  in  expounding  the  Psalms  of  this 
cast  and  complexion,  it  hath  been  my  endeavour  to  direct  the 
reader's  thoughts  to  parallel  circumstances,  which  present  them- 
selves in  the  history  of  the  true  David ;  his  sorrows  and  sufferings ; 
his  resignation  under  them  all ;  his  obedience  to  the  will  of  his  Fa- 
ther; the  temper  and  behaviour  of  his  betrayers  and  murderers; 
the  prophecies  of  judgments  to  be  inflicted  upon  them,  and  of 
glory  to  be  conferred  upon  him.  As  the  Psalter  was  the  liturgy 
of  the  Jewish  church,  of  which  our  Lord  was  a  member,  and  to 
which  he  therefore  entirely  conformed,  during  his  abode  and  hu- 
miliation upon  earth,  he  might  pour  forth  his  complaints  and  "  ofler 
up  his  prayers  and  supplications,  with  strong  crying  and  tears,"t 
in  the  very  words  which  his  progenitor  David  had  before  used  un- 

*  Preface  to  An  Essay  fowiirds  a  New  English  Version  of  (he  Book  of 
Psalms,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mudge. 
f  Heb.  V.  7. 


PREFACE.  xxxvii 

dor  his  own  troubles,  but  which  were  given  by  inspiration,  with  a 
viovv  to  the  case  of  tliat  blessed  person,  whom,  in  those  troubles, 
he  had  the  honour  to  prefigure. 

Otiier  Psalms  there  are,  which  disclose  far  diflerent  scenes.  In 
ihem,  the  sorrows  of  David  are  at  end,  and  the  day  of  his  deli- 
verance hath  already  dawned.  The  heavens  are  opened,  and  Je- 
hovah appeareth  in  the  cause  of  his  afflicted  servant.  lie  de- 
scendeth  from  above,  encompassed  with  clouds  and  darkness,  pre- 
ceded by  fire  and  hail,  proclaimed  by  thunder  and  earthquake, 
and  attended  by  lightnings  and  whirlwinds.  The  mountains 
smoke,  and  the  rocks  melt  before  him ;  tlie  foundations  of  the 
globe  are  uncovered,-  and  the  deep  from  beneath  is  moved  at  his 
presence.  The  adversary  is  dismayed  and  confounded ;  opposition, 
in  the  height  of  its  career,  feels  the  blast  through  all  its  powers,  and 
instantly  withers  away.  The  anointed  of  God,  according  to  his 
original  designation,  is  at  length  elevated  to  the  throne;  his  sceptre 
is  extended  over  the  nations;  the  temple  is  planned  by  him,  and 
erected  by  his  son;  the  services  of  religion  are  appointed  in  per- 
fect order  and  beauty :  Jerusalem  becometh  a  praise  in  all  the 
earth;  and  the  kingdom  is  established  in  honour,  peace,  and  feli- 
city. If  in  Psalms  of  the  former  kind  the  holy  Jesus  might  be- 
hold those  persecutions  and  sufferings  under  which  he  was  to  be 
humbled,  and  to  mourn,  during  his  pilgrimage  here  below;  in 
Psalms  of  this  latter  sort  he  might  strengthen  and  console  himself, 
as  a  man  "  touched  whh  the  feelings  of  our  infirmities,  and  tempted 
in  all  points  like  as  we  are,"  by  viewing  "  the  glory  that  should 
follow ;"  by  contemplating  the  manifestation  of  the  Father  in  fa- 
vour of  his  beloved  Son;  his  own  joyful  resurrection,  triumphant 
ascension,  and  magnificent  inauguration;  the  conversion  of  the 
world,  and  the  establishment  of  the  church;  events,  which  were 
foreshadowed  by  those  above-mentioned;  and  to  which,  when  the 
strongest  expressions  made  use  of  by  the  divine  Psalmist  are  ap- 
plied, they  will  no  longer  appear  hyperbolical ;  especially  if  we 
bear  in  mind,  that  tliese  prophetic  descriptions  wait  for  their  full 
and  final  accomplishment  at  that  day,  when  the  mystical  "  body 
of  Christ,"  having  "  filled  up  that  which  is  behind  of  his  afflic- 
tions,"* shall  also,  amidst  the  pangs  and  convulsions  of  departing 
nature,  arise  from  the  dead,  and  ascend  into  heaven  ;  where  all 
the  members  of  that  body,  which  have  been  afflicted,  and  have 

•  Col.  i,  24. 


xxxviii  PREFACE. 

mourned  with  their  Lord  and  Master,  shall  be  comforted  and  glo- 
rified together  with  him.* 

In  somo  of  the  Psalms,  David  appears  as  one  suffering  for  his 
sins.  AVhen  man  speaks  of  sin,  he  speaks  of  what  is  his  own ; 
and  therefore,  every  Psalm,  where  sin  is  confessed  to  be  the  cause 
of  sorrow,  belongs  originall}'  and  properly  to  us,  as  fallen  sons 
of  Adam,  hke  David,  and  all  other  men.  This  is  the  case  of 
the  fifty-first,  and  the  rest  of  those  which  are  styled  Penitential 
Psalms,  and  have  always  been  used  in  the  church  as  such.  Some- 
times, indeed,  it  happens,  that  we  meet  with  heavy  complaints  of 
the  number  and  burthen  of  sins,  in  Psalms,  from  which  passages 
are  quoted  in  the  Nev/  Testament  as  uttered  by  our  Redeemer, 
in  which  there  seems  to  be  no  change  of  person  from  beginning  to 
end.  We  are  assured,  for  instance,  by  the  apostle,  Heb.  x.  5.  ' 
and  the  sixth,  seventh,  and  eighth  verses  of  the  fortieth  Psalm, 
"  Sacrifice  and  oflering  thou  didst  not  desire,"  &c.  are  spoken  by 
Messiah,  coming  to  abolish  the  legal  sacrifices,  by  the  oblation  of 
himself  once  for  all.  The  same  person,  to  appearance,  continues 
speaking,  and,  only  three  verses  after,  complains  in  the  following 
terms;  ^-Innumerable  evils  have  compassed  me  about,  mine  ini- 
quities have  taken  hold  upon  me,  so  that  I  am  not  able  to  look  up ; 
they  are  more  than  the  hairs  of  my  head,  therefore  my  heart 
faileth  me."  So  again,  there  are  no  less  than  five  quotations 
from  dilTerent  parts  of  the  sixty-ninth  Psalm,  all  concurring  to 
inform  us,  that  Christ  is  the  speaker  through  that  whole  Psalm. 
Yet  the  fifth  verse  of  it  runs  thus ;  "  O  God,  thou  knowest  my 
foolishness  and  my  CDu^x  guiltiness  is  not  hid  from  thee."  The 
solution  of  this  difficulty  given,  and  continually  insisted  on,  in 
the  writings  of  the  Fathers,  is  this;  that  Christ  in  the  day  of  his 
passion,  standing  charged  with  the  sin  and  guilt  of  his  people, 
speaks  of  such  their  sin  and  guilt,  as  if  they  were  his  own,  appropri- 
ating to  himself  those  debts,  for  which,  in  the  capacity  of  a  surety, 
he  had  made  himself  responsible.   The  lamb,  which,  under  the  law, 

*  Neque  prrctcrmittendum  illud  Aiigustini  passim;  tunc  Psalmos  videri 
suavissimos,  ac  divinissima  luco  perfiisos,  cijni  in  his  caput  et  membra. 
Christum  el  Ecclcsiam,  sive  aperte  propalatos,  sive  latentor  designates  in- 
lellininuis.  Quarc  iteriun  attjue  iteruni  eiiganuis  auimos;  atqiic  ubi  atquc 
Davidcin  Soloinonem  ;  ubi  Davidis  hostes,  Satllem,  Achito])Iielem,  alios; 
ubi  bella  et  parcm,  captivitafem  libcrtatem,  ac  caetera  ejusmodi  audimus  ; 
turn  animo  infigamus  Christum,  Ecclesiam  laboribus  periculisquc  excrcitam, 
atque  inter  adversa  ct  piospera  peresfrinanfcm  ;  tum  sanctorum  persecu- 
torcs,  lion  mod5  visibiles,  sed  ctiam  in  visibilcs  illas  atquc  aOreas  pofoslalcs, 
pugnas«|iie  in  hac  vita  perpctcs,  ac  sccutiiran  postea  pacem  sempiternam. 
Rossuet  Disscrtnf.  in  Psalm,  ad  riii. 


PREFACE.  xxxix 

was  offered  for  sin,  took  the  name  □C'N  "  guilt,"  because  the  guilt 
contracted  by  the  oflerer,  was  transferred  to  that  innocent  crea- 
ture, and  typically  expiated  by  its  blood.*  Was  not  this  exactly 
the  case,  in  truth  and  reality,  witli  the  Lamb  of  (JotI?  ''  lie  did 
no  sin,  neither  was  guile  found  in  his  mouth;  but  he  bare  our  sins 
in  his  own  hotly  on  the  tree.t  He  was  made  sin  for  us  who 
knew  no  sin,  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in 
him.":}:  Christ  and  the  church  coni|)ose  one  mystical  person,  of 
which  he  is  the  head,  and  the  church  the  body  :  and  as  the  body 
speaks  by  the  head,  and  the  head  for  the  body,  he  speaks  of  her 
sin,  and  she  of  his  righteousness;  which  consideration  is  at  the 
same  time  a  key  to  any  claims  of  righteousness  made  in  the  Psalms 
by  her,  and  to  any  confession  of  sin  made  by  him.  This  seems  to 
be  a  satisfactory  account  of  the  matter.  Such  at  least,  appears  to 
have  been  the  idea  generally  adopted  and  received,  in  the  fust  ages 
of  the  Christian  church;  a  circumstance,  which  it  is  jiresumed,  will 
be  deemed  a  sufficient  apology  for  the  author,  if  in  the  explication 
of  such  passages,  he  hath  ventured  to  proceed  accordingly.  Nay, 
and  even  in  reciting  the  Penitential  Psalms,  when  the  imhappy  suf- 
ferer is  ready  to  sink  down  under  that  weight  of  wo  which  sin  hath 
laid  upon  him,  if  he  will  extend  his  thoughts,  as  he  is  sometimes 
directed  to  do,  to  that  holy  and  most  innocent  person,  who  felt  and 
sorrowed  so  much  for  us  all,  he  will  thereby  lurnlsh  himself  with 
the  best  argiunent  for  patience,  and  an  inexhaustible  source  of  com- 
fort. Nor  can  it,  indeed,  well  be  imagined,  that  our  blessed  Lord, 
as  a  member  of  the  Jewish  church,  and  an  attendant  on  the  service 
of  the  synagogue,  though  conscious  to  himself  of  no  sin,  did  not 
frequently  join  with  his  "  brethren  according  to  the  flesh,"  in  the 
repetition  of  the  Penitential  as  well  as  the  other  Psalms,  on  the 
days  of  humiliation  and  expiation,  when  the  use  of  them  might  be 
prescribed.  If  from  his  circumcision  to  his  crucifixion  he  "  bare 
our  sins  in  his  own  body ;"  why  should  it  be  thought  strange,  that 
he  should  confess  them,  on  our  behalf,  with  his  own  mouth? 

The  offence  taken  at  the  supposed  uncharitable  and  vindictive 
spirit  of  the  imprecations  which  occur  in  some  of  the  Psalms, 
ceases  immediately,  if  we  change  the  imperative  for  the  future, 
and  read,  not ''  let  them  be  confounded,"  &c.  but,  "  they  shall 
BE  confounded,"  &c.  of  which  the  Hebrew  is  equally  capable. 
Such  passages  will  then  have  no  more  dilriculty  in  them,  than  the 
other  frequent  predictions  of  divine  vengeance  in  the  writings  of 

•  See  Lev.  V.  6.  t  I  Pet.  ii.  22  t2Cor.  vl2l. 


x\  PREFACE. 

the  propliets,  or  denunciations  of  it  in  the  gospels,  intended  to 
warn,  to  alarm,  and  to  lead  sinners  to  repentance,  that  they  may 
Hy  from  the  wrath  to  come.  This  is  Dr.  Hammond's  observa- 
tiun ;  who  very  properly  remarks,  at  the  same  time,  that  in  many- 
places  of  this  sort,  as  particularly  in  Psalm  cix.  (and  the  same 
may  be  said  of  Psalm  Ixix.)  it  is  reasonable  to  resolve,  that  Christ 
himself  speaketh  in  the  prophet;  as  being  the  person  there  prin- 
cipally concerned,  and  the  completion  most  signal  in  many  cir- 
cumstances there  mentioned ;  the  succession,  especially  of  Matthias, 
to  the  apostleship  of  Judas.  It  is  true,  that  in  the  citation  made 
by  St.  Peter  from  Psalm  cix.  in  Acts  i.  20.  as  also  in  that  made 
by  St.  Paul  from  Psalm  Ixix.  in  Rom.  xi.  9.  the  imperative  form 
is  preserved;  "  let  his  habitation  be  void,''  &c.  "  let  their  table 
be  made  a  snare,"  &c.  But  it  may  be  considered,  that  the  apos- 
tles generally  cited  from  the  Greek  of  the  LXX.  version;  and 
took  it  as  they  found  it,  making  no  alteration,  when  the  passage, 
as  it  there  stood,  was  sufficient  to  prove  the  main  point  which  it 
was  adduced  to  prove.  If  the  imprecatory  form  be  still  contended 
for,  all  that  can  be  meant  by  it,  whether  uttered  by  the  prophet, 
by  Messiah,  or  by  ourselves,  must  be  a  solemn  ratification  of  the 
just  judgments  of  the  Almighty  against  his  impenitent  enemies, 
like  what  we  find  ascribed  to  the  blessed  spirits  in  heaven,  when 
such  judgments  were  executed,  Rev.  xi.  17,  18.  xvi.  5,  6,  7. 
See  Merrick's  Annotations  on  Psalm  cix.  and  Witsii  Miscellan. 
Sacr.  Lib.  I.  Cap.  xviii.  Sect.  24.  But  by  the  future  rendering 
of  the  verbs,  every  possible  objection  is  precluded  at  once.  This 
method  has  therefore  been  adojjted  in  the  ensuing  commentar}^ 

Of  the  Psalms  which  relate  to  Israel,  some  are  employed  in  ce- 
lebrating the  mercies  vouchsafed  them,  from  their  going  forth  out 
of  Egypt  to  their  complete  settlement  in  Canaan.  These  were 
the  constant  standing  subjects  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  in  the 
Israelitish  church.  But  we  are  taught  by  the  writers  of  the  New 
Testament,  to  consider  this  part  of  their  history  as  one  continued 
figure,  or  allegory.  We  are  told,  that  there  is  another  spiritual 
Israel  of  God  ;  other  children  of  Abraham,  and  heirs  of  the 
promise ;  another  circumcision  ;  another  Egypt,  from  the  bond- 
age of  which  they  are  redeemed ;  another  wilderness,  through 
which  they  journey ;  other  dangers  and  diiriculties,  which  there 
await  them ;  other  bread  from  heaven,  for  their  support ;  and 
another  rock  to  supjjly  th(>m  with  living  water ;  other  enemies  to 
overcome  ;  another  land  of  Canaan,  and  another  Jerusalem,  which 
(hey  are  to  obtain  oiul  to  possess  for  ever.     In  the  same  light  are 


PREFACE.  xli 

to  be  viewed  the  various  provocations  and  punishments,  captivi- 
ties and  restorations  of  old  Israel  afterwards,  concerniiis;  which  it 
is  likewise  true,  that  they  "  happened  unto  them  for  ensaniplis," 
*  types,  or  figures,  "  and  were  written  for  our  admonition."! 
Care  has  therefore  been  taken,  to  open  and  apply,  for  that  salu- 
tary purpose,  the  Psalms  which  treat  of  the  above-mentioned  par- 
ticulars. 

What  is  said  in  the  Psalms  occasionally  of  the  law  and  its  ce- 
remonies, sacrifices,  al)hitions,  and  purifications ;  of  the  taberna- 
cle and  temple,  with  the  services  therein  performed ;  and  of  the 
Aaronical  priesthood  ;  all  this  Christians  transfer  to  the  new  law; 
to  the  oblation  of  Christ;  to  justification  by  his  blood,  and  sancti- 
fication  by  his  Spirit ;  to  the  true  tabernacle  or  temple,  not  made 
with  hands ;  and  to  what  was  therein  done  for  the  salvation  of 
the  world,  by  Him  who  was,  in  one  respect,  a  sacrifice;  in  ano- 
ther, a  temple ;  and  in  a  third,  an  high  priest  for  ever,  after  the 
order  of  Melchisedek.  That  such  was  the  intention  of  these 
legal  figures,  is  declared  at  large  in  the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews  ; 
and  they  are  of  great  assistance  to  us  now,  in  forming  our  ideas 
of  the  realities  to  which  they  correspond.  "  Under  the  Jewish 
economy,"  says  the  excellent  J\Ir.  Pascal,  "  truth  appeared  but 
in  figure;  in  heaven  it  is  open,  and  without  a  veil;  in  the  church 
militant  it  is  so  veiled,  as  to  be  yet  discerned  by  its  correspon- 
dence to  the  figure.  As  the  fiijure  was  first  built  upon  the  truth, 
so  the  truth  is  now  distinguishable  by  the  figure."  The  variety  of 
strong  expressions  used  by  David,  in  the  nineteenth,  and  the  hun- 
dred and  nineteenth  Psalms,  to  extol  the  enlivening,  saving,  heal- 
ing, comforting  efficacy  of  a  law,  which,  in  the  letter  of  it, 
whether  ceremonial  or  moral,  without  pardon  and  grace,  could 
minister  nothing  but  condemnation,  do  sufficiently  prove,  that 
David  understood  the  spirh  of  it,  which  was  the  gospel  itself,^ 

*Gr.         t  1  Cor.  s.  11. 

i  llrcc  inter,  vcri  et  spiritnalcs  JiKhTi,  hoc  est,  ante  Christum  Christi 
discipuli,  altiora  coE^itabant,  ct  rcrum  c.Tlestium  Sacramenta  vcnerati,  no- 
vam  Jerusalem,  novum  Templum,  novam  arcam  hitucbantur.  liossuet 
Disstrlal.  in  Psal.  Cap.  i. — Lex,  juxta  Spiritum  accepta,  ipsuni  erat  Evan- 
gelium,  sub  veteribus  fij^uris  delitescen.s,  et  ccremoniarum  \c\\s  obloc'fum, 
ab  ipso  quidem  Mose  (imprimis  in  Deuteronomio)  aliquatenus  et  pro  tem- 
porum  ratione  explicatum,  a  Proplictis  ver5  succedentibus  (ut  visum  est 
Divinse  Sapientia-)  dilutidius  ostensum,  demum  a  Christo  et  Apostolis  ple- 
nissime  et  luce  ipso  Sole  clariori  patefactum.  Bulli  Opera  per  Grnbe,  p. 
614. — If  the  Jews,  as  our  Saviour  tells  tlicm,  "  tliou^ht  tijey  had  eternal 
life  in  their  scriptures,"  they  must  needs  have  understood  (hem  in  a  spi- 
ritual sense:  and  I  know  not  what  other  spiritual  sense,  that  shonkl  had 
them  to  the  expectation  of  eternal  life,  they  could  put  on  tiuir  scriptures, 
but  that  prophetic  or  tvpical  sense,  which  respcctetl  the  Mes.'slah.  Jesus 
G 


xlii  PREFACE. 

And  if  any  who  recited  those  Psalms,  had  not  tlie  same  idea,  it 
was  not  the  fault  of  the  law,  or  of  the  Psalms,  of  Moses,  or  of 
David,  or.  of  him  who  inspired  both,  but  it  was  their  own  ;  as  it 
is  that  of  the  Jews  at  this  hour,  though  their  prophecies  have  now 
been  fulfilled,  and  their  types  realized.  "  He  that  takes  his  esti- 
mate of  the  Jewish  religion  from  the  grossness  of  the  Jewish  mul- 
titude," as  the  last  cited  author  observes,  "  cannot  fail  of  making 
a  very  wrong  judgment.  It  is  to  be  sought  for  in  the  sacred 
writings  of  the  prophets,  who  have  given  us  sufficient  assurance, 
that  they  understood  the  law  not  according  to  the  letter.  Our 
religion,  in  like  manner,  is  true  and  divine  in  the  gospels,  and  in 
the  preaching  of  the  a})ostles  ;  but  it  appears  utterly  disfigured  in 
those  who  maim  or  corrupt  it." 

Besides  the  figures  supplied  by  the  children  of  Israel,  and  by 
the  law,  there  is  another  set  of  images  often  employed  in  the 
Psalms,  to  describe  the  blessings  of  redemption.  These  are  bor- 
rowed from  the  natural  world,  the  manner  of  its  original  produc- 
tion, and  the  operations  continually  carried  on  in  it.  The  visible 
works  of  God  are  formed  to  lead  us,  under  the  direction  of  his 
word,  to  a  knowledge  of  those  which  are  invisible;  they  give  us 
ideas,  by  analogy,  of  a  new  creation  rising  gradually,  like  the  old 
one,  out  of  darkness  and  deformity,  until  at  length  it  arrives  at 
the  perfection  of  glory  and  beauty  :  so  that  while  we  praise  the 
Lord  for  all  the  wonders  of  his  power,  wisdom,  and  love,  dis- 
played in  a  system  which  is  to  wax  old  and  perish,  we  may  there- 
in contemplate,  as  in  a  glass,  those  new  heavens,  and  that  new 
earth,  of  whose  duration  there  shall  be  no  end.*  The  sun,  that 
fountain  of  life,  and  heart  of  the  world,  that  bright  leader  of  the 
armies  of  heaven,  enthroned  in  glorious  majesty  ;  the  moon  shin- 
ing with  a  lustre  borrowed  from  his  beams ;  the  stars  glittering  by 
night  in  the  clear  firmament ;  the  air  giving  breath  to  all  things 
that  live  and  move;  the  interchanges  of  light  and  darkness;  the 
course  of  the  year,  and  the  sweet  vicissitude  of  seasons;  the  rain 
and  the  dew  descending  from  above,  and  the  fruitfulness  of  the 
earth  caused  by  them ;  the  bow  bent  by  the  hands  of  the  Most 

expressly  asserts,  at  the  same  time,  that  their  "  scriptures  testified  of 
him."  How  generally  they  did  so,  he  explained  at  large,  in  that  remark- 
able conversation  with  two  of  his  disciples  after  his  resurrection  ;  wlien 
"beginning  at  Moses  and  all  the  prophets,  he  expounded  unto  ihem  in 
ALL  the  scriptures  the  tilings  concerning  himself."  Ilurd's  Iidrod.  to  llif 
aiudy  of  lilt  Prophecies,  Serm.  ii. 

*  Road  nature  :  nature  is  a  friend  to  trutli ; 
Wature  is  Cin'istian,  preaches  to  mankind; 
And  bids  dead  matter  aid  us  in  our  creed.  youNC. 


PREFACE.  xliii 

High,  which  compasscth  the  heaven  about  with  a  glorious  circle ; 
the  awful  voice  of  thunder,  and  the  piercing  power  of  lightning  ; 
the  instincts  of  animals,*  and  the  qualities  of  vegetables  and  mi- 
nerals; the  gieat  and  wide  sea,  with  its  unnumbered  inhabitants; 
all  these  arc  ready  to  instruct  us  in  the  mysteries  of  faith,  anil  the 
duties  of  morality. 

They  speak  llieir  Maker  as  they  can, 

But  want  and  ask  the  tongue  of  man.  Parneli.. 

The  advantages  of  Messiah's  reign  arc  represented  in  some  of 
the  Psalms  under  images  of  this  kind.  We  behold  a  renovation 
of  all  things,  and  the  world,  as  it  were,  new  created,  breaks  forth 
into  singing.  The  earth  is  crowned  with  sudden  verdure  and 
fertility;  the  field  is  joyful,  and  all  that  is  in  it;  the  woods  re- 
joice before  the  Lord ;  the  floods  clap  their  hands  in  concert, 
and  ocean  fills  up  the  mighty  chorus,  to  celebrate  the  advent  of 
the  great  King. 

Similar  to  these,  arc  the  representations  of  spiritual  mercies  by 
temporal  deliverances  from  sickness,  prison,  danger  of  perishing 
in  storms  at  sea,  and  from  the  sundry  kinds  of  calamity  and 
death  to  which  the  body  of  man  is  subject;  as  also  by  scenes  of 
domestic  felicity,  and  by  the  flourishing  state  of  well-ordered 
communities,  especially  that  of  Israel  in  Canaan,  which,  while  the 
benediction  of  Jehovah  rested  upon  it,  was  a  picture  of  heaven 
itself. — The  foregoing,  and  every  other  species  of  the  sacred  im- 
agery, if  there  be  any  other  not  hitherto  included,  it   hath  been 

*  "  I  believe  a  g^ood  natural  pliilosopher  might  show,  with  great  reason 
and  probability,  that  there  is  scarce  beast,  bird,  reptile,  or  insect,  that  does 
not,  in  each  particular  climate,  instruct  and  admonish  mankind  of  some 
necessary  truth,  for  their  happiness  either  in  body  or  mind."  Dr.  Cliei/ne's 
Philosophical  Conjectures  on  the  "preference  of  Vegetable  Food,  p.  73.  That 
which  a  celcbiated  \\  riter  lias  often  observed  concerning  a  poet,  may  per- 
haps be  equally  applicable  to  a  divine — "  To  him  nothing  can  be  useless. 
Whatever  is  beautiful,  and  whatever  is  dreadful,  should  be  familiar  to  his 
imagination :  he  should  be  conversant  with  all  that  is  awfully  vast  or  ele- 
gantly little.  The  plants  of  the  garden,  the  animals  of  the  wood,  the  mine- 
rals of  tlie  earth,  and  meteors  of  the  sky,  shouh'l  all  concur  to  store  his 
mind  with  inexhaustible  variety  ;  for  every  idea  is  useful  for  the  enforce- 
ment or  decoration  of  moral  or  religious  truth ;  and  he  who  knows  most, 
will  have  most  power  of  diversifying  his  scenes,  and  of  gratifying  his  rea- 
der with  remote  allusions,  and  unexpected  instruction.  By  him,  therefore, 
no  kind  of  knowledge  should  be  overlooked.  He  should  range  mountains 
and  deserts  for  images  an<l  resemblances,  and  picture  upon  his  mind  every 
tree  of  the  forest,  and  flower  of  the  valley;  the  crags  of  the  rock,  and  the 
ma/.cs  of  the  stream."  Rassei.as,  Chap.  x.  The  reader  may  see  this  ex- 
emplified in  some  "  Disquisitions  on  Select  Subjects  of  Scripture,"  by  my 
worthy  friend,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones,  whose  labours  make  it  evident,  that  tnu- 
Philosophy  will  ever  be  the  handmaid  of  true  divinity. 


xliv-  PREFACE. 

the  author-s  main  endeavour  to  illustrate.  And  a  view  of  what 
is  done  in  this  way,  will,  it  is  humbly  hoped,  afford  some  reason 
1o  think  there  may  not  be  that  necessary  connexion,  which  a 
late  noble  writer  has  been  pleased  to  suppose,  between  devotion 
and  DiLNESs. 

The  Psalins  which  remain,  are  such  as  treat  in  plain  terms, 
without  figures  or  examples,  of  wisdom  and  folly,  righteousness 
and  sin;  the  happiness  |)roduced  by  one,  and  the  misery  caused 
by  the  other;  of  particular  virtues  and  vices;  of  the  vanity  of 
human  life;  of  the  attributes  of  God  ;  of  that  patience  with  which 
the  faithful  should  learn  to  bear  the  sight  of  wickedness  triumph- 
ant, in  this  world,  looking  forward  to  the  day  of  final  retritiu- 
tion;  and  subjects  of  the  like  nature.  As  Psalms  of  this  kind 
call  for  little  in  the  expository  way,  the  general  doctrines  or  pre- 
ce|)ts  implied  in  the/n,  or  suggested  by  them,  are  drawn  forth  in 
short  reflections,  attempted  after  the  manner  of  those  made  by  fa- 
ther Quesnel  on  each  verse  of  the  New  Testament.  The  o})por- 
tunity  of  doing  this,  where  nothing  else  seemed  to  be  required,  and 
indeed  of  doing,  upon  ever^^  occasion,  what  did  seem  to  be  re- 
quired in  any  way,  was  the  reason  for  throwing  the  work  into  its 
present  form,  rather  than  that  of  a  paraphrase,  or  any  other.  Some 
repetitions,  in  a  performance  of  this  sort,  are  unavoidable.  But 
a  commentary  on  the  book  of  Psalms  is  not  to  be  read  all  at 
once;*  and  it  was  thought  better  to  give  the  exposition  of  each 
Psalm  complete  in  itself,  than  to  refer  the  reader  elsewhere ; 
which,  therefore,  is  only  done,  when  passages  of  a  considerable 
length  occur  in  two  Psalms,  without  any  material  difference. 

Such  is  the  method  the  author  has  taken,  such  the  authorities 
upon  which  he  has  proceeded,  and  such  the  rules  by  which  he 
has  directed  himself.  If  consistency  and  uniformity  in  the  com- 
ment have  been  the  result,  they  will  aflbrd,  it  is  hoped,  no  con- 
temptible argument  on  its  behalf;  since  it  is  scarce  possible  to  ex- 
pound uniformly,  on  an  erroneous  plan,  so  great  a  variety  of  figu- 
rative language  as  is  to  be  found  in  the  book  of  Psalms.t 


"  The  most  profitable  way  of  rcadinfr  it,  perhaps,  would  bp,  by  small 
portions,  often  reviewing  the  text  and  the  comment,  and  compaiinjsc  them 
earefully  togetlier ;  at  times  when  the  mind  is  most  Tree,  vacant,  and  calm; 
in  the  morniiifi,  more  especially,  to  prepare  and  fortify  it  for  tlie  business 
of  the  day  ;  and  in  the  evening,  to  recompose,  and  set  it  in  order,  for  tlie 
approaching  season  of  rest. 

t  The  student  in  Theology,  who  is  desirous  for  farther  information 
upon  a  subject  so  curious,  so  entertaining,  and  so  interesting,  as  that  of 


PREFACE.  xlv 

Let  us  stop,  for  a  moment,  to  contemplate  tlie  true  character  of 
these  sacred  hymns. 

Greatness  confers  no  exemption  from  the  cares  and  sorrows  of 
life.  Its  share  of  them  frequently  bears  a  melancholy  proportion 
to  its  exaltation.  This  the  Israelitish  monarch  experienced.  He 
sought  in  piety  that  peace  which  he  could  not  find  in  empire, 
and  alleviated  the  disquietudes  of  state  with  the  exercises  of  de- 
votion. 

His  invaluable  Psalms  convey  those  comforts  to  others  which 
they  afforded  to  himsell".  Composed  upon  particular  occasions, 
yet  designed  for  general  use;  delivered  out  as  services  for  Israelites 
under  the  law,  yet  no  less  adapted  to  the  circumstances  of  Chris- 
tians under  the  gospel;  they  present  religion  to  us  in, the  most  en- 
caging dress ;  communicating  truths  which  philosophy  could  never 
investigate,  in  a  style  which  poetry  can  never  equal ;  while  history 
is  made  the  vehicle  of  prophecy,  and  creation  lends  all  its  charms 
to  paint  the  glories  of  redemption.  Calculated  alike  to  profit 
and  to  please,  they  inform  the  understanding,  elevate  the  aflec- 
lions,  and  entertain  the  imagination.  Indited  under  the  influence 
of  Him,  to  whom  all  hearts  are  known,  and  all  events  foreknown, 
they  suit  mankind  in  all  situations,  grateful  as  the  manna  which 
descended  from  above,  and  conformed  itself  to  every  palate.  The 
fairest  productions  of  human  wit,  after  a  kw  perusals,  like  ga- 
thered flowers,  wither  in  our  hands,  and  lose  their  fragrancy :  but 
these  unfading  plants  of  paradise  become,  as  we  are  accustomed 
to  them,  still  moie  and  more  beautiful ;  their  bloom  appears  to  be 
daily  heightened;  fresh  odours  are  emitted,  and  new  sweets  ex- 
tracted from  them.  He  who  hath  once  tasted  their  excellencies, 
will  desire  to  taste  them  again ;  and  he  who  tastes  them  oftenest, 
will  relish  them  best. 

And  now  could  the  author  flatter  himself,  that  any  one  would 

the  figurative  language  of  Scripture,  the  principles  on  which  it  is  founded, 
and  the  best  rule  to  be  observed  in  the  sober  and  rational  interpretation  of 
it,  may  find  satisfaction  by  consulting  the  following  authors — 

Low-th's  Prelarc  to  his  Commentary  on  the  Prophets. 

Lowth  Pralect.  de  Sacr.  Pocs.  Hcb.  Pra;lect.  iv. — xii. 

Pascal's  Thoughts,  Sect.  x. — xiv. 

Hurd's  Introd.  to  the  Study  of  the  Prophecies,  Serm.  ii.  iii.  iv. 

Vitringa  Observaf.  Sacr.  Lib.  vi.  Cap.  xx.  et  Lib.  vii. 

Prwfat.  ad  Comment,  in  .lesaiam. 

Glassii  Philologia  Sacr.  Lib.  ii. 

Witsii  Miscellan.  Sacra.  Tom.  I.  Lib.  iii.  Cap.  iii.  Lib.  ii.  Dis.scrt.  i.  ii 
(Econom.  Fad.  Lib.  iv.  Cap.  vi. — x. 

AVaterland's  General  Preface  to  Scripture  VindkateJ 


xlvi  PREFACE. 

take  half  the  pleasure  in  reading  the  fblloAving  exposition,  which 
he  hath  taken  in  writing  it,  he  would  not  fear  the  loss  of  his  labour. 
The  employment  detached  him  from  the  bustle  and  hurry  of  life, 
the  din  of  politics,  and  the  noise  of  folly;  vanity  and  vexation 
flew  away  for  a  season,  care  and  disquietude  came  not  near  his 
dwelling.  He  arose,  fresh  as  the  morning  to  his  task;  the  silence 
of  the  night  invited  him  to  pursue  it;  and  he  can  truly  say,  that 
food  and  rest  were  not  preferred  before  it.  Every  Psalm  improved 
infinitely  upon  his  acquaintance  with  it,  and  no  one  gave  him  un- 
easiness but  the  last ;  for  then  he  grieved  that  his  work  was  done. 
Plappier  hours  than  those  which  have  been  spent  on  these  medita- 
tions on  the  Songs  of  Sion,  he  never  expects  to  sec  in  this  world. 
Very  pleasantly  did  they  pass,  and  moved  smoothly  and  swiftly 
along :  for,  when  thus  engaged,  he  counted  no  time.  They  are 
gone,  but  have  left  a  relish  and  a  fragrance  upon  the  mind,  and  the 
remembrance  of  them  is  sweet. 

But,  alas,  these  are  the  fond  eftusions  of  parental  tenderness. 
Others  will  view  the  production  with  very  different  eyes,  and  the 
harsh  voice  of  inexorable  criticism  will  too  soon  awaken  him  from 
his  pleasing  dream.  He  is  not  insensible,  that  many  learned 
and  good  men,  whom  he  does  not  therefore  value  and  respect  the 
less,  have  conceived  strong  prejudices  against  the  scheme  of  in- 
terpretation here  pursued;  and  he  knows  how  little  the  generality 
of  modern  Christians  have  been  accustomed  to  speculations  of 
this  kind ;  which  it  may  likewise,  perhaps,  be  said,  will  give  oc- 
casion to  the  scoffs  of  our  adversaries,  the  Jews  and  the  Deists. 
Yet,  if  in  the  preceding  pages  it  hath  been  made  to  appear,  that 
the  application  of  the  Psalms  to  evangelical  subjects,  times,  and 
circumstances,  stands  upon  firm  ground;  that  it  may  be  prose- 
cuted upon  a  regular  and  consistent  plan ;  and  that  it  is  not  only 
expedient,  but  even  necessary,  to  render  the  use  of  them  in  our 
devotions  rational  and  profitable;  will  it  be  presumption  in  him 
to  hope,  that  upon  a  calm  and  dispassionate  review  of  the  matter, 
prejudices  may  subside  and  be  done  away  ?  If  men,  in  these  days, 
have  not  been  accustomed  to  such  contemplations,  is  it  not  high 
time  they  should  become  so  ?  Can  they  begin  too  soon  to  study 
and  make  themselves  masters  of  a  science,  which  promises  to  its 
votaries  so  much  entertainment  as  well  as  Improvement ;  which 
recommends  the  scriptures  to  persons  of  true  taste  and  genius,  as 
books  intended  equally  for  our  delight  and  instruction;  which 
demonstrates  the  ways  of  celestial  \\  isdora  to  be  ways  of  plea- 


PREFACE.  xlvii 

santness,  and  all  her  paths  to  be  peace  indeed !  From  the  most 
sober,  deliberate,  and  attentive  survey  of  the  sentiment  which 
prevailed,  npon  this  point,  in  the  (irst  ages  of  the  chmxh,  when 
the  apostolical  method  of  citinjr  and  expounding  the  Psalms  was 
fresh  upon  the  minds  of  their  followers,  the  author  cannot  but  be 
confident,  that  his  commentary,  if  it  had  then  made  its  appear- 
ance, would  have  been  universally  received  and  approved,  as  to 
the  general  design  of  it,  by  the  whole  Christian  world.  And 
however  the  Jews,  in  their  present  state  of  alienation  and  unbe- 
lief, may  reject  and  set  at  nought  such  applications  of  their  scrip- 
tures to  our  Messiah,  and  his  chosen  people,  as  they  certainly 
will  do;  he  is  not  less  confident,  lliat,  whenever  the  happy  ai\d 
glorious  day  of  their  conversion  shall  come,  and  the  veil  shall  be 
taken  from  their  hearts,  they  will  behold  the  Psalter  in  that  light 
in  which  he  has  endeavoured  to  place  it.*  As  to  the  Deists, 
they,  while  they  continue  such,  can  have  neither  lot  nor  part  in 
this  matter;  for  giving  no  credit  to  the  scripture  account  of  things, 
either  in  the  Old  Testament  or  the  New,  to  discourse  with  them 
concerning  a  connexion  and  analogy  subsisting  between  the  one 
and  tlie  other,  is  to  reason  about  a  fifth  sense  with  a  man  who 
has  only  four.  For  the  conviction  both  of  the  Jews  and  Deists, 
other  arguments  are  to  be  urged;  arguments  from  undeniable  mi- 
racles openly  wrought,  and  plain  prophecies  literally  fulfilled. 
Such  proofs  are  "  for  them  that  believe  not."  And  such  have 
been  repeatedly  urged,  in  their  full  force,  by  many  able  cham- 
pions, who  have  stood  forth  (success  evermore  attend  their  la- 
bours!) in  defence  of  the  Evidences  of  Christianity.     Expositions 

*  "If  this  appear  to  be  the  case  in  so  many  of  the  P.sahn«  (namely,  that 
tJiey  are  predictive  ol'  Messiali),  liow  strongly  docs  it  justify  the  Lord's 
appeal  to  them,  as  treating  of  Him  ?  And  what  a  noble  argument  may 
hence  arise  for  the  conviction  and  conversion  of  that  extraordinary  people, 
to  whom  they  were  originally  communicated,  when  once  the  reil  thai  is  on 
their  hearts  shall  be  taken  away,  as  by  the  same  spirit  of  prophecy  we  are 
assured  it  shall  I"  The  Bishop  of  Carlisle's  Theory  of  Religion,  p.  176, 
6th  edit. — With  what  transports  of  zeal  and  devotion,  of  faith  and  love, 
will  they  recite  these  holy  hymns,  in  the  day  when  the  whole  body  of  the 
Jews,  returning  to  the  Lonl  tiicir  God,  siuiU  acknowledge  their  unparal- 
leled crime  in  the  murder  of  their  King,  and  their  penitential  sorrow  for 
the  same,  perhaps,  as  his  Lordship  intimates,  in  the  words  of  the  fifty-.first 
Psalm  ;  ''  deliver  me  from  blooil-guiltiness,  O  God,  thou  God  of  my  salva- 
»ion;  and  my  tongue  shall  sing  aloud  of  thy  righteousness.  O  Lord,  open 
thou  my  lips,  and  my  mouth  shall  show  forth  thy  praise.  For  (hou  desircst 
not  sacrifice,  else  would  I  give  it;  thou  deliglitest  not  in  burnt-oflering. 
'llie  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit;  a  broken  and  contrite  heart,  O 
God,  thou  wilt  not  despise.  O  do. good  in  th}-  good  pleasure  to  Zion;  build 
thou  the  walls  of  Jerusalem  !" 


xlviii  PREFACE. 

and  meditations,  like  those  in  the  subsequent  pages,  serve  not,  nor 
are  intended  to  serve,  "  for  them  who  believe  not,  but  for  them 
who  believe;"*  who  will  exercise  their  faculties  in  discerning  and 
contemplating  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  who 
are  going  on  unto  perfection;  to  increase  their  faith,  and  inflame 
their  charity :  to  delight  tlieni  in  prosperity,  to  comfort  them  in 
adversity,  and  to  edify  them  at  all  times.  Such  effects,  the  author 
doubts  not,  wiU  be  experienced  by  believers,  who  will  read  his 
book  with  an  honest  and  good  heart,  with  seriousness  and  atten- 
tion ;  for  though  he  humbly  trusts  it  will  not  be  deemed  altogether 
unworthy  a  place  in  the  libraries  of  the  learned,  he  builds  chiefly 
on  that  approbation  which  he  is  solicitous  it  should  receive  in  the 
closets  of  the  devout;  as  considering,  that  it  is  love,  heavenly 
LOVE,  which  "  never  faileth ;  but  whether  there  be  prophecies, 
they  shall  fail;  whether  there  be  tongues,  they  shall  cease;  whe- 
ther there  be  knowledge,  it  shall  vanish  away.  For  we  know  in 
part,  and  we  prophesy  in  part;  but  when  that  which  is  perfect  is 
come,  then  that  which  is  in  j)art  shall  be  done  away."t  They 
who  find  not  the  wished-for  satisfaction  in  one  proportion,  will 
find  it  in  another  ;  they  who  disajiprove  of  an  interpretation  at  the 
first  reading,  may  perhaps  approve  of  it  at  the  second;  and  they 
who  still  continue  to  disapprove  of  some  particulars,  will  not  there- 
fore disdain  to  accept  the  benefit  of  the  rest.  He  has  written  to 
gratify  no  sect  or  party,  but  for  the  common  service  of  all  who 
call  on  the  name  of  Jesus,  wheresoever  dispersed,  and  however 
distressed  upon  the  earth.  When  he  views  the  innumerable  un- 
happy difierences  among  Christians,  all  of  whom  are  equally  op- 
pressed with  the  cares  and  calamities  of  life,  he  often  calls  to  mind 
those  beautiful  and  affecting  words,  which  Milton  represents  Adam 
as  addressing  to  Eve,  after  they  had  wearied  themselves  with  mu- 
tual complaints  and  accusations  of  each  other  : — 

But  rise  ;  let  us  no  more  contend,  nor  blame 

Each  other,  blani'd  enough  elsewlicre ;  but  strive 

In  offices  of  love,  how  wo  may  lighten 

Each  other's  burden  in  our  shiue  of  wo.  B.  x.  V.  958. 

Enough  has  been  given  to  the  arts  of  controversy.  Let  some- 
thing be  given  to  the  studies  of  piety  and  a  holy  life.  If  we  can 
once  unite  in  these,  our  tempers  may  be  better  disposed  to  unite 
in  doctrine.  When  we  shall  be  duly  prepared  to  receive  it,  "  God 
nuiy  reveal  even  this  unto  us."'     To  increase  the  number  of  dis- 

"  1  Cor.  xiv.  22.  f  1  Cor.  xiii.  7. 


PREFACE.  xlix 

putes  among  us,  is,  therefore,  by  no  means  the  intent  of  this  pubh- 
cation.  The  author  having,  for  many  years,  accustomed  himself 
to  consider  and  apply  the  Psalms,  while  he  recited  them  according 
to  the  method  now  laid  down,  has  never  failed  to  experience  the 
unspeakable  benefit  of  it,  both  in  public  and  in  private;  and  would 
wish,  if  h  so  pleased  God,  that  death  might  find  him  employed  in 
meditations  of  this  kind.*  He  has  likewise  frequently  taken  oc- 
casion, in  the  course  of  his  ministry,  to  explain  a  Psalm  upon  the 
same  plan,  from  the  pulpit ;  and  whenever  he  has  done  so,  whe- 
ther the  audience  were  learned  or  unlearned,  polite  or  rustic,  he 
has  generally  had  the  happiness  to  find  the  discourse,  in  an  espe- 
cial manner,  noticed  and  remembered.  But  still,  many  may  be 
of  a  dift'erent  opinion,  who  niciy  conscientiously  believe  the  doc- 
trines, and  practise  the  duties  of  the  gosj^el,  whether  they  see  them 
shadowed  out  in  the  Psalms  or  not.  Such  will  enjoy  their  own 
liberty,  and  permit  their  brethren  to  do  the  same.  Or,  if  they 
shall  think  it  necessary  to  take  up  the  polemical  pen,  he  desires 
only  to  receive  that  treatment  which  he  has  himself  shown  to 
every  writer,  cited,  or  referred  to  by  him.t  Instead  of  engaging 
in  a  tedious,  and,  perhaps,  unprofitable  altercation  upon  the  sub- 
ject, he  feels  himself,  at  present,  much  rather  inclined,  in  such  a 
case,  to  follow,  at  his  proper  distance,  the  amiable  example  of  his 
greatly  respected  Diocesan,  who  reprinted  in  England  the  objec- 
tions made  by  a  foreign  Professor  to  some  parts  of  his  Lectures  on 
the  Hebrew  poetry,  and  left  the  public  to  form  its  own  judgment 
between  them.|     From  that  public,  the  author  of  the  following 

*  "  I  have  lost  a  world  of  time,"  said  the  learned  Salinasius,  on  his  death- 
bed; '•  if  I  had  one  year  inoic,  I  would  spend  it  in  reading  David's  Psalms, 
and  Paul's  Epistles." 

t  Dctur  ijrltur  erratis  meis  venia:  Ipse  demum  exemplo  mco  mihi  pro- 
sim,  qui  ncminem  eorum,  a  quibiis  dissenscrim,  coiitumeliis  aHeci ;  qui 
non,  vitio  Criticorum,  in  diversae  sententia;  propugnatores  acriter  invectus 
sum;  qui  dcnique  earn  veniam  auteccssoribus  meis  libens  tribui,  quam  ab 
lis,  qui  hwc  in  manus  sumturi  sint,  velim  impetrare.  Pearce  in  Prcefat.  ad 
edit.  Cic.  de  Oratore. 

I  "  In  his  si  qua;  sunt  qute  mihi  minus  persuasit  Vir  Clarissimus,  ea  ma- 
lui  hoc  modo  libero  Lectoruin  nostroruui  judic:io  pcrmittere,  quam  in  dis- 
ceptationcm  ct  controvcrsiam,  injucundum,  et  fortasse  infructuosam  vo- 
lare."  Loiiih,  in  Prafal.  ad  edit. 2dinn  Praiecl.  de  Sacra  Poesi  Hebraorum. 
— "  Authors  should  avoid,  as  much  as  they  can,"  says  another  very  learned 
critic,  "  replies  and  rejoinders,  the  usual  consequences  of  which  arc,  loss 
of  time,  and  loss  of  temper.  Happy  is  he  who  is  eng'ag'ed  in  controversy 
with  his  own  j)assions,  and  comes  oft"  superior  ;  who  makes  it  his  endea- 
vour, that  his  follies  and  weaknesses  may  die  before  liim,  and  who  daily 
meditates  on  inortality  and  immortality."  Jorlin's  Preface  to  his  Remarks 
on  Ecclesiastical  History,  p.  xxxiv 

7 


I  PREFACE. 

work  is  now  to  expect  the  determination  ol"  his  late.  Should  its 
sentence  be  in  his  disfavour,  nothing  farther  remains  to  be  said, 
than  that  he  has  honestly  and  faithfully  endeavoured  to  servo  it,  to 
the  utmost  of  his  power,  in  the  way  in  which  he  thought  himself 
best  able ;  and  to  give  the  world  some  account  of  that  time,  and 
those  opportunities,  which,  by  the  Providence  of  a  gracious  God. 
and  the  munificence  of  a  pious  Founder,  he  has  long  enjoyed  iu 
the  happy  retirement  of  a  college. 


That  tlic  Reador  may  the  more  easily  turn  to  such  Psalms  as  will 
best  suit  the  present  state  of  his  mind,  according  to  the  difler- 
ent  circumstances,  whether  external  or  internal,  into  which  by 
the  changes  and  chances  of  life,  or  the  variations  of  temper  and 
disposition,  he  may,  at  any  time,  be  thrown,  the  common  Ta- 
ble of  Psjilms,  classed  under  their  several  subjects,  is  here  sub- 
joined. 


PkA>£RS. 

I.  Prai/€rs  for  Pardon  of  Sill.  Psalm 
<),  25,  3S,  51,  130.  Psabns,  stvled 
Pi.mlenlial,  6,  32,  38,51,  1U2,  130, 
143. 

II.  Prayers  composed  when  the 
Psalmist  was  deprived  of  an  op- 
portunity of  the  public  exercise  of 
religion.     Psalm  42,  43,  63,  84. 

III.  Prayers  wherein  the  Psalmist 
seems  extremely  dejected,  though 
not  totally  deprived  of  consolation 
under  his  afflictions.  Psalm  13, 
22,  69,  77,  88,  143. 

IV.  Prayers  wherein  the  Psalmist 
asketh  help  of  God,  in  considera- 
tion of  his  own  integrity,  and  the 
uprightness  of  his  cause.  Psalm 
7,  17,  26,  35. 

V.  Prayers  expressing  the  firmest 
trust  and  conlidence  in  God  under 
afflictions.  Psalm  3,  16,  27,  31, 
54,56,  57,  61,  62,  71,  86. 

VI.  Prayers  composed  when  the  peo- 
ple of  God  w  ere  under  affliction  or 
persecution.  Psalm  44,  60,  74,  79, 
80,  83,  89,  94,  102,  123,  137. 

VII.  The  following  are  likewise 
Prayers  in  time  of  trouble  and  af- 
lliction.  Psalm  4,  5,  11,  28,  41, 
55,  59,  64,  70,  109,  120,  140,  141, 
142. 

VIII.  Prayers  of  intercession.  Psalm 
20,  67,  122,  132,  144. 

Psalms  of  Thanksgiving. 

J.  Thanksgivings  for  Mercies  vouch- 
safed to  particular  persons.  Psalm 
9,  18,  22,  30,  34,  40,  75,  103,  108, 
116,  118,  138,  144. 

II.  Tli-anksgivivgs  for  mercies  vouch- 
safed to  tlie  Israelites  in  general, 
Psalm  45,  48,  65,  66,  68,  76,  81, 


84,   98,  105,  124,  126,  129,  135, 
136,  149. 

Psalms  of  Praise  and  Adoration,  dis- 
playiii'j;  the  Attributes  of  God. 

I.  General  acknowledgments  of  God's 
Goodness  and  Mercy,  and  particu- 
larly his  care  and  protection  of 
good  men.     Psalm  23,  34,  36,  91, 

100,  103,  107,  117,  121,  145,  146. 

II.  Psalms  displaying  the  Power, 
Majesty,  Glory,  and  other  attri- 
butes of  the  Divine  Being.  Psaim 
8,  19,  24,  29,  33,  47,  50,  65,  66,  76, 
77, 93, 95, 96, 97, 99, 104, 1 1 1 , 1 13, 
114,  115,  134, 139,  147,  148,  150 

Instructive  Psalms. 
i.  The  diflerent  characters  of  good 
and  bad  men ;  the  happiness  of 
the  one,  and  the  miseries  of  the 
other,  are  represented  in  the  fol- 
lowing. Psahn  1,  5,  7,  9,  10,  11, 
12,  14,  15,  17,  24,  25,  32,  34,  36, 
37,  50,  52,  53,  58,  73,  75,  84,  91, 
92,  94,  112,  119,  121,  125,  127, 
128,  133. 

II.  The  excellence  of  God's  Law-. 
Psalm  19,  119. 

III.  The  vanity  of  human  life.  Psalm 
39,  49,  90. 

IV.  Advice  to  magistrates.  Psalm 
82,  101. 

V.  The  virtue  of  humility.  Psalm 
131. 

Psalms  more  eminently  and  directly 

prophetical. 
Psalm  2,   16,  22,  40,  45,  68,  72,  87, 

101,  118. 

Historical  Psalms. 
Psalm  78,  105,  106 


COMMENTARY 


FIRST  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  I. 


This  Psalm,  which  is  generally  looked  upon  by  expositors  as  a  preface,  or 
introduction  to  the  rest,  describes  the  blessedness  of  the  righteous,  con- 
sisting, ver.  1,  negatively,  in  their  abstaining  from  sin;  2.  positively,  in 
holy  meditation  on  the  scriptures,  productive  of  continual  growth  in 
grace,  which  3.  is  beautifully  represented  under  an  image  borrowed  from 
vegetation  ;  as  4.  is  the  opposite  state  of  the  unbelieving  and  ungodly,  by 
a  comparison  taken  from  the  threshing-floor.  The  two  last  verses  foretel 
the  final  issue  of  things,  with  respect  to  both  good  and  bad  men,  at  the 
great  day. 

T/^ER.  1.  Blessed  is  the  man  that  walketh  not  in  the  counsel  of 
the  ungodly,  nor  standeth  in  the  way  of  sinners,  nor  sitteth 
in  the  seat  of  the  scornful. 

The  Psalter,  like  the  sermon  on  the  mount,  openeth  with  a 
"  beatitude,"  for  our  comfort  and  encouragement,  directing  us 
immediately  to  that  happiness,  which  all  mankind,  in  different 
ways,  are  seeking  and  inquiring  after.  All  would  secure  them- 
selves from  the  incursions  of  misery ;  but  all  do  not  consider,  that 
misery  is  the  offspring  of  sin,  from  which  it  is  therefore  necessary 
to  be  delivered  and  preserved,  in  order  to  become  happy,  or 
"  blessed."  The  variety  of  expressions  here  used  by  David,  in- 
tiraateth  to  us  that  there  is  a  gradation  in  wickedness :  and  that 


54  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  I. 

he  who  would  not  persist  in  evil  courses,  or  commence  a  scoffer  at 
the  mystery  of  godliness,  must  have  no  fellowship  with  bad  men  : 
since  it  is  impossible  for  any  one  who  forsakes  the  right  path  to 
say  whither  he  shall  wander ;  and  few,  when  they  begin  to  "  walk 
in  the  counsel  of  the  ungodly,"  propose  finally  to  sit  down  in  the 
''  seat  of  the  scornful."  O  thou  second  Adam,  who  alone,  since 
the  transgression  of  the  first,  hast  attained  a  sinless  perfection, 
make  thy  servants  "  blessed,"  by  making  them  righteous,  through 
thy  merits  and  grace ! 

2.  But  his  delight  is  in  the  law  of  the  Lord,  and  in  his  law 
doth  he  meditate  day  and  night. 

He  who  hath  once  brought  himself  to  '•'  delight"  in  the  scrip- 
tures, will  find  no  temptation  to  exchange  that  pleasure  for  any 
which  the  world  or  the  flesh  can  offer  him.  Such  a  one  will  make 
the  lively  oracles  of  God  his  companions  by  day  and  by  night.  He 
will  have  recourse  to  them  for  direction,  in  the  bright  and  cheerful 
hours  of  prosperity;  to  them  he  will  apply  for  comfort,  in  the  dark 
and  drear}'  seasons  of  adversity.  The  enemy,  when  advancing 
to  the  assault,  will  always  find  him  well  employed,  and  will  be 
received  with — "  Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan !"  When  the  law 
of  God  is  the  object  of  our  studies  and  tneditations,  we  are  con- 
formed to  the  example  of  our  Redeemer  himself,  who,  as  a  man, 
while  he  '•  increased  in  stature,"  increased  likewise  "  in  wisdom," 
and  grew  powerful  in  the  knowledge  of  the  law  which  he  was  to 
fulfil,  and  of  those  prophecies  which  he  was  to  accomplish;  so  that, 
at  twelve  years  of  age  he  appeared  to  "  have  more  understanding 
than  cdl  his  teachers :  for  the  divine  testimonies  had  been  his  medi- 
tation," Psalm  cxix.  99. 

3.  And  he  shall  he  like  a  tree  planted  by  the  rivers  of  water, 
that  hringeth  forth  his  fruit  in  his  season;  his  leaf  also  shall  not 
zvither,  and  whatsoever  he  doeth  shall  prosper. 

By  continual  meditation  in  the  sacred  writings,  a  man  as  natu- 
rally improves  and  advances  in  holiness,  as  a  "  tree"  thrives  and 
flourishes  in  a  kindly  and  well  watered  soil.  All  the  "  fruhs"  of 
righteousness  show  themselves  at  their  proper  "  season,"  as  oppor- 
tunity calls  for  them;  and  his  words,  which  are  to  his  actions 
what  the  "  leaves"  are  to  the  fruit,  fall  not  to  the  ground,  but  are 
profitable,  as  well  as  ornamental.  Every  thing  in  him  and  about 
him  serves  the  pur})ose  for  which  it  was  intended ;  his  brethren  are 
benefited  by  him,  and  his  Maker  is  glorified.  How  eminently  is 
this  the  case  with  that  tree  of  life,  which  Jehovah  planted  in 


Day  I.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  5r> 

tlie  midst  of  his  new  paradise,  by  the  waters  of  comfort;  a  tree 
whicli  sprung  out  of  the  earth,  but  its  height  reached  to  heaven, 
and  its  breadth  to  the  ends  of  the  world;  its  shadow  is  for  the  pro- 
tection, its  fruit  for  the  support,  and  its  leaves  for  the  healing  of  tlie 
nations.  It  flourishes  in  immortal  youth,  and  blooms  for  ever  in 
unfading  beauty.     See  Rev.  xxii.  2. 

4.  T/ie  ungodly  are  not  so,  but  are  like  the  chaff,  u'hich  the 
wind  driveth  away. 

In  the  foregoing  description  of  the  riglitcous,  all  appeared  ver- 
dant and  fruitful,  lovely  and  enduring;  but  here,  by  way  of  con- 
trast, we  are  presented  with  nothing  but  what  is  withered  and 
worthless,  without  form  or  stability,  blown  about  by  every  wind, 
and  at  lengtli  finally  dispersed  from  the  face  of  the  earth,  by  the 
breath  of  God's  displeasure,  and  driven  into  the  fire  prepared  for 
it.  Such  is  the  state,  such  the  lot  of  the  <*  ungodly;"  and  so 
justly  are  they  compared  to  "  chaff." 

5.  Therefore  the  ungodly  shall  not  stand  in  the  judgment,  nor 
sinners  in  the  congregation  of  the  righteous. 

A  day  is  coming,  when  the  Divine  Husbandman  shall  appear 
with  his  "  fan  in  his  hand,"  and  shall  "  thoroughly  purge  his  floor." 
The  wheat,  which  shall  stand  the  winnowing  of  that  day,  will  be 
gathered  into  the  celestial  granary ;  while  the  chafl',  for  ever  sepa- 
rated from  it,  shall  be  hurried  out  of  the  floor,  and  carried,  bv  a 
mighty  whirlwind,  to  its  own  place.  Then  shall  there  be  a 
'•'  congregation  of  the  righteous,"  in  which  "  sinners  shall  not 
stand."  At  present  wheat  and  chafl*  lie  in  one  floor;  wheat 
and  tares  grow  in  one  field;  good  and  bad  fishes  are  compre- 
hended in  one  net;  good  and  bad  men  are  contained  in  the  vi- 
sible church.  Let  us  wait  with  patience  God's  time  of  sepa- 
ration. 

G.  For  the  Lord  hioweth  the  icay  of  the  righteous;  hut  the 
icay  of  the  ungodly  shall  perish. 

In  the  present  scene  of  confusion,  we  may  bo,  and  often  are, 
deceived  in  the  judgment  we  form  of  men.  '  But  it  cannot  be  so 
with  the  Omniscient.  "  The  foundation  of  God  standeth  sure, 
having  this  seal.  The  Lord  knoweth  them  that  are  his,"  2  Tim. 
ii.  19.  Their  good  deeds  are  not  unobserved,  nor  will  they  be 
forgotten  by  him.  His  eye  seeth  them  in  secret,  and  liis  hand  will 
reward  them  openly,  in  the  day  of  final  retribution:  when  crowns 
of  glory  shall  sparkle  on  the  heads  of  the  righteous,  but  shame 
and  torment  shall  be  tire  portion  of  the  wicked :  "  the  way  of  the 
ungodly  shall  perish."- 


56  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  II. 


PSALM  II. 

ARGUMENT. 

David,  seated  upon  the  throne  of  Israel,  notwithstanding  the  opposition 
made  against  him,  and  now  about  to  carry  his  victorious  arms  amongst 
the  neighbouring  heathen  nations,  may  be  supposed  to  have  penned  this, 
as  a  kind  of  inauguration  Psalm.  But  that  a  "  greater  than  David  is 
here,"  appears  not  only  from  the  strength  of  the  expressions,  which  arc 
more  properly  applicable  to  Messiah  than  to  David  himself;  but  also  from 
the  citations  made  in  the  New  Testament:  the  appointment  of  the  Psalm 
by  the  church  to  be  read  on  Easter  day  ;  and  the  confessions  of  the  Jewish 
Rabbles.  It  treats  therefore,  1 — 3.  of  the  opposition  raised,  both  by  Jew 
and  Gentile,  against  the  kingdom  of  Jesus  Chiist;  4 — 6.  of  his  victory, 
and  the  confusion  of  his  enemies ;  7 — 9.  after  his  resurrection,  he  pieaches 
the  gospel,  and  10 — 12.  calls  the  kings  of  the  earth  to  accept  it;  de- 
nouncing vengeance  against  those  who  shall  not  do  so,  and  pronouncing 
a  blessing  on  those  who  shall. 

1 .  Why  do  the  heathen  rage,  and  the  people  imagine  a  vain 
thing?  2.  The  kings  of  the  earth  set  themselves,  and  the  rulers 
take  counsel  together  against  the  Lord,  and  against  his  Anointed, 
saying, 

The  true  David  is  introduced,  like  his  ancestor  of  old,  expos- 
tulating with  the  nations,  for  their  vain  attempts  to  frustrate  the 
divine  decree  in  his  favour.  These  two  verses  are  cited,  j^^cts  iv. 
25.  and  thus  expounded — "  Lord — of  a  truth  against  the  holy 
child  Jesus,  whom  thou  hast  anointed,  both  Herod  and  Pontius 
Pilate,  with  the  Gentiles,  and  the  people  of  Israel,  were  gathered 
together,  for  to  do  whatsoever  thy  hand  and  thy  counsel  deter- 
mined before  to  be  done."  Persecution  may  be  carried  on  by  the 
people,  but  it  is  raised  and  fomented  by  kings  and  rulers.  After 
the  ascension  of  Christ,  and  the  eftiision  of  the  Spirit,  the  whole 
power  of  the  Roman  empire  was  employed  in  the  same  cause,  by 
those  who,  from  time  to  time,  swayed  the  sceptre  of  the  world. 
But  still,  they  who  intended  to  extirpate  the  faith,  and  destroy  the 
church,  how  many  and  how  mighty  soever  they  might  be,  were 
found  only  to  "  imagine  a  vain  thing."  And  equally  vain  will 
every  imagination  be,  that  exalteth  itself  against  the  counsels  of 
God  for  the  salvation  of  liis  people. 

3.  Let  us  break  their  bands  asunder,  and  cast  away  their  cords 
from  us. 

These  words,  su|)posed  to  be  spoken  l)y  the  powers  in  arms 


Day  I.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  57 

against  Messiah,  discover  to  us  the  true  ground  of  opposition, 
namely,  the  unwillingness  of  rebellious  nature  to  submit  to  the 
obligations  of  divine  laws,  which  cross  the  interests,  and  lay  a 
restraint  upon  the  desire  of  men.  Corrupt  affections  are  the  most 
inveterate  enemies  of  Christ ;  and  their  language  is,  "  We  will 
not  have  this  man  to  reign  over  us."'  Doctrines  would  be  readily 
believed,  if  they  involved  in  them  no  precepts ;  and  the  church 
may  be  tolerated  by  the  world,  if  she  will  only  give  up  her  dis- 
cipline. 

4.  He  that  sitteth  in  the  heavens  shall  laugh:  the  Lord  shall 
have  them  in  derision. 

By  these  and  such  like  expressions,  which  frequently  occur  in 
the  scripture,  we  are  taught,  in  a  language  which  we  understand, 
because  borrowed  from  ourselves,  and  our  manner  of  showing 
contempt,  how  the  schemes  of  worldly  politicians  appear  to  him, 
who,  sitting  upon  his  heavenly  throne,  surveys  at  a  glance  what- 
ever men  are  doing,  or  contriving  to  do,  upon  the  earth.  This  is 
the  idea  intended  to  be  conveyed ;  and  from  it  we  are  to  separate 
all  notions  of  levity,  or  whatever  else  may  oflend  when  applied  to 
the  Godhead,  though  adhering  to  the  phrases,  as  in  use  among  the 
sons  of  Adam.  The  same  is  to  be  said  with  regard  to  words 
which  seem  to  attribute  many  other  human  passions  and  affections 
to  the  Deity :  as  for  instance,  these  which  follow — 

5.  I'hen  shall  he  speak  unto  them  in  his  wrath,  and  t^ex  them 
in  his  sore  displeasure.  6.  Yet  have  I  set  my  King  upon  my  holy 
hill  of  Zion. 

The  meaning  is,  that  by  pouring  out  his  indignation  upon  the 
adversaries  of  Messiah,  as  formerly  upon  those  of  David,  God 
would  no  less  evidently  convict  and  reprove  their  folly  and  im- 
piety, than  if  he  had  actually  thus  spoken  to  them  from  his  eter- 
nal throne  above;  "  Yet,  notwithstanding  all  your  rage  against 
him,  have  I  raised  from  the  dead,  and  exalted,  as  the  head  of  the 
church,  my  appointed  King  Messiah ;  in  like  manner  as  I  once 
set  his  victorious  representative  David  upon  my  holy  hill  Sion  in 
the  earthly  Jerusalem,  out  of  the  reach  of  his  numerous  and  im- 
placable enemies."  Let  us  reflect,  for  our  comfort,  that  He  who 
raised  up  his  Son  Jesus,  has  promised  to  raise  up  us  also  who  be- 
lieve in  him;  and  that  the  world  can  no  more  prevent  the  exalta- 
tion of  the  members,  than  it  could  prevent  that  of  the  Head. 

J.  I  will  declare  the  decree :  Hie  Lord  hath  said  unto  me,  Thou 
art  my  Son,  this  day  have  I  begotten  thee. 
-8 


5S  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  II. 

Jesus,  for  the  suffering  of  death,  crowned  with  honour  and 
immortahty,  upon  the  holy  hill  of  Zion,  in  the  new  Jerusalem, 
now  "  declares  the  decree,"  or  preaches  the  gospel  of  the  ever- 
lasting covenant.  His  part  in  the  covenant  was  performed  by 
keeping  the  law,  and  dying  for  the  sins  of  men.  Nothing  there- 
fore remained,  but  the  accomplishment  of  the  promise  made,  to 
him  by  the  Father,  upon  those  conditions.  One  part  of  this  pro- 
mise was  fulfilled,  saith  St.  Paul,  "  in  that  he  bad  raised  up  Jesus 
again ;  as  it  is  written  in  the  second  Psalm,  Thou  art  my  Son, 
this  day  have  I  begotten  thee,"  Acts  xiii.  33.  Another  part  was 
fulfilled  at  the  ascension  of  Christ,  and  his  inauguration  to  an  eter- 
nal kingdom,  and  an  unchangeable  priesthood,  as  the  true  Melchi- 
zedek.  King  of  righteousness,  King  of  peace,  and  the  Priest  of 
the  most  high  God.  The  next  article  in  the  covenant  on  the  Fa- 
ther's side,  was  the  enlargement  of  Messiah's  spiritual  kingdom, 
by  the  accession  of  the  nations  to  the  church.  And  accordingly, 
this  was  the  next  thing  which  "  Jehovah  said  unto  him,"  after 
having  proclaimed  his  Sonship  and  pre-eminence;  as  we  find  by 
the  following  verse. 

8.  Ask  of  me,  and  I  shall  give  thee  the  heathen  for  thine  inhe- 
riiancej  and  the  iittermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  thy  possession. 

Christ  was  to  enter  upon  the  exercise  of  theintercessorial  branch 
of  his  priestly  office,  with  a  request  to  the  Father,  that  the  "  hea- 
then world  might  be  given  for  his  inheritance,  and  the  uttermost 
parts  of  the  earth  lor  his  possession,"  in  return  for  the  labours  he 
had  undergone,  and  the  pains  he  had  endured  ;  as  also  to  supply 
the  place  of  the  Jews,  who  were  his  original  "  inheritance  and 
possession,"  but  were  cast  ofl",  because  of  unbelief.  That  such 
request  was  made  by  Christ,  and  granted  by  the  Father,  the  per- 
son who  writes  this,  and  he  who  reads  it,  in  a  once  Pagan,  h\\\ 
now  Christian  island,  are  both  witnesses. 

9.  Thou  shalt  break  them  with  a  rod  of  iron,  thou  shalt  dash 
them  in  pieces  like  a  potters  vessel. 

The  irresistible  power  and  inflexible  justice  of  Christ's  king- 
dom are  signified  by  his  " ruUng  with  a  rod  of  iron ;"  the  impo- 
tence of  those  who  presume  to  oppose  him,  is  com])ared  to  that  o! 
"  a  potter's  vessel,"  which  must  fly  in  pieces  at  the  first  stroke  of 
the  iron  rod.  The  power  of  Christ  will  be  manifested  in  all,  by 
the  destruction  either  of  sin  or  the  sinner.  The  hearts  whicii 
now  yield  to  the  iminessions  of  his  Spirit,  are  broken  only  in  or- 
der to  be  formed  anew,  and  to  become  vessels  of  honour,  fitted  (ox 


Day  I.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  59 

the  Master's  use.  Those  which  continue  stubborn  and  hardened, 
must  be  dashed  in  pieces  by  the  stroke  of  eternal  vensreance. 

10,  Be  loise  now  therefore,  0  ye  kings :  be  instructed,  ye  judges 
of  the  earth.  11.  Serve  the  Lord  with  fear,  and  rejoice  with 
trembling. 

The  decree  of  the  Father,  concerning  the  kingdom  of  the  Son, 
being  thus  promulgated  by  the  latter,  an  exhortation  is  made  to  the 
kings  of  the  earth,  that  they  would  learn  true  wisdom,  and  suffer 
themselves  to  be  instructed  unto  salvation ;  that  they  would  bow 
their  sceptres  to  the  cross  of  Jesus,  and  cast  their  crowns  before 
his  throne;  esteeming  it  a  far  greater  honour,  as  well  as  a  more 
exalted  pleasure,  to  serve  Him,  than  to  find  themselves  at  the  head 
of  victorious  armies,  surrounded  by  applauding  nations. 

12.  Kiss  ihe  Son,  lest  he  be  angry,  and  ye  perish  from  the 
way,  ichcH  his  wrath  is  Idndled  but  a  little.  Blessed  are  all  they 
that  put  their  trust  in  him. 

Christ  beseeches  kings,  no  less  than  their  subjects,  to  be  recon- 
ciled to  him,  and  by  him  to  the  Father:  since  a  day  is  at  hand, 
when  mighty  men  sliall  have  no  distinction,  but  that  of  being 
mightily  tormented.  And  then  will  be  seen  the  "  blessedness"  of 
those  who  '•'  put  their  trust  in-'  the  Lord  Jesus.  For  when  the 
glory  of  man  shall  fade  away  as  the  short-lived  flower  of  the  field, 
;md  when  all  that  is  called  great  and  honourable  in  princes  shall 
be  laid  low  in  the  dust,  he  shall  give  unto  his  faithful  servants  a 
crown  without  cares,  and  a  kingdom  which  cannot  be  move<l. 

PSALM  IIL 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm  is  said  to  have  been  composed  by  David,  when  he  fled  from  his 
son  Absalom.  Thus  circumstanced,  lie  expresses  himself  in  terms  well 
adapted  to  the  parallel  case  of  the  Son  of  David,  persecuted  by  rebelli- 
ous Israel;  as  also  to  that  of  his  church,  suffering  tribulation  in  the  world 
1,  2.  He  complains,  in  much  anguish,  of  the  n'mltitude  of  his  enemies, 
and  of  the  reproaciies  cast  upon  him,  as  one  forsaken  by  God;  but,  3.  de- 
clares, notwithstanding,  his  sure  trust  in  the  Divine  promises;  4,  5.  he 
rcUrtes  the  success  of  his  prayers,  6 — 8.  derides  the  impotent  malice  of 
his  enemies,  and  ascribes  salvation  to  Jehovah. 

1.  Lord,  lioio  are  they  increased  that  trouble  me?  Many  are 
they  that  rise  up  against  me. 

David  is  astonished  to  find  that  "  tlie  hearts  of  the  men  of  Is- 
rael are  after  Absalom;"  2  Sam.  xv.  13.  that  his  coimsellors  are 


60  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  III. 

revolted,  and  his  friends  falling  ofl'  continually;  and  that  the  king 
of  Israel  is  forced  to  leave  his  capital  mourning  and  weeping.  Thus, 
led  forth  out  of  Jerusalem  by  his  own  children  in  arms  against  him, 
the  holy  Jesus  went,  forsaken  and  sorrowing,  to  the  cross,  in  the 
day  of  trouble.  Thus  is  the  church  oftentimes  opposed  and  be- 
trayed by  her  sons,  and  the  Christian  by  his  passions  and  affections. 
So  true  it  is  that  "  A  man's  foes  are  they  of  his  own  household." 
But  he,  who  by  prayer  engages  the  assistance  of  Jehovah,  will 
rise  superior  to  them  all. 

2.  Mmiy  there  be  ivhick  say  of  my  soul,  There  is  no  help  for  him 
in  God. 

Affliction  and  desertion  are  two  very  different  things,  but  often 
confounded  by  the  world.  Shimei  reviled  David,  as  reprobated  by 
Heaven ;  and  the  language  of  the  Shimeis  afterward,  concerning 
the  Son  of  David,  was,  "  He  trusted  in  God  ;  let  him  deliver  hira 
now,  if  he  will  have  him."  See  2  Sam.  xvi.  8.  Matt,  xxvii.  43. 
The  fearful  imaginations  of  our  own  desponding  hearts,  and  the 
suggestions  of  our  crafty  adversary,  frequently  join  to  help  for- 
ward this  most  dangerous  temptation,  in  the  hour  of  sorrow.  What 
therefore  hath  faith  to  offer  ?     We  shall  hear — 

3.  But  thou,  O  Lord,  art  a  shield  for  me  ;  my  glory ,  and  the 
lifter  up  of  my  head. 

Such  is  the  answer  of  David,  and  of  all  the  saints,  but  above 
all,  of  the  King  of  saints,  to  the  temptation  before  mentioned.  Je- 
hovah is  a  "  shield"  against  this,  and  all  other  fiery  darts,  shot  by 
Satan  and  his  associates :  he  is  the  "  glory"  of  Christ  and  the 
church,  with  which  they  will  one  day  be  seen  invested,  though  for 
a  season  it  appear  not  to  the  world,  any  more  than  did  the  royalty 
of  David,  when,  weeping  and  barefoot,  he  went  up  mount  Ohvet: 
2  Sam.  XV.  30.  the  same  Jehovah  is  "  the  lilter  up  of  our  heads," 
by  the  gift  of  holy  confidence,  and  the  hope  of  a  resurrection  through 
that  of  Jesus  Christ,  prefigured  by  the  triumphant  and  happy  return 
of  David  to  Jerusalem. 

4.  /  cried  unto  the  Lord  tvith  my  voice,  and  he  heard  me  out  of 
his  holy  hill. 

David,  driven  from  Jerusalem,  still  looked  and  prayed  towards 
the  "  holy  hill"  of  Sion.  Christ,  when  a  stranger  on  the  earth, 
"  made  supplication,  with  strong  crying,"  to  his  Father  in  heaven. 
Christ  was  heard  for  his  own  sake ;  David  was  heard,  and  we  shall 
be  heard,  through  him. 

5.  I  laid  we  down  and  slept  j  J  aivaked,for  the  Lord  sustained 
nie. 


Day  I.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  Gl 

Behold  David,  in  the  midst  of  danger,  sleeping  without  fear ;  se- 
cure through  the  Divine  protection,  of  awaking  to  engage  and  van- 
quish his  enemies.  Behold  the  Son  of  David  composing  himself  to 
his  rest  upon  the  cross,  that  bod  of  sorrows;  and  commending  his 
spirit  into  the  Father's  hands,  in  full  confidence  of  a  joyful  resur- 
rection, according  to  the  promise  at  the  time  appointed.  Behold 
this,  O  Christian,  and  let  faith  teach  thee  how  to  sleep,  and  how 
to  die ;  while  it  assures  thee,  that  as  sleep  is  a  short  death,  so  death 
is  a  longer  sleep ;  and  that  the  same  God  watches  over  thee,  in  thy 
bed  and  in  thy  grave. 

6.  /  ipill  not  be  afraid  of  ten  thmtsands  of  people,  that  have 
set  themselves  against  we  round  about. 

Faith,  revived  and  invigorated  by  prayer,  and  fixed  on  God  alone, 
is  a  stranger  to  foar  in  the  worst  of  times.  The  innumerable  ex- 
amples of  saints  rescued  from  tribulation,  and  above  all,  the  resur- 
rection of  the  Son  of  God  from  the  dead,  render  the  believer  bold 
as  a  lion,  although  the  name  of  his  adversary  be  "legion." 

7.  Arise,  O  Lord;  save  me,  O  my  God;  for  thou  hast  smitten 
all  mine  enemies  upon  the  cheek-bone;  thou  hast  broken  the  teeth 
of  the  ungodly. 

The  church,  through  Christ,  prayeth  in  these  words  of  David, 
that  Jehovah  would  arise,  as  of  old  time,  in  the  power  of  his  might; 
that  he  would  finally  break  the  power  of  Satan  and  his  adherents  ; 
pluck  the  spoil  out  of  the  jaws  of  those  beasts  of  prey ;  and  work 
that  glorious  deliverance  for  the  members,  which  is  already 
wrought  for  the  Head  of  the  body  mystical. 

8.  Salvation  belongeth,  or,  be  ascribed  unto  the  Lord;  thy 
blessing  is,  or,  be  upon  thy  people. 

The  Psalm  ends  with  an  acknowledgment,  which  ought  always 
to  fill  the  heart,  and  upon  every  proper  occasion,  to  flow  from  the 
mouth  of  a  Christian ;  namely,  that  "  salvation"  is  not  to  be  had 
from  man,  from  the  kings  of  the  earth,  or  the  gods  of  the  heathen , 
from  saints  or  angels,  but  from  Jehovah  alone;  to  whom  alone, 
therefore,  the  glory  should  be  ascribed.  If  He  will  save,  none 
can  destroy ;  if  He  will  destroy,  none  can  save.  Let  Balak,  then, 
curse  Israel,  or  hire  Balaam  to  curse  them  for  him ;  be  but  "  thy 
blessing,"  O  Lord,  upon  thy  people,  and  it  sufliceth. 


62  A  COMxMENTARY  Psal.  R^ 


PSALM  IV. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  person  spcakinj  in  this  Psalm,  1.  prayeth  to  be  heard  by  God ;  2.  coii- 
vinceth  the  world  of  sin;  3.  declareth  the  righteous  to  be  under  the  Di- 
vine protection ;  4,  5.  prcscribcth  solitude  and  meditation,  ns  the  proper 
means  to  lead  men  to  repentance  and  faith  ;  6.  showeth,  that  in  God  aloiie 
peace  and  comfort  are  to  be  found,  and  7.  how  superior  the  joys  of  the 
Spirit  are  to  those  of  sense;  8.  reposeth  himself,  in  full  assurance  of 
faith,  on  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord. 

1.  Hear  me  vhcn  I  call,  O  God  of  my  righteousness :  thou  hast 
enlarged  me  when  I  was  in  distress;  have  mercy  upon  me,  and 
hear  my  prayer. 

The  church,  like  David,  "calls"  aloud,  as  one  in  great  affliction, 
for  God's  assistance  :  she  addresses  him  as  the  "  God  of  her  righ- 
teousness," as  the  fountain  of  "pardon  and  grace;  she  reminds  him 
of  that  spiritual  liberty,  and  "  enlargement"  from  bondage,  which 
he  had  purchased  for  her,  and  oftentimes  wrought  in  her;  and  con- 
scious of  her  demerits,  makes  her  prayer  for  "mercy." 

2.  O  ye  sons  of  men,  how  long  will  ye  turn  my  glory  into 
shame?  how  long  will  ye  love  vanity,  and  seek  after  leasing,  or 

falsehood? 

If  the  Israclitish  monarch  conceived  he  had  just  cause  to  expos- 
tulate with  his  enemies,  for  despising  the  royal  majesty  with  which 
Jehovah  had  invested  his  Anointed;  of  how  much  severer  reproof 
shall  they  be  thought  worthy,  who  blaspheme  the  essential  "  glory" 
of  King  Messiah,  which  shines  forth  by  his  Gospel  in  the  church? 
Thou,  O  Christ,  art  everlasting  truth ;  all  is  "vanity  and  false- 
hood," transient  and  fallacious,  but  the  love  of  thee! 

3.  But  knoif  that  the  Lord  hath  set  apart  him  that  is  godly 
for  himself;  the  Lord  will  hear  tvhcn  I  call  unto  him. 

Be  the  o))inions,  or  the  practices  of  men  what  they  will,  the 
counsel  of  the  Lord  shall  stand.  Is  David  "  set  apart"  for  the 
kingdom  of  Israel  ?  Saul  shall  not  be  able  to  detain,  nor  Absalom 
to  wrest  it  from  him.  Is  Messiah  ordained  to  be  King  of  the  Israel 
of  God?  Death  and  hell  shall  not  prevent  it.  Are  his  disciples 
appointed  to  rvign  with  him?  Infallibly  they  shall.  Our  Interces- 
sor is  already  on  high ;  i-ind  for  his  sake,  "  the  Lord  will  hear  us 
when  we  call  upon  him."  What,  then,  can  be  said  for  us,  if  we 
neglect  to  call  ujjon  him  ? 

4.  Stand  in  awe,  II eb.  tremble  and  sin  not;  commune  with 
your  own  heart  upon  your  bed,  and  be  still. 


Day  I.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  63 

The  enemies  of  Christ,  as  well  as  those  of  David,  are  here  called 
to  repentance,  and  the  process  of  conversion  is  described.  The 
above-mentioned  consideration  of  tlie  Divine  counsel,  and  the  cer- 
tainty of  its  being  carried  into  execution,  by  the  salvation  of  the 
righteous,  and  the  confusion  of  their  enemies,  makes  the  wicked 
"  tremble."  "'  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  tiie  beginning  of  wisdom :" 
it  arrests  the  sinner  in  his  course,  and  he  "  sins  not ;"  he  goes  no 
farther  in  the  way  of  sin,  but  slops,  and  reflects  upon  what  he  has 
been  doigg:  he  "  communes  with  his  own  heart  upon  his  bed,  and 
is  still;"  his  conscience  sudors  him  not  to  rest  in  the  night,  but  takes 
the  advantage  of  solitude  luid  silence,  to  set  before  him  his  trans- 
gressions, with  all  the  terrors  of  death  and  judgment;  stirring  him 
up  to  confess  the  former,  and  deprecate  the  latter,  with  unfeigned 
compunction  and  sorrow  of  heart?  to  turn  unto  the  Lord  and  do 
works  meet  for  repentance :  to  learn  to  do  good,  as  well  as  to  cease 
from  doing  evil. 

5.  Offer  the  sacrifices  of  rightcous/icss,  and  put  ijour  trust  in 
the  Lord. 

The  Jews  are  no  longer  to  offer  the  shadowy  sacrifices  of  their 
law,  since  He,  who  is  the  substance  of  them  all,  is  come  into  the 
world.  The  Gentiles  are  no  more  to  offer  their  idolatrous  sacri- 
fices, since  their  idols  have  fallen  before  llie  Cross.  But  returning 
sinners,  whether  Jews  or  Gentiles,  are  to  oiler  the  same  ''  sacrilices 
of"  evangehcal"  righteousness;"  not  "  putting  their  trust"  in  them, 
but  ''  in  the  Lord"  Jesus,  through  whose  Spirit  they  are  enabled  to 
offer,  and  through  whose  blood  their  oflerlngs  are  acceptable  unto 
God.  Faith,  hope,  and  charity,  mutually  strengthen  each  other, 
and  compose  ••'  a  threefold  cord,"  which  "  is  not  easily  broken." 

(j.  There  be  inaiuj  that  say,  Who  will  shew  us  eiTty  good?  Lord, 
lift  thou  up  the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon  us. 

The  two  former  verses  were  addressed  to  rebellious  sinners,  in- 
viting them  to  repentance  and  reformation.  This  seems  to  relate 
to  the  righteous,  who,  in  times  of  calamity  and  persecution,  like 
the  friends  of  distressed  David,  are  tempted  to  despond,  on  se(iing 
no  end  of  their  troubles.  The  Psalmist  therefore  presciibes  prayer 
to  all  such,  as  an  antidote  against  the  temptation  ;  he  directs  them, 
in  the  darkest  night,  to  look  towards  heaven,  nor  doubt  the  return 
of  day,  when  the  rising  sun  shall  diffuse  light  and  salvation,  and 
sorrow  and  sighing  shall  fly  away.  How  many  are  continually 
asking  the  question  in  this  verse?  How  few  applying  to  Him  who 
alone  can  give  an  answer  of  pence  and  comfort. 


64  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  V. 

7.  Thou  hast  put  gladness  in  my  heart,  more  than  in  the  time 
that  their  corn  and  their  wine  increased. 

No  sooner  is  the  prayer  preferred,  but  the  answer  is  given;  and 
the  devout  soul  declares  herself  to  experience  a  joy  in  the  midst  of 
tribulation,  far  superior  to  the  joy  with  which  men  rejoice  in  the 
time  of  harvest,  or  that  of  vintage:  a  joy,  bright  and  pure,  as  the 
regions  from  whence  it  descends.  Such  is  the  difference  between 
the  bread  of  earth,  and  that  of  heaven;  between  the  juice  of  the 
grape,  and  the  cup  of  salvation.  Teach  us,  O  Lord,  to  discern 
this  difference,  and  to  choose  aright. 

8.  /  tcill  both  lay  me  down  in  peace,  and  sleep :  for  thou,  Lord, 
only  makest  me  to  dwell  in  safety. 

This  conclusion  affords  anijile  matter  for  profitable  and  delight- 
ful meditation,  if  it  be  considered,  first,  as  spoken  by  David,  or 
any  other  believer,  when  lying  down  to  rest,  full  of  the  joys  of  a 
good  conscience,  and  faith  unfeigned;  secondly,  as  pronounced 
by  the  true  David,  when  composing  himself  to  his  rest,  in  certain 
hope  of  a  resurrection.  And  happy  the  Christian,  who  having 
nightly,  with  this  verse,  commhted  himself  to  his  bed,  as  to  his 
grave,  shall  at  last,  with  the  same  words,  resign  himself  to  his 
grave  as  to  his  bed,  from  which  he  expects  in  due  time  to  arise, 
and  sing  a  morning  hymn  wiih  the  children  of  the  resurrection. 


PSALM  y. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  Psalmist  in  affliction,  1 — 3.  continues,  and  resolves  to  continue,  instant 
in  prayer;  4 — 6.  declares  the  irreconcilable  hatred  which  God  bears  to 
sin,  and  7.  his  own  confidence  of  being  accepted;  8.  he  petitions  lor  grace 
to  direct  and  preserve  him  in  the  way  ;  9.  sets  forth  the  wickedness  of 
his  enemies;  10.  foretels  their  punishment,  and  11,  12.  the  salvation  of 
the  faithful. 

1 .  Give  ear  to  my  woi-ds,  0  Lord  ;  consider  my  meditation,  or, 
my  dove-like  mournings. 

Although  nothing  can  really  hinder  or  divert  the  Divine  atten- 
tion, yet  God  is  represented  as  "  not  hearing,"  wlicn  either  the 
person  is  unacceptable,  or  the  petition  improper,  or  when  he  would 
thoroughly  prove  the  faith  and  patience  of  the  petitioner.  Christ, 
the  church,  and  the  believing  soul,  are  all  in  scripture  styled 
'■  doves,"  from  their  possessing  the  amiable  proi)erties  of  that 


Day  I.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  65 

bird  of  meekness  and  innocence,  purity  and  love.     The  "  mourn- 
ings" of  such  are  always  heard  and  attended  to  in  heaven. 

2.  Hearken  unto  the  voice  of  my  cry,  my  King  and  my  God: 
for  unto  thee  will  I prny. 

The  voice  of  the  suppliant's  cry  will  be  in  proportion  to  the 
sense  which  he  hath  of  his  sin.  Whom  should  a  subject  solicit, 
but  his  King?  to  whom  should  a  sinner  pray,  but  to  his  God? 
Let  us  often  think  upon  the  strong  cryings  of  him  who  suffered 
for  the  sins  of  the  world,  and  upon  that  intercession,  by  which 
the  pardon  of  those  sins  was  procured. 

3.  My  voice  slialt  thou  hear  in  the  inorning,  O  Lord;  in  the 
morning  mil  I  direct  my  prayer,  II<>b.  dispose,  or  set  myself  in 
order,  unto,  or  for  thee,  and  will  look  up. 

He  who  is  in  good  earnest,  and  hath  his  heart  fully  bent  upon 
the  work  of  salvation,  like  other  skilful  and  diligent  artificers,  will 
be  '''early"  in  his  application  to  it;  he  will  get  the  start  of  the 
world,  and  take  the  advantage  of  the  "  sweet  hour  of  prime,"  to 
"  dispose,"  and  "  set  himself  in  order,"  for  the  day.  What  is  a 
slothful  sinner  to  think  of  himself,  when  he  reads,  concerning  the 
holy  Jesus,  that  "  in  the  morning,  rising  up  a  great  while  before 
day,  he  went  out  and  departed  into  a  solitary  place,  and  there 
prayed!"  Mark  i.  35. 

4.  For  thou  art  not  a  God  that  hath  pleasure  in  ivickedness  / 
neither  shall  evil  dwell  with  thee. 

The  Psalmist  was  encouraged  to  make  his  early  prayers  to  God 
in  the  day  of  trouble,  upon  this  consideration,  that  his  righteous 
cause  must  finally  prosper,  and  the  Divine  counsels  be  accom- 
plished in  his  exaltation,  and  the  depression  of  his  enemies,  who 
were  likewise  the  enemies  of  God,  The  same  was  the  case  and  the 
confidence  of  a  suflering  Messiah ;  and  such  is  that  of  his  church 
and  people  in  the  world,  where  "  wickedness"  may  prosper,  and 
*'evil"  not  only  live,  but  reign.  Nevertheless,  we  know  that 
"  God  hath  no  pleasure"  in  them,  nor  shall  they  "  dwell  with 
him,"  as  we  hope  to  do. 

5.  The  foolish,  Heb.  mad,  shall  not  stand  in  thy  sight :  thou 
hatest  all  workers  of  iniquity.  6.  Thou  shalt  destroy  them  t/iat 
speak  leasing,  or  falsehood ;  the  Lord  doth  abhor  the  blood' 
thirsty  and  deceitful  man. 

No  objects  of  the  senses  can  be  so  nauseous  to  them,  as  the  va- 
rious kinds  of  sin  are  in  the  sight  of  God.     O  could  we  but  think, 
as  he  does,  concerning  these,  we  should  rather  choose  "  madness" 
'han  trangression.  and  a*;  soon  fall  in  love  with  a  plague-sore,  as  a. 
n 


66  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  \  - 

temptation.  ''  I'alseliood,  blood-thirstiness,  and  deceitfulness,'' 
are  marked  out  as  cliaracteristical  of  the  enemies  of  David,  of 
Christ,  and  the  church ;  and  the  history  evinces  them  so  to  have 
been.  Let  us  never  go  within  the  infection  of  such  pestilential 
crimes. 

•7.  But  as  for  me,  I  will  come  into  thtj  house  in  the  multitude 
of  thy  mercy :  and  in  thy  fear  toill  I  icorship  towards  thy  holy 
temple. 

Wisdom,  righteousness,  truth,  mercy,  and  sincerity,  form  a 
character  the  reverse  of  that  drawn  in  the  preceding  verses,  and 
such  an  one  as  God  will  accept,  when  appearing  before  him  in 
his  house,  and  offering  with  humility  and  reverence  the  sacrifices 
of  the  new  law,  as  David  did  those  of  the  old,  through  faith  in 
him  who  alone  filled  up  the  character,  and  procured  acceptance 
for  believers  and  their  oblations. 

8.  Lead  me,  0  Lord,  in  thy  righteousness,  because  of  mine 
enemies  ;  make  thy  way  strait  before  my  face. 

The  child  of  God,  admitted  into  his  holy  temple,  there  prefers 
this  petition,  praying  to  be  led  by  the  Divine  Spirit  in  a  course  of 
holy  obedience,  all  impediments  being  removed  out  of  the  way, 
which  otherwise  might  obstruct  the  progress,  or  cause  the  fall  of 
one  beginning  to  walk  in  the  path  of  life;  of  one  who  had  many 
"  enemies"  ready  to  contrive,  to  take  advantage  of,  to  rejoice  and 
triumph,  in  his  ruin.  Thus  a  man's  enemies,  while  they  oblige 
him  to  pray  more  fervently,  and  to  watch  more  narrowly  over  his 
conduct,  oftentimes  become  his  best  friends. 

9.  For  there  is  no  faithfulness  in  their  mouth,  their  inumrd. 
part  is  very  wickedness ;  their  throat  is  an  open  sepulchre ;  they 
flatter  loith  their  tongue. 

A  part  of  this  verse  is  cited,  Rom.  iii.  13.  together  with  several 
other  passages  from  the  Psnlms  and  prophets,  to  evince  the  depra- 
vity of  mankind,  whether  Jews  or  Gentiles,  till  justified  by  faith, 
and  renewed  by  grace.  It  is  plain,  therefore,  that  the  description 
was  designed  for  others,  besides  the  enemies  of  the  literal  David, 
and  is  of  more  general  import,  reaching  to  the  world  of  the  un- 
godly, and  to  the  enemies  of  all  righteousness,  as  manifested  in 
the  person  of  Messiah,  and  in  his  church.  The  charge  brought 
against  these  is,  tliat  '•  truth"  and  "  fidelity"  were  not  to  be  found 
in  their  dealings  with  God  or  each  other;  that  their  "inward 
parts"  were  very  wickedness;  their  first  thoughts  and  imagina- 
tions were  defiled,  and  the  stream  was  poisoned  at  the  fountain ; 
that  their  "throat  was  an  open  sepulchre,"  continually  emitting. 


Day  I.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  Of 

in  obscene  and  impious  languajrc,  tiie  noisome  and  infectious  exha- 
lations of  a  putrid  iieart,  entombed  in  a  body  of  sin ;  and  that  ii 
iver  they  put  on  the  appearance  of  goodness,  they  '•  flattered  witli 
their  toneue,"  in  order  the  more  effectually  to  deceive  and  destroy. 
So  low  is  human  nature  fallen!  "Othou  Adam,  what  hast  thou 
done?  For  though  it  was  thou  that  sinned,  thou  art  not  fallen 
alone,  but  we  all  that  come  of  thee."     2  Esd.  vii.  48. 

10.  Desiroi/  thou  them,  0  God ;  let  them  fall  by  their  own 
rounscL' :  cast  them  out  in  the  multitude  of  their  transgressions, 

for  thvji  have  rebelled  against  thee. 

Concerning  passages  of  this  imprecatory  kind  in  the  book  of 
Psalms,  it  is  to  be  observed,  that  they  are  not  spoken  of  private 
and  personal  enemies,  but  of  the  opposers  of  God  and  his  Anointed ; 
nor  of  any  among  these,  but  the  irreclaimable  and  finally  im- 
penitent; and  this  by  way  of  prediction  rather  than  imprecation; 
which  would  ajipear,  if  the  original  verbs  were  translated  uniformly 
in  the  future  tense,  as  they  might  be,  and  indeed,  to  cut  off  all 
occasion  from  them  which  desire  it,  should  be,  translated.  The 
verse  before  us  would  then  run  thus,  "  Thou  wilt  destroy  them,  O 
God;  they  shall  perish  by  their  own  counsels;  thou  wilt  cast 
them  out  in  the  multitude  of  their  transgressions,  for  they  have  re- 
belled against  thee."  The  words,  when  rendered  in  this  form, 
contain  a  prophecy  of  the  infatuation,  rejection,  and  destruction 
of  such  as  should  obstinately  persevere  in  their  opposition  to  the 
counsels  of  heaven,  whether  relating  to  David,  to  Christ,  or  to  the 
church.  The  fate  of  Ahitophcl  and  Absalom,  of  Judas  and  the 
Jews,  should  warn  others  not  to  offend  after  the  same  example. 

1 1 .  But  let  all  those  that  trust  in  thee  rejoice ;  let  them  ever 
shout  for  joy,  because  thou  dcfendest  them:  let  them  also  that 
love  thy  name  be  joyful  in  thee.  Heb.  All  they  that  trust  in  thee 
shall  rejoice,  &c. 

As  the  last  verse  foretold  the  perdition  of  the  ungodly,  this  de- 
scribes the  felicity  of  the  saints;  who,  trusting  in  God,  rejoice 
evermore,  and  sing  aloud  in  the  church  the  praises  of  their  Saviour 
and  mighty  defender;  the  love  of  whose  name  fills  their  hearts 
with  joy  unspeakable,  while  they  experience  the  comforts  of  grace, 
and  expect  the  rewards  of  glory. 

12.  For  thou,  Loud,  wilt  bless  the  righteous;  with  favour  zoilt 
thou  compass  him  as  with  a  shield. 

The  "  blessing"  of  God  descends  upon  us  through  Jesus  Christ 
^-  the  righteous"  or  "just  one,"  as  of  old  it  did  upon  Israel  through 
David,  whom,  for  the  benefit  of  his  chosen,  God  protected,  deli- 


68  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  VI. 

vered,  and  placed  upon  the  throne.  Thou,  O  Christ,  art  the  righ- 
teous Saviour,  thou  art  the  King  of  Israel,  thou  art  the  blessed  of 
Jehovah,  the  fountain  of  blessing  to  all  believers,  and  thy  "  fa- 
vour" is  the  defence  and  protection  of  the  church  militant. 


FIRST  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  VI. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  is  the  first  of  those  Psalms  which  are  styled  Penitential.  It  contains, 
1.  deprecation  of  eternal  vengeance,  and  2,  3.  a  petition  for  pardon  j 
which  is  enforced  from  a  consideration  of  the  penitent's  sufferings ;  4, 
from  tliat  of  the  Divine  mercy ;  5.  from  that  of  the  praise  and  glory  which 
God  would  fail  to  receive,  if  man  were  destroyed;  6,  7.  from  that  of  the 
penitent's  humiliation  and  contrition.  8 — 10.  the  strain  changes  into  one 
of  joy  and  triumph,  upon  the  success  and  retmn  of  the  prayer. 

1.  O  Lord,  rebuke  me  not  in  thine  anger,  neither  chasten  me  in 
thy  hot  displeasure. 

Let  us  suppose  a  sinner  awakened  to  a  true  sense  of  his  condi- 
tion, and  looking  around  him  for  hel}).  Above  is  an  angry  God 
preparing  to  take  vengeance ;  beneath,  the  fiery  gulf  ready  to  re- 
ceive him;  without  him,  a  world  inflames;  within  the  gnawing 
worm.  Thus  situated,  he  begins,  in  extreme  agony  of  spirit,  "  O 
Lord,  rebuke  me  not  in  thine  anger,  neither  chasten  me  in  thy  hot 
displeasure."  He  expects  that  God  will  "  rebuke"  him,  but  only 
prays  that  it  may  not  be  in  "  anger,"  finally  to  destroy  him ;  he 
desires  to  be  chastened,  but  chastened  in  fatherly  love,  not  in  the 
"hot  displeasure"  of  an  inexorable  judge.  As  often  as  we  are  led 
thus  to  express  our  sense  of  sin,  and  dread  of  punishment,  let  us 
reflect  on  Him  whose  righteous  soul,  endued  with  a  sensibility  pe- 
culiar to  itself,  sustained  the  sins  of  the  world,  and  the  displeasure 
of  the  Father. 

2.  Have  mercy  ujwn  me,  O  Lord,  fur  I  am  weak  :  0  Lord, 
heal  me;  for  my  bones  are  vexed,  Ileb.  shaken  or  made  to  tremble. 

The  penitent  entreats  for  mercy,  first,  by  representing  his  pitia- 
ble case,  under  the  image  of  sickness.  He  describes  his  soul  as 
deprived  of  all  its  health  and  vigour,  as  languishing  and  fainting, 
by  reason  of  sin,  which  had  eat  out  the  vitals,  and  shaken  all  the 
powers  and  supporters  of  the  spiritual  frame,  so  that  the  breath  of 
life  seemed  to  be  departing.     P^.nough,  however,  was  left,  to  sup- 


Day  I.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  69 

plicate  the  healing  aid  of  the  God  of  mercy  and  comfort;  to  peti- 
tion for  oil  and  wine  at  the  hands  of  the  Physician  of  spirits. 
How  happy  is  it  for  us,  that  we  have  a  Physician,  who  cannot  but 
be  touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities,  seeing  that  he  him- 
self once  took  them  upon  him,  and  suffered  for  them  even  unto 
the  death  of  the  cross,  under  which  he  '*  fainted,''  and  on  which 
•'  his  bones  were  vexed." 

3.  My  soul  is  also  sore  vexed:  but  thou,  O  Lord,  how  long? 
Anotlier  argument  is  drawn  from  the  sense  which  the  penitent 

hath  of  this  Iiis  woful  condition,  and  the  consternation  and  anxiety 
produced  thereby  in  his  troubled  mind.  Those  cause  him  to  fly 
for  refuge  to  the  hope  set  before  him.  "  Hope  deferred  maketh 
the  heart  sick ;'"  he  is  therefore  beautifully  represented  as  crying 
out,  with  a  fond  and  longing  impatience,  "  but  thou,  O  Lord,  how 
long  ?"  His  strength  is  supposed  to  fail  him,  and  the  sentence  is 
left  imperfect.  Wliat,  blessed  Jesus,  were  thy  "  troubles,"  when 
to  thy  companions  thou  saidst,  "  JMy  soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful, 
even  unto  death !"  By  those  thy  sorrows  we  beseech  thee  to  hear 
the  voice  of  thine  afllicted  church,  crying  to  thee  from  the  earth, 
"  My  soul  also  is  sore  troubled;  but  thou,  O  Lord,  how  long?" 

4.  Return,  0  Lord,  deliver  iny  soul^  O  save  me  for  thy  mercies' 
sake. 

A  third  argument  is  formed  ujion  the  consideration  of  God's 
"  mercy ;"  for  the  sake  of  which,  as  it  is  promised  to  penitents,  he 
is  requested  to  ^'  return,"  or  to  turn  himself  towards  the  suppliant ; 
to  lift  up  his  countenance  on  the  desponding  heart ;  to  "  deliver" 
it  from  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death,  and  to  diffuse  around  it 
light  and  life,  salvation,  joy,  and  gladness,  like  the  sun  in  the  morn- 
ing, when  he  revisits  a  benighted  world,  and  calls  up  the  creation 
to  bless  the  maker  of  so  glorious  a  luminary,  so  bright  a  repre- 
sentative of  redeeming  love. 

5.  For  in  death  there  is  no  remembrance  of  thee:  in  the  grave 
who  sliall give  thee  thanks? 

The  fourth  argument  proceeds  upon  a  supposition  that  God  cre- 
ated man  for  his  own  glory,  which,  therefore,  would  be  so  far  di- 
minished, if  man  were  permitted  finally  to  perish.  The  body 
could  not  glorify  God,  unless  raised  from  the  dead:  nor  could  the 
soul,  if  left  in  hell.  The 'voice  of  thanksgiving  is  not  heard  in  the 
grave,  and  no  hallelujahs  are  sung  in  the  pit  of  destruction.  This 
plea,  now  urged  by  the  church,  was  urged  for  her  without  all 
doubt,  by  her  Saviour  in  his  devotions,  and  prevailed  in  his  mouth, 
as  through  him,  it  will  do  in  hers. 


ro  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  VI. 

6.  I  am  weary  with  my  groaning  ;  all  the  night  make  I  my  bed 
to  siviin  ;  I  water  my  couch  with  my  tears. 

The  penitent  is  supplied  with  a  fifth  argument,  by  the  signs  and 
fruits  of  a  sincere  repentance,  which  put  themselves  forth  in  him. 
Such  was  his  sorrow,  and  such  revenge  did  he  take  upon  himself, 
that  for  every  idle  word  he  now  poured  forth  a  groan,  like  him 
that  is  in  anguish  through  extremity  of  bodily  pain,  until  he  was 
"  weary,"  but  yet  continued  groaning;  while  the  sad  remembrance 
of  each  wanton  folly  drew  a  tear  from  the  fountains  of  grief.  The 
all-righteous  Saviour  himself  wept  over  sinners :  sinners  read  the 
story,  and  yet  return  again  to  their  sins  ! 

7.  Mine  eye  is  consumed  because  of  grief;  it  waxeth  old  be- 
cause of  all  mine  enemies. 

Grief  exhausts  the  animal  spirits,  dims  the  eyes,  and  brings  on 
old  age  before  its  time.  Thus  it  is  said  concerning  the  man  of  sor- 
rows, that  '•  many  were  astonished  at  him,  his  visage  was  marred 
more  than  any  man,  and  his  form  was  more  than  the  sons  of  men," 
Isaiah  lii.  14.  How  long  in  these  times,  might  youth  and  beauty 
last,  were  godly  sorrow  their  only  enemy  ? 

8.  Depart  from  me,  all  ye  workers  of  iniquity,  for  the  Lono 
hath  heard  the  voice  of  my  weeping.  9.  The  Lord  hath  heard 
my  supplication;  the  Lord  will  hear,  or  hath  heard,  my  prayer. 

Repentance  having  performed  her  task,  having  taught  l>er  votary 
to  forsake  sin,  and  to  renounce  all  communication  with  sinners, 
now  gives  place  to  faith,  which  appears  with  the  glad  tidings  of 
pardon  and  acceptance,  causing  the  penitent  to  rejoice  in  God  his 
Saviour,  with  joy  unspeakable;  and  inspiring  his  heart  with  vigour 
and  resolution  to  run  his  course  in  the  way  of  righteousness.  Risen 
to  newness  in  life,  he  defies  the  malice,  and  predicts  the  final  over- 
throw of  his  spiritual  adversaries. 

10.  Lict  all  mine  enemies,  or,  all  mine  enemies  shall  be  ashamed, 
and  sore  vexed;  let  them,  or,  they  shall  return,  and  be  ashamed 
suddenly. 

Many  of  the  mournful  Psalms  end  in  this  manner,  to  instruct 
the  believer,  that  he  is  continually  to  look  forward,  and  solace 
himself  with  beholding  that  day,  when  his  warfare  shall  be  accom- 
plished ;  when  sin  and  sorrow  shall  be  no  more ;  when  sudden  and 
everlasting  confusion  shall  cover  the  enemies  of  righteousness; 
when  the  sackcloth  of  the  penitent  shall  be  exchanged  for  a  robe 
of  glory,  and  every  tear  become  a  sparkling  gem  in  his  crown ; 
when  to  sighs  and  groans  shall  succeed  the  songs  of  heaven  set 
to  angelic  harps,  and  failh  shall  be  resolved  into  the  vision  of  the 
Ahnisihlv. 


Day!.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  71 


PSALM  VII. 

ARGUMENT. 

Oaviil  is  said  to  have  roinposod  tliis  Psalm  conccrninsTthc  words  or  tlie  mat- 
ter of  Cush  tlio  Ben  jamito.  Whether  Saul,  or  Shiinei,  or  any  one  else, 
he  intcMidcd  under  this  name,  it  is  sufficiently  clear,  that  David  had  been 
maliciously  aspersed  and  calunniiated  by  such  a  person  ;  that  the  Psalm 
was  written  to  vindicate  himself  from  the  imputation,  whatever  was  the 
nature  of  it;  and  consequently  may  be  considered  as  the  appeal  of  the 
true  David  and  his  disciples  against  the  grand  accuser  and  his  associates. 
The  person  speakinc:,  1,  2.  declares  his  trust  to  be  in  God;  3 — 5.  pro- 
tests his  innocence;  6 — 8.  desires  that  judgment  may  be  given  in  the 
cause;  9,  10.  prays  for  the  abolition  of  sin,  and  the  full  establishment  of 
righteousness;  11 — 13.  sets  forth  the  Divine  judgfnients  against  sinners  ; 
14 — 16.  describes  the  beginning-,  progress,  and  end  of  sin,  with,  17.  the 
joy  and  triumph  of  the  faithful. 

1.  O  Lord  my  God,  in  thee  do  I  put  my  trust;  save  me  from 
(dl  them  that  persecute  me,  and  deliver  me. 

To  a  tender  and  ingenuous  spirit,  the  "  persecution"  of  the  tongue 
is  worse  tlian  that  of  the  sword,  and  with  more  difficuhy  submitted 
to;  as  indeed  a  good  name  is  more  precious  than  bodily  life.  Ke- 
lievers  in  ever}- age  have  been  persecuted  in  this  way;  and  the 
King  of  saints  often  mentions  it  as  one  of  the  bitterest  ingredients 
in  his  cup  of  sorrows.  Faith  and  prayer  are  the  arms  with  which 
this  formidable  temptation  must  be  encoimtered,  and  may  be  over- 
come. The  former  assures  us,  that  God  can  "  save  and  deliver" 
us  from  it;  the  latter  induces  him  so  to  do. 

2.  Lest  he  tear  my  soul  like  a  lion  rending  it  in  pieces,  tohile 
there  is  none  to  deliver. 

The  "  lion,"  of  whom  David  stood  in  fear,  was  probably  Saul, 
roiised,  by  a  false  accusation,  to  destroy  him.  The  rage  of  tyrants 
is  often  in  the  same  manner  excited  against  the  church.  And  we 
all  have  reason  to  dread  the  fury  of  one,  who  is  "  the  roaring  lion," 
as  well  as  the  "  accuser  of  the  brethren."  From  him  none  can  de- 
liver us,  but  God  only. 

3.  O  Lord  7ny  God,  if  I  have  done  this;  if  there  be  iniquity 
in  my  hands  ; 

David  makes  a  solemn  appeal  to  God,  the  searcher  of  hearts,  as 
judge  of  his  innocence,  with  regard  to  the  particular  crime  laid  to 
his  charge.  Any  person,  when  slandered,  may  do  the  same.  But 
Christ  only  could  call  upon  Heaven  to  attest  his  universal  upriglit- 
nes-;.     In  his  "hands"  there  was  "  no  iniquity;"  all  his  works 


72  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  VII. 

were  wrought  in  perfect  righteousness ;  and  when  the  prince  of  this 
world  came  to  try  and  explore  him,  he  found  nothing  whereof  justly 
to  accuse  him.  The  vessel  was  thoroughly  shaken,  but  the  liquor 
in  it  continued  pure. 

A.  If  I  have  reu'ctrded  evil  unto  him  that  was  at  peace  loith  me  ; 
yea,  I  have  delivered  him  that  tvithout  cause  is  mine  enemy. 

David  i)robably  alludes  to  the  life  of  Saul,  which  was  twice  pre- 
served by  him,  when  he  had  been  pressed  by  his  attendants  to  em- 
brace the  opportunity  of  taking  it  away.  See  1  Sam.  xxiv.  xxvi. 
Of  the  Son  of  David  St.  Paul  says,  "  in  this  he  commended  his 
love  to  us,  that  when  we  were  sinners,  he  died  for  us,"  Rom.  v. 
8.  In  so  exalted  a  sense  did  he  "  deliver  him  that  without  cause 
was  his  enemy."  Wretched  they  who  persecute  their  benefactor; 
happy  he  who  can  reflect,  that  he  has  been  a  benefactor  to  his 
persecutors. 

5.  Let  the  enemy  jiersecttfe  my  soul,  and  fake  it;  yea,  lei  him 
tread  down  my  life  upo7i  the  earth,  and  lay  mine  honour  in  the  dust. 

These  are  the  evils  which  David  imprecates  on  himself,  if  he 
were  such  as  his  adversaries  represented  him ;  persecution,  appre- 
hension, death,  and  disgrace.  Christ,  for  our  sakes  submitting  to 
the  imputation  of  guilt,  suffered  all  these;  but  being  innocent  in 
himself,  he  triumphed  over  them  all ;  he  was  raised  and  released, 
glorified  and  adored;  he  pursued  and  overtook  his  enemies,  he 
conquered  the  conquerors,  and  trampled  them  under  his  feet ;  and 
he  enableth  us,  through  grace,  to  do  the  same. 

6.  Arise,  0  Lord,  in  thine  anger,  lift  up  thyself  because  of  the 
rage  of  mine  enemies:  and  awake  for  7ne  to  the  judgment  that 
thou  hast  commanded. 

To  a  protestation  of  innocence  succeeds  a  prayer  for  judgment 
upon  the  case,  which  is  formed  on  lliese  two  considerations;  first, 
the  unreasonable  and  unrelenting  fury  of  the  persecutors ;  secondly, 
the  justice  which  God  has  "  commanded"  others  to  execute,  and 
which  therefore  he  himself  will  doubtless  execute  upon  such  occa- 
sions. How  did  he  "  awake,"  and  "  arise,"  and  "  lift  up  himself 
to  judgment,"  on  the  behalf  of  his  Anointed,  in  the  day  of  the  re- 
surrection of  Jesus,  and  the  subsequent  confusion  of  his  enemies  } 
And  let  injured  innocence  ever  comfort  itself  with  the  remembrance 
of  another  day  to  come,  when,  every  earth-born  cloud  being  re- 
mov(!d,  it  shall  dazzle  its  oppressors  with  a  lustre  far  superior  to 
that  of  a  noon-day  sun. 

7.  So  shall  the  congregation  of  the  people  compass  thee  about : 
for  their  sakes,  therefore,  return  thou  on  high. 


Day  I.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  73 

Tlie  meaning-  is,  tliat  a  visible  display  of  God's  righteous  judg- 
ment would  induce  multitudes  who  should. behold,  or  hear  of  it,  to 
adore  and  glorify  him.  For  their  sakes,  therefore,  as  well  as  that 
of  the  sufferer,  he  is  entreated  to  reascend  the  tribunal,  as  formerly, 
and  pronounce  the  wished-for  sentence.  Thus  the  determination 
of  the  cause  between  Jesus  and  his  adversaries,  by  his  resurrection, 
and  "  return-  on  high,"  brought  "  the  congregation  of  the  nations" 
around  him,  and  eflected  the  conversion  of  the  world.  Nor,  in 
iiuman  affairs,  docs  any  thing  more  advance  the  reputation  of  a 
people  among  their  neighbours,  than  an  equitable  sentence  in  the 
mouth  of  him  who  sitteth  in  judgment. 

8.  The  L.0V1.D  shall  judge  the  people:  judge  mc,  O  Lord,  ac- 
cording to  my  righteousness,)  and  according  to  mine  integrity  that 
is  in  me. 

Conscious  of  his  '•'  righteousness  and  integrity,"  as  to  the  mat- 
ter in  question,  David  desires  to  be  judged  by  him,  who  is  to  judge 
the  world  at  the  last  day.  How  iew,,  among  Christians,  have  seri- 
ously and  deliberately  considered,  whether  the  sentence  of  that  day 
is  likely  to  be  in  their  favour !  Yet,  how  many,  with  the  utmost 
composure  and  self-complacency,  repeat  continually  the  words  of 
this  Psalm,  as  well  as  those  in  the  Te  Deum,  "  We  believe  that 
thou  shalt  come  to  be  our  Judge!"  Legal,  or  perfect  righteousness 
and  integrity  are  peculiar  to  the  Redeemer;  but  evangelical  righte- 
ousness and  integrity  all  must  have,  who  would  be  saved. 

0.  O  let  the  micLedness  of  the  wiched  come  to  an  end ;  hut  esta- 
blish the  just :  or,  the  wickedness  of  the  wicked  shall,  &c.  :for  the 
righteous  God  trieth  the  hearts  and  reins.  10.  My  defence  is  of 
God,  toho  savelh  the  upright  in  heart. 

It  is  predicted  that  wickedness  w'ill,  in  the  end,  be  abohshed,  and 
the  just  immoveabiy  establisiied,  hy  Him  who  know-eth  intimately 
the  very  thoughts  and  desires  of  both  good  and  bad  men,  and  will 
give  to  each  their  due  reward.  How  can  we  doubt  of  this,  when 
it  has  pleased  God  to  afford  so  many  examples  and  preludes  to  it, 
in  his  dispensations  of  old  time  ?  The  righteous  cause  hath  already 
triumphed  in  Christ;  let  us  not  douljt,  but  that  it  will  do  so  in  the 
church.  Happy  the  man,  whose  hope  is  therefore  in  God,  because 
"  he  saveth  the  upright  in  heart." 

11.  God  judgeth  the  righteous,  and  God  is  angry  with  the 
wicked  every  day. 

The  sense  seems  to  be,  that  there  are  daily  instances  in  the  world 
of  God's  favour  towards  his  people;  as  also  of  his  displeasure  against 
'he  ungodly,  who  are  frequently  visited  by  sore  judgments,  and  taken 
10 


74  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  VII, 

away  in  their  sins.  In  this  Ught  we  should  consider  and  regard  all 
history,  whether  that  of  our  own  age  and  nation,  or  of  any  other. 

12.  If  he  turn  not,  he  will  whet  his  sword;  he  hath  bent  his  bow, 
and  made  it  ready.  13.  lie  hath  also  prepared  for  him  the  instru- 
ments of  death;  he  ordaineth  his  arrows  against  the  persecutors. 

The  sinner,  who  is  not  converted  by  the  vengeance  inflicted  on 
others,  will  himself  at  length  be  made  an  example  of.  The  wrath 
of  God  may  be  slow,  but  it  is  always  sure.  In  thoughtless  security 
man  wantons  and  whiles  away  the  precious  hours ;  he  knows  not 
that  every  transgression  sets  a  fresh  edge  on  the  sword,  which  is  thus 
continually  whetting  for  his  destruction;  nor  considers,  that  he  is 
the  mark  of  an  archer  who  never  errs,  and  who,  at  this  very  instant, 
perhaps,  has  fitted  to  the  string  that  arrow  which  is  to  pierce  his 
soul  with  everlasting  anguish. 

14.  Behold,  he  travaileth  with  iniquity,  and  hath  conceived 
mischief  and  brought  forth  falsehood. 

This  is  not  to  be  understood  as  if  "  travail"  were  previous  to 
"  conception.''  The  first  is  a  general  expression;  "  Behold,  he 
travaileth  with  iniquity;"  the  latter  part  of  the  verse  is  more  par- 
ticular; as  if  it  had  been  said,  "  and  having  conceived  mischief,  he 
bringeth  forth  falsehood."  When  an  evil  thought  is  instilled  into 
the  heart  of  a  man,  then  the  seed  of  the  wicked  one  is  sown;  by 
admitting,  retaining,  and  cherishing  the  diabolical  suggestion  in  his 
mind,  he  "  conceiveth"  a  puipose  of  "  mischief;"  when  that  pur- 
pose is  gradually  formed  and  matured  for  the  birth,  he  "  travaileth 
with  iniquity;"  at  length  by  carrying  it  into  action,  "  he  bringeth 
forth  falsehood."  The  purity  of  the  soul,  like  that  of  the  body, 
from  whence  the  image  is  borrowed,  must  be  preserved  by  keeping 
out  of  the  way  of  temptation. 

15.  He  made  a  pit,  and  digged  it,  and  is  fallen  into  the  ditch 
which  he  made.  l6.  His  mischief  shall  retmm  upon  his  own  head, 
and  his  violent  dealing  shall  come  doicn  upon  his  oion  pate. 

All  the  world  agrees  to  acknowledge  the  equity  of  that  sentence 
which  inflicts  upon  the  guilty  the  punishment  intended  by  them  for 
the  innocent.  No  one  pities  the  fate  of  a  man  buried  in  that  pit 
which  he  had  dug  to  receive  his  neighbour;  or  of  him  who  owes 
his  death-wound  to  the  return  of  an  arrow  shot  against  Heaven. 
Saul  was  overthrown  by  those  Philistines  whom  he  would  have 
made  the  instruments  of  cutting  ofi"  David.  Haman  was  hanged 
on  his  own  gallows.  The  Jews  who  excited  the  Romans  to  crucify 
Christ,  were  themselves,  by  the  Romans,  crucified  in  crowds. 
Striking  instances  these  of  the  vengeance  to  be  one  day  executed 


Day  I.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  75 

on  all  tempters  and  persecutors  of  others;  when  men  and  ancrels 
shall  lift  up  their  voices,  and  cry  out  together  ''  Righteous  art  thou, 
O  Lord,  and  just  are  thy  judgments." 

17.  I  will  praise  the  Lord  according  to  his  righteousness  ;  and 
will  sing  praise  to  the  name  of  the  Lord  most  high. 

Whatever  doubts  may  at  present  arise  concerning  the  ways  of 
God,  let  us  rest  assured  that  they  will  all  receive  a  solution;  and 
that  the  "  righteousness"'  of  the  groat  Judge,  manifested  in  his  final 
determinations,  will  be  the  subject  of  everlasting  hallelujahs. 


PSALM  vin. 

ARGtJMENT. 

This  is  the  first  of  those  Psalms  which  the  church  has  appointed  to  be  read 
on  Ascension-day.  It  treats,  as  appears  from  Heb.  ii.  6,  &lc.  of  the  won- 
derful love  of  God,  shown  by  the  exaltation  of  our  nature  in  Messiah,  or 
the  second  Adam,  to  the  rig^ht  hand  of  the  Majesty  on  high,  and  by  the 
subjection  of  all  creatures  to  the  word  of  his  power. 

1.  O  Lord,  our  Lord,  how  excellent  is  thy  name  in  all  the 
earth  !  who  hast  set  thj  glory  above  the  heavens. 

The  prophet  beholds  in  spirit  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  and  the 
glory  that  should  follow;  like  St.  Stephen  afterward,  he  sees  hea- 
ven opened,  and  Jesus  standing  at  the  right  hand  of  God  ;  the  sight 
fills  his  heart  with  wonder,  love,  and  devotion,  which  break  forth 
in  this  address  to  "  Jehovah,"  as  "  our  Lord ;"  for  such  he  is  by  the 
twofold  right  of  creation  and  redemption,  having  made  us,  and  pur- 
chased us.  On  both  accounts,  "  how  excellent,"  how  full  of  beauty 
and  honour  is  his  name,  diffused  by  the  gospel  through  "  all  the 
earth  !"  But  more  especially  do  men  and  angels  admire  and  adore 
him  for  the  exaltation  of  his  ••  glory,"  the  glory  of  the  only  begot- 
ten, high  "  above  the  heavens,"  and  all  created  nature,  to  the  throne 
prepared  for  him  before  the  foundation  of  the  world. 

2.  Out  of  the  mout  h  of  ha  bcs  and  sucklings  hast  thou  ordained^ 
Heh.  founded,  or  constituted,  strength,  because  of  thine  enemies^ 
that  thou  mightest  still  the  enemy  and  avenger. 

This  verse  is  cited  by  our  Lord,  Malt.  xxi.  l6.  and  applied  to 
little  children  in  the  temple,  crying,  "  Ilosannah  to  the  Son  of  Da- 
vid !"  which  vexed  and  confounded  his  malignant  adversaries. 

The  import  of  tiie  words,  therefore,  plainly  is,  that  the  praises  of 
Messiah,  celebrated  in  the  church  by  his  children,  have  in  them  a 
strength  and  power  which  nothing  can  withstand ;  they  can  abash 


76  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  VIII. 

infidelity,  when  at  its  greatest  heiglit,  and  strike  hell  itself  dumb. 
In  the  citation  made  by  our  Lord,  which  the  evangelist  gives  from 
the  Greek  of  the  LXX.  we  read,  "  thou  hast  perfected  praise," 
which  seems  to  be  rather  a  paraphrase  than  a  translation  of  the 
Hebrew,  literally  rendered  by  our  translators, ''  thou  hast  ordained 
strength." 

3.  Jflicn  I  consider  thy  heavens,  the  work  of  thi)  fingers,  the 
moon  and  the  stars,  which  thou  hast  ordained:  4.  J^hat  is  man. 
that  thou  art  mindful  of  him?  and  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  vi- 
sitest  him? 

At  the  time  of  inditing  this  Psalm,  David  is  evidently  supposed 
to  have  had  before  his  eyes  the  heavens,  as  they  appear  by  night. 
He  is  struck  with  the  awful  magnificence  of  the  wide  extended 
firmament,  adorned  by  the  moon  walking  in  brightness,  and  ren- 
dered brilliant  by  the  vivid  lustre  of  a  multitude  of  shining  orbs, 
differing  from  each  other  in  magnitude  and  splendour.  And  when, 
from  surveying  the  beauty  of  heaven,  with  its  glorious  show,  he 
turrit  to  take  a  view  of  the  creature  man,  he  is  still  more  affected 
by  the  mercy,  than  he  had  before  been  by  the  majesty  of  the  Lord : 
since  far  less  wonderful  it  is,  that  God  should  make  such  a  world 
as  this,  than  that  He,  who  made  such  a  world  as  this,  should  be 
'•  mindful  of  man,"  in  his  fallen  estate,  and  should  ''  visit"  human 
nature  with  his  salvation. 

5.  For  thou  hast  inadc  him  a  little,  or,  for  a  little  while,  lower 
than  the  angels,  and  hast  crowned  him  with  glory  and  honour. 
6.  Thou  madest  him  to  have  dominion  over  the  works  of  thy  hands  : 
thou  hast  put  all  things  under  his  feet. 

On  these  two  verses,  with  that  preceding,  St.  Paul  has  left  us 
the  following  comment.  "  One  in  a  certain  place  testified, 
saying.  What  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him  ?  or  the  son  of 
man  that  thou  visitest  him  ?  Thou  madest  him  a  little  lower  than 
[?H«rjO-.  a  little  while  inferior  to]  the  angels;  thou  crowncst  him 
with  glory  and  honour,  and  didst  set  him  over  the  works  of  thy 
hands;  thou  hast  put  all  things  in  subjection  under  his  feet.  For 
in  that  he  put  all  in  subjection  under  him,  he  left  nothing  that  is 
not  put  under  him.  But  now  we  see  not  yet  all  things  put  under 
him.  But  we  see  Jesus,  who  M'as  made  a  little  lower  tlian  the 
angels,  for  the  suffering  of  death,  crowned  with  glory  and  honour," 
Heb.  ii.  6,  &c.    See  also  1  Cor.  xv.  27- 

7.  All  sheep  and  oxen,  yea,  and  the  beasts  of  the  field;  8.  The 
fold  of  the  air,  and  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  whatsover  passeth 
through  the  paths  of  the  seas. 


Day  I.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  77 

Adam,  upon  his  creation,  was  invested  with  sovereign  dominiDU 
over  the  creatures,  in  words  of  the  same  import  with  these  ;  Cen.  i, 
28.  which  are  therefore  here  used,  and  the  creatures  particuhuized, 
to  inform  us,  that  what  the  fust  Adam  lost  by  transgression,  the 
second  Adam  regained  by  obedience.  That  "  glory"  which  was 
«  set  above  the  heavens,"  could  not  but  be  over  all  things  on  "  the 
earth."  And  accordingly,  we  hear  our  Lord  saying,  after  his  resur- 
rection "  All  power  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and  in  earth," 
Matth.  xxviii.  18.  Nor  is  it  a  speculation  unpleasing,  or  unpro- 
fitable, to  consider,  that  he  who  rules  over  the  material  world,  is 
Lord  also  of  the  intellectual,  or  spiritual  creation,  represented 
thereby.  The  souls  of  the  faithful,  lowly  and  harmless,  are  the 
sheep  of  his  pasture;  those  who,  like  oxen,  are  strong  to  labour  in 
the  church,  and  who,  by  expounding  the  word  of  life,  tread  out 
the  corn  for  the  nourishment  of  the  [)cople,  own  him  for  their  kind 
and  beneficent  master ;  nay,  tempers  fierce  and  untractable  as  the 
wild  beasts  of  the  desert,  are  yet  subject  to  his  will;  spirits  of  the 
angelic  kind,  that,  like  the  birds  of  the  air,  traverse  freely  the  su- 
perior region,  move  at  his  command ;  and  those  evil  ones,  whose  ha- 
bitation is  in  the  deep  abyss,  even  to  the  great  Leviathan  himself; 
all,  are  put  under  the  feet  of  King  Messiah ;  who  "  because  he 
humbled  himself,  and  became  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death 
of  the  cross,  was  therefore  highly  exalted,  and  had  a  name  given 
him  above  every  name,  that  at  the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee 
should  bow,  whether  of  things  in  heaven,  or  things  on  earth,  or 
things  under  the  eartli ;  and  that  every  tongue  should  confess  that 
Jesus  is  Lord,  to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father,"  Phil.  ii.  8,  &c. 
9.  0  Lord,  our  Lord,  how  excellent  is  thy  name  in  all  the  earth  ! 
Let  therefore  the  universal  chorus  of  men  and  angels  join  their 
voices  together,  and  make  their  sound  to  be  heard  as  one,  in  honour 
of  the  Redeemer,  evermore  praising  him,  and  saying,  O  Lord,  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  King  of  Righteousness,  Peace  and  Glory,  King 
of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords,  how  excellent,  how  precious,  how 
lovely,  how  great  and  glorious  is  thy  Name,  diffused  over  all  the 
earth,  for  the  salvation  of  tliy  chosen.  Blessing,  and  honour,  and 
glory,  and  power  be  unto  him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  un- 
to the  Lamb,  for  over  and  ever.  And  let  heaven  and  eartii  say, 
Amen. 


7»  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  IX. 

SECOND  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  IX. 

ARGUMENT. 
This  Psalm  consists  of  two  parts,  a  thanksgiving,  1 — 12;  and  a  prayer^ 
13 — 20.  Upon  what  particular  occasion  it  was  composed,  is  not  known  ; 
probably,  to  celebrate  the  victories  gained  by  David  over  the  neighbour- 
ing nations,  after  God  had  exalted  him  to  be  king  in  Sion.  See  ver.  11- 
But  most  certainly  the  Psnlm  was  intended  for  the  use  of  tlie  Christian 
church  ;  and  she  continually,  by  using  it,  1,  2.  declares  her  resolution  to 
celebrate  the  praises  of  her  God  ;  since  3,  4.  her  enemies  were  vanquished, 
and  her  cause  was  carried;  5,  6.  the  empire  of  Satan  was  subverted, 
and  7,  8.  the  kingdom  of  Christ  established;  9,  10.  affording  to  believers 
refuge  and  salvation,  for  all  these  blessings.  11.  Christians  are  excited  to 
praise  their  Redeemerj  who  12.  forgets  notliing  that  is  done  or  suffered 
for  his  sake.  13,  14.  the  church  petitions  for  final  deliverance  from  the 
world,  and  the  evil  thereof;  15,  Iti.  building  her  hope  ii])on  the  mercies 
already  received;  17,  18.  she  foretels  the  destruction  of  the  wicked;  and 
19,  20.  prays  for  the  manifestation  of  God. 

1.  I  icill  praise  thee,  0  Lord,  icith  my  wJiole  heart;  I  will 
shew  forth  all  thy  marvellous  works. 

In  this  animated  and  exahed  hymn,  the  church  begins  with  de- 
claring her  resolution  to  "  praise  Jehovah,"  as  the  author  of  her 
salvation ;  and  that,  neither  coldly,  as  if  the  salvation  were  little 
worth,  nor  partially,  reserving  a  share  of  the  glory  of  it  to  herself; 
but  with  the  "  whole  heart,"  with  an  affection  pure  and  flaming, 
like  the  holy  fire  upon  the  altar.  She  is  determined  to  "show 
forth"  to  the  world,  for  its  conviction  and  conversion,  "  all  his 
marvellous  works,"  the  most  "marvellous"  of  which  are  those 
wrought  for,  and  in  the  souls  of  men.  Outward  miracles  strike 
more  forcibly  upon  the  senses ;  but  they  are  introductory  only  to 
those  internal  operations,  which  they  arc  intended  to  represent. 

2.  /  loill  he  glad  and  rejoice  in  thee :  I  xvill  sing  praise  to  thy 
name,  O  thou  most  High. 

Christians  are  taught  to  "be  glad  and  rejoice,"  not  in  abundance 
of  wealth,  or  plenitude  of  power,  not  in  the  pleasures  of  sense  or 
the  praise  of  men,  but  in  God  their  Saviour;  and  their  joy  is  as  far 
superior  to  the  joy  of  the  worldly,  as  the  object  of  one  is  to  that  of 
the  other.  He  who,  with  the  spirit  and  the  understanding,  as  well 
as  with  the  voice,  "sings  praise  to  thy  name,  O  Most  High,"  is  em- 
ployed as  the  angels  are,  and  experiences  a  foretaste  of  the  de- 
light they  feel. 

3.  When  mine  enemies  are  driven  hack,  they  shall  fall,  or,  they 
stumble,  or  fall;  and  perish  at  thy  presence. 


Day  ir.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  79 

The  cluirch  begins  to  explain  the  subject  of  her  joy,  which  is  a 
victory  over  her  "enemies;"  a  victory  not  gained  by  herself,  but 
by  the  "  presence  of  (iod"  in  the  midst  of  her.  The  grand  enemy 
of  our  salvation  was  first  vanquished  by  Christ  in  the  wilderness, 
and  "driven  back,"  with  the  words  "Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan." 
The  same  blessed  person  afterwards  completely  triumphed  over 
him  upon  the  cross,  when  the  "  prince  of  this  world  was  cast  out." 
This  is  that  great  victory,  which  we  celebrate  in  psalms,  and  hynms, 
and  spiritual  songs,  from  generation  to  gcneralif)n  ;  and,  through 
faith  in  him  who  achieved  it,  we  are  likewise  enabled  to  fight,  and 
to  overcome. 

4.  For  thou  hast  maintained  my  right  and  my  cause;  thou 
safest  in  the  throne  judging  right. 

The  same  important  transaction  is  here  described  in  forensic, 
;is  before  it  was  in  military  terms.  Satan  having  gotten  possession 
of  mankind,  might  have  pleaded  his  right  to  keep  it,  since  by  trans- 
gression they  had  left  God,  and  sold  themselves  to  him.  But 
Christ,  as  the  church's  representative  and  advocate,  made  the  sa- 
tisfaction required,  paid  down  the  price  of  redemption,  "'  took  the 
prey  from  the  mighty,  and  delivered  the  lawful  captive,"  Isa.  xlix. 
24.  Thus  was  our  "  right  and  our  cause  maintained ;"  thus  we 
were  rescued  from  the  oppressor,  and  he  who  "  sat  on  the  throne 
judged  righteous  judgment."  Something  of  this  sort  may  be  sup- 
posed to  pass  concerning  each  individual,  between  the  Accuser  of 
the  brethren  and  the  eternal  Intercessor  in  the  court  of  heaven. 

5.  Thou  hast  rebuked  the  heathen,  thou  hast  destroyed  tJie 
wicked,  thou  hast  put  out  their  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

To  the  victory  of  Christ  succeeded  the  overthrow  of  Satan's 
empire  in  the  pagan  world.  "  The  heathen  were  rebuked,"  when, 
through  the  power  of  the  Spirit  in  those  who  preached  the  gospel, 
men  were  convinced  of  sin,  and  of  righteousness,  and  of  judg- 
ment; "The  wicked  were  destroyed,  and  their  name  put  out  for 
ever,"  when  the  Roman  power  became  Christian,  and  the  ancient 
idolatry  sunk,  to  rise  no  more.  A  day  is  coming  when  all  iniquity 
shall  perish,  and  be  forgotten  in  like  manner. 

6.  O  thou  enemy,  destructions  are  come  to  a  perpetual  end:  or, 
the  destructions  of  the  enemy  are  completed  to  the  utmost :  and 
thou,  O  God,  hast  destroyed  their  cities,  their  memorial  is  pe- 
rished icith  them!* 

*  Bishop  Lowth  renders  this  verse  to  the  same  effect.  "  Desolations  have 
consumed  the  enemy  for  ever  :  and  as  to  the  cities  which  thou,  O  God,  hast 
destroyed,  tlieir  memory  is  perished  wiih  thcin.'"  ?:(ic  Merrick's  .iJnaotidiom 
on  I  he  Ptalms,  p.  9. 


80  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  IX. 

The  Christian  churcli  when  repeating  these  words,  may  be  sup- 
posed to  take  a  retrospective  view  of  the  successive  fall  of  those 
empires,  with  their  capital  "  cities,"  in  which  the  "  enemy"  had 
from  time  to  time  fixed  his  residence,  and  which  had  vexed  and 
persecuted  the  peojjle  of  God  in  dilTerent  ages.  Such  were  the 
Assyrian,  or  Babylonian,  the  Persian  and  the  Grecian  monarchies. 
All  these  vanished  away,  and  came  to  nothing.  Nay,  the  very 
"  memorial"  of  the  stupendous  Nineveh  and  Babylon  is  so  "  pe- 
rished with  them,"  that  the  place  where  they  once  stood  is  now 
no  more  to  be  found.  The  Roman  empire  was  the  last  of  the 
pagan  persecuting  powers ;  and  when  the  church  saw  "  that"  un- 
der her  feet,  well  might  she  cry  out,  "  The  destructions  of  the 
enemy  arc  completed  to  the  utmost !"  How  lovely  will  this  song 
be  in  the  day  when  the  last  enemy  shall  be  destroyed,  and  the 
world  itself  shall  become  what  Babylon  is  at  pi'esent.  Next  to 
the  glory  and  triumph  of  that  day,  is  the  jubilee  which  the  Chris- 
tian celebrates,  upon  his  conquest  over  the  body  of  sin. 

7.  But  the  Lord  shall  cnclvre  for  ever;  he  hath  prepared  his 
throne  for  judgment.  8.  And  he  shall  judge  the  world  in  righ- 
teousness, he  shall  minister  judgment  to  the  people  in  uprightness. 

In  opposition  to  the  transient  nature  of  the  earthly  kingdoms, 
the  eternal  duration  of  Messiah's  kingdom  is  asserted  ;  as  also 
its  universality,  extending  over  the  whole  •'  world ;"  together  with 
the  consummate  rectitude  of  its  administration.  To  him,  as  Su- 
preme Judge  in  an  unerring  court  of  equity,  lies  an  appeal  from 
the  unjust  determinations  here  below  :  and  by  him  in  person  shall 
every  cause  be  reheard,  when  that  court  shall  sit,  and  all  nations 
shall  be  sunmioned  to  appear  before  it. 

9.  TJie  I^ORD  also  will  be  a  refuge  for  the  oppressed,  a  refuge 
■in  time  of  trouble. 

In  the  mcdn  time,  and  until  he  returnetli  to  judgment,  the  poor 
in  spirit,  the  meek  and  lowly  penitent,  however  •'•  oppressed  in 
times  of  trouble,"  by  worldly  and  ungodly  men,  and  by  the  fre- 
quent assaults  of  the  wicked  one,  still  finding  a  refuge  in  Jesus ; 
who  renews  his  strength  by  fresh  supplies  of  grace,  arms  him  with 
faith  and  patience,  and  animates  him  with  the  hope  of  glory. 

10.  And  they  that  know  thy  name  will  put  their  trust  in  thee  r 
for  thou,  Loud,  hast  not  forsaken  them  that  seek  thee. 

Therefore,  they  who  "  know  God's  name,"  that  is,  who  are  ac- 
quainted whh,  and  have  experienced  his  nierciful  nature  and  dis- 
position, ex|)ressed  in  that  name,  will  take  no  unlawful  methods  to 
escape  afiliction,  nor  "  put  their  trust"  in  any  but  him  for  deliver- 


Day  II.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  81 

ance ;  since  a  most  undoubted  truth  (and  O,  what  a  comfortable 
truth)  it  is,  that  "  thou  Lord  Jesus,  hast  not  forsaken,''  nor  ever 
wih  finally  "  forsake  them  that"  sincerely  and  diliojently,  with  their 
whole  heart  "  seek''  to  "  thee"  for  help  ;  as  a  child,  upon  apprehen- 
sion of  danjofer,  flies  to  the  arms  of  its  tender  and  intlu]s;ent  j)arcnt. 

11.  Sinff  prai'^cs  to  the  Lord,  tohich  dwvUcth  in  Zion  ;  declare 
among  the  people  his  doings. 

The  church,  having  celebrated  the  power  and  the  goodness  of 
her  Lord,  exhorteth  all  her  children  to  lift  up  their  voices  and  sing 
together  in  fidl  chorus,  the  praises  of  him  whose  tabernacle  is  in 
*'  Zion,"  who  resiiles  with  men  upon  the  mountain  of  his  holiness, 
and  saith,  "  Behold,  I  am  with  you  always,  even  to  the  end  of  the 
world."  And  thus,  not  only  "  among  the  people,"  but  also  to 
principalities  and  powers  in  heavenly  places,  will  be  "  declared" 
and  made  known  by  the  voice  of  thanksgiving  in  the  church,  the 
manifold  wisdom  and  mercy  of  God,  in  his  "  doings"  towards 
man.     See  Eph.  iii.  10. 

12.  When  he  niaketh  inquisition  for  blood,  he  rememhereth 
them:  he  forgetteth  not  the  cry  of  the  humble. 

An  objection  might  be  started  to  the  so  nuich  extolled  loving- 
kindness  of  God,  namely,  that  in  this  world  his  faitiiful  people  are 
often  afllicted  and  persecuted ;  nay,  sometimes  suffered  to  be  killed 
all  the  day  long,  as  sheep  appointed  to  the  slaughter.  But  this  is 
obviated  by  the  consideration,  that  all  is  not  over,  as  wicked  men 
may  suppose,  at  death ;  that  a  strict  "  inquisition"  will  be  ap- 
pointed hereafter,  when  the  "  blood"  of  martyrs,  and  the  suffer- 
ings of  confessors  shall  not  be  "  forgotten."  He  rememhereth 
THEM,  that  is,  those  who  seek  him,  mentioned  verse  10;  so  that 
the  exhortation  to  "sing  praises,"  &c.  ver.  11,  seems  parenthetic, 

13.  Have  mercrj  upon  me,  O  Lord;  consider  the  trouble  which 
I  suffer  of  them  that  hate  me,  thou  that  liftest  me  up  from  the 
gates  of  death. 

We  are  now  come  to  the  second  part  of  this  Psalm.  The 
church,  after  having,  in  a  former  part,  strengthened  her  faith  by 
commemoration  of  the  mighty  works  God  had  wrought  for  her, 
proceeds,  in  this,  to  pOur  forth  a  prayer  for  farther  and  final  deli- 
verance. She  speaks,  as  still  militant  upon  earth,  still  in  an  ene- 
my's country,  surrounded  by  them  that  hate  her,  and  suflering  much 
from  them.  To  whom  therefore  should  she  address  herself,  but  to 
him,  whose  high  prerogative  it  is,  literally  to  "  raise  from  the  gates 
of  death;"  to  him  who  is,  in  every  possible  sense.  "  the  resurrec- 
tion and  the  life  ?" 

n 


S2  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  IX. 

14.  Thai  1  may  shew  forth  all  thy  praise  in  the  gates  of  the 
daughter  of  Zion :  I  will  rejoice  in  thy  salvation. 

The  members  of  tlie  cliurch  militant  despair  of  being  able  to 
"  show  forth  all  God's  praise,"  till  they  become  members  of  the 
church  triumphant.  There  is  a  beautiful  contrast  between  "  the 
gates  of  death,"  in  the  preceding  verse,  and  ''the  gates  of  the 
daughter  of  Zion,"  or  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  in  this  :  The  one 
lead  down  to  the  pit,  the  other  up  to  the  mount  of  God;  the  one 
open  into  perpetual  darkness,  the  other  into  light  eternal ;  from 
the  one  proceeds  nothing  but  what  is  evil,  from  the  other  nothing 
but  what  is  good  ;  infernal  spirits  watch  at  the  one,  the  other  are 
unbarred  by  the  hands  of  angels.  What  a  blessuig  then  is  it,  to 
be  snatched  from  the  former,  and  transported  to  the  latter !  Who 
but  must  "rejoice"  in  such  "salvation!" 

15.  The  heathen  are  stink,  or  sink,  down  in  the  pit  that  they 
made  ;  in  the  net  which  they  hid  is  their  own  foot  taken.  16.  The 
Lord  is  known  hy  the  judgment  which  he  execiiteth  ;  the  wicked 
is  snared  in  the  ivork  of  his  own  hands. 

Faith  beholds,  as  already  executed,  that  righteous  judgment, 
whereby  wicked  men  and  evil  spirits  will  fall  into  the  perdition 
which  they  had  prepared  for  others,  either  openly  by  persecution, 
or  more  covertly  by  temptation.     See  Psalm  vii.  15,  l6. 

17.  The  wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  and  all  the  nations 
that  forget  God. 

All  wickedness  came  originally  with  the  wicked  one  from  hell, 
thither  it  will  be  again  remitted,  and  they  who  hold  on  its  side 
must  accompany  it  on  its  return  to  that  place  of  torment,  there  to 
be  shut  up  for  ever.  The  true  state  both  of  "  nations,"  and  the 
individuals  of  which  they  are  con)posed,  is  to  be  estimated  from 
one  single  circumstance,  namely,  whether  in  their  doings  they  re- 
member, or  "  forget  God."  Remembrance  of  Him  is  the  well- 
spring  of  virtue;  forgetfiilness  vof  llim,  the  fountain  of  vice. 

18.  For  the  needy  shall  not  cdway  he  forgotten:  the  expecta- 
tion of  the  poor  shall  not  perish  for  ever. 

They  who  remember  God  shall  infallibly  be  remembered  by 
Him,  and  let  this  be  their  anchor  in  the  most  tempestuous  seasons. 
The  body  of  a  martyr  is  buried  in  tlie  earth ;  and  so  is  the  root  of 
the  fairest  flower  ;  but  neither  of  them  "  perisheth  for  ever."  Let 
but  the  winter  pass,  and  the  spring  return,  and  lo,  the  faded  and 
withered  flower  blooms;  the  body  sown  in  corruption,  dishonour, 
and  weakness,  rises  in  incorruption,  glory,  and  ]jower. 

19.  Arise,  O  Lord,  let  not  man  prevail;  let  the  heathen  hv 
judged  in  thy  sight. 


Day  II.  iM.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  83 

And  now,  the  Spirit  and  the  Bride  say,  Come;  Arise,  O  Lord 
Jesus,  from  thy  throne  of  glory,  and  come  quickly  ;  "  let  not"  the 
"  man"  of  sin  "  prevail"  against  thy  church ;  but  let  the  long- 
depending  cause  between  her  and  her  adversaries,  "  be  judged" 
and  finally  determined  '^  in  thy  sight." 

20.  Put  them  in  fear,  O  Lord,  that  the  nations  may  know 
themselves  to  be  but  men. 

Strange,  that  man,  dust  in  his  original,  sinful  by  his  fall,  and 
continually  reminded  of  both,  by  every  thing  in  him  and  about 
him,  should  yet  stand  in  need  of  some  sharp  affliction,  some  severe 
visitation  from  God,  to  bring  him  to  the  knowledge  of  himself,  and 
make  hiui  feel  who,  and  what  he  is.  But  this  is  frequently  the 
case;  and  when  it  is,  as  there  are  wounds  which  cannot  be  healed 
without  a  previous  application  of  caustics,  mercy  is  necessitated 
to  begin  her  work  with  an  infliction  of  judgment. 

PSALM  X. 

ARGUMENT. 
This  Psalm  is,  in  the  LXX.  joinetl  to  the  preceding,  but  in  the  Hebrew  di- 
vided fiom  it.  The  church  under  persecution  from  the  spirit  of  Antichrist 
in  the  world,  after  1.  an  humble  expostulation  with  her  Lord,  setteth 
down  the  marks  whereby  that  spirit  may  be  known;  such  as  2.  hatred  of 
the  faithful;  3.  self-willedness  and  wordly-mindedness;  4.  infidelity;  5,6. 
profligacy  and  pride ;  7.  profancnrss  and  perjury  ;  8—10.  subtlety  and 
treachery  employed  against  the  people  of  God;  11.  security  and  pre- 
sumption. From  tlie  persecutions  of  such  a  spirit  the  church,  12 — 15. 
prayeth  earnestly  to  be  delivered;  and,  16—18.  through  faith,  rejoiceth 
in  tribulation. 

1.  Wliy  standest  thou  afar  off,  0  Lord?  Why  hidest  thou 
thyself  in  times  of  trouble  ? 

During  the  conflict  between  the  church  and  her  adversaries, 
God  is  represented  as  one  withdrawing  to  a  distance,  instead  of 
affording  succour  ;  nay,  as  one  concealing  himself,  so  as  not  to  be 
found  by  those  who  petitioned  for  aid  or  counsel.  To  behold  the 
righteous  cause  oppressed,  and  good  men  seemingly  deserted  by 
Heaven,  at  a  time  when  they  most  need  its  assistance,  is  apt  to 
offend  the  weak,  and  oftentimes  stagger  those  who  are  strong.  It 
is  indeed  a  sore  trial,  but  intended  to  make  us  perfect  in  the  prac- 
tice of  three  most  important  duties,  humility,  resignation,  and  faith. 
That  we  may  not  faint  under  the  severity  of  this  discipline,  let 
us  ever  bear  in  mind  that  the  beloved  Son  of  the  Father,  the  Son 
in  whom  he  was  well  pleased,  had  occasion  to  utter  these  words, 
''  My  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  ?" 


84  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.   X. 

2.  The  wicked  hi  Jii.f  jmde  doth  jjcrsccitfe  the  poor;  let  theniy 
or  they  shall,  be  lalen  in  the  devices  tlud  thcij  have  imngincd. 

Inconceivable  is  tlmt  malignant  liny,  with  which  a  conceited  in- 
fidel persecutes  an  humble  believer,  though  that  believer  hath  no 
otherwise  offended  him  tlian  by  being  such.  And  what  wonder? 
Shu-e  it  is  a  copy  ol'  the  hatred  wiiich  Satan  bears  to  Christ.  But 
the  devices  of  the  adversaries,  like  those  of  their  leader,  will  end  in 
their  own  eternal  confusion. 

3.  For  the  wicked  hoasteth  of  his  heart's  desire,  and  hlesscth 
the  covetous,  whom  the  Lord  ahhorrcth. 

The  first  part  of  this  verse  points  out  that  alarming  symptom  of 
a  reprobate  mind,  a  disposition  to  exult  and  glory  in  those  lusts, 
which  are  the  shame  and  disgrace  of  human  nature,  whether  the 
world  or  the  flesh  be  their  object.  The  latter  clause  is  differently 
rendered,  as  implying  either  that  "  the  wicked  blesseth  the  cove- 
tous whom  God  abhorreth,"  or  that  "the  wicked,  being  covetous, 
or  oppressive,  blesseth  himself  and  abhorreth  God."  Either  way, 
an  oppressing,  griping,  worldly  spirit,  is  characterized  with  its  di- 
rect opposition  to  the  Spirit  of  God,  which  teaches,  that  sin  is  to  be 
confessed  with  shame  and  sorrow;  that  in  God  alone  man  is  to 
make  his  boast ;  and  that  it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive. 

4.  The  wicked,  through  the  pride  of  his  countenance,  will  not 
seek  after  God;  God  is  not  in  all  his  thoughts;  or,  all  his  imagi- 
nations are,  there  is  no  God. 

The  counsels  of  heaven  are  not  known  by  the  wicked,  because 
they  are  not  sought  after  ;  and  they  are  not  sought  after,  because 
of  a  diabolical  self-sufficiency,  which  having  taken  possession  of 
the  heart,  displays  itself  in  the  countenance,  and  reigns  through- 
out the  man.  He  wants  no  Prophet  to  teach  liim,  no  Priest  to 
atone  for  him,  no  King  to  conduct  him  ;  he  needs  neither  a  Christ 
to  redeem,  nor  a  Spirit  to  sanctify  him ;  he  believes  no  Provi- 
dence, adores  no  Creator,  and  fears  no  Judge.  Thus  he  lives  a 
"  stranger  from  the  covenants  of  promise,  and  without  God  in 
the  world,"  Eph.  ii.  12.  O  that  this  character  now  existed  only 
in  the  Psalmist's  description. 

5.  Ilisumys  are  always  grievous,  or,  corrupt;  thy  judgments  are 
far  above  out  of  his  sight :  as  for  all  his  enemies,  he  pufeth  at  them. 

As  are  a  man's  principles,  such  will  be  his  practices ;  and  if  he 
hath  not  God  in  his  thoughts,  his  course  of  life  will  be  corrupt  and 
abominable,  his  end,  his  means,  and  his  motives,  being  all  wrong, 
and  polluted  with  concujiiscence.  There  would  have  been  some 
chance  of  holding  him  by  fear,  but  that  is  gone  with  his  faith;  for 
no  man  can  tremble  at  judgments  in  which  he  does  not  believe. 


Day  II.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  8:» 

C.  lie  hath  said  in  his  heart,  I  shall  not  be  moved;  for  1  shall 
never  he  in  adversitii. 

Prosperity  begets  presumption,  and  he  who  has  been  lone  accus- 
tomed to  see  his  desiorns  succeed,  begins  to  think  it  impossible  they 
should  ever  do  otherwise.  The  lone-sunTerine  of  God  instead  of 
leading;  such  an  one  to  repentance,  only  hardens  him  in  his  iniquity. 
Because  sentence  against  an  evil  work  is  not  executed  speedily,  he 
thinks  it  will  not  be  executed  at  all.  He  vaunteth  himself,  thertifore, 
like  the  proud  Chaldean  monarch,  in  the  Babylon  which  he  hath 
erected,  and  fondly  pronounceth  it  to  be  inmiortal.  Such,  it  is  too 
evident,  are  often  the  vain  imasrinations  of  triumphant  wickedness, 

7.  His  mouth  is  full  of  eursing,  deceit,  ami  fraud :  under  his 
tongue  is  miscliirf  and  vanity. 

From  the  thoushts  of  the  sinner's  '•  heart,"  mentioned  in  the 
preceding  verse,  David  goes  on  to  describe  the  words  of  his  "  mouth." 
And  here  we  may  illustrate  the  character  of  the  antichrist,  by  set- 
ting that  of  Christ  in  opposition  to  it.  The  mouth  of  one  poureth 
forth  a  torrent  of  curses  and  lies ;  from  that  of  the  other  flowed  a 
clear  and  copious  stream  of  benediction  and  truth.  Under  the  ser- 
pentine tongue  of  the  former  is  a  bag  of  mischief  and  vanity ;  but 
honey  and  milk  were  under  the  tongue  of  the  latter,  so  pleasant  and 
so  nourishing  to  the  spirits  of  men  were  all  his  communications. 

8.  He  sitteth  in  the  lurking  places  of  the  villages;  in  the  secret 
places  doth  he  murder  the  innocent:  his  eyes  are  privily  set  against 
the  poor. 

From  "  words,"  the  description  proceeds  to  '•'  actions."  And 
with  regard  to  these,  as  the  Son  of  Gotl  went  publicly  preaching 
through  cities  and  villages  to  save  men's  lives,  so  this  child  of  Sa- 
tan lieth  in  ambush  to  destroy  them,  privily  bringing  into  the  church, 
and  diffusing  among  the  people,  pestilent  errors,  and  damnable  he- 
resies, for  that  purpose. 

9.  He  lieth  in  wait  secretly  as  a  lion  in  his  den;  he  licth  in  tvait 
to  catch  the  poor;  he  doth  catch  the  poor,  when  he  drawefh  him 
into  his  net. 

The  disciples  of  Jesus,  like  their  blessed  Master,  are  ever  vigilant 
to  catch  men  in  the  evangelical  net,  in  order  to  draw  them  from  the 
world  to  God:  the  partizans  of  Satan,  in  imitation  of  their  leader, 
are  employed  in  watching,  from  their  lurking  places,  the  footsteps 
of  the  Christian  pilgrim,  that  they  may  spring  upon  him  in  an  un- 
guarded  moment,  and  draw  him  from  God  to  the  world,  and  from 
thence  to  the  devil. 

10.  He  a-oucheth,  and  humhleth  himself,  that  the  poor  mayf(dl 
by  his  strong  ones. 


86  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  X. 

Our  Lord,  who  is  styled  "  the  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah/ '  be- 
came a  "  Lamb,"  for  the  solvation  of  mankind  ;  but  when  his  ad- 
versary at  any  time  "  humbleth''  himself,  when  the  wolf  appears  in 
sheep's  clothing,  let  the  Hock  beware;  it  is  for  their  more  effectual 
destruction.  And  if,  allured  by  an  outward  siiow  of  moderation  and 
benevolence,  the  simple  ones  shall  venture  themselves  within  his 
reach,  they  will  soon  find  that  his  nature  is  disguised,  but  not  altered. 

11,  He  hath  said  in  his  hearty  God  hath  forgotten;  he  hidrth 
his  fare  ;  he  will  never  see  if. 

For  the  chastisement  of  his  people,  God  often  suffers  the  enemy 
to  prevail  and  prosper,  who  then  ridicules  the  faith  and  hope  of 
the  church,  and  solaces  himself  in  the  conceit,  that  if  there  be  a 
God,  he  cither  knoAvs  not,  or  cares  not,  what  is  done  upon  earth. 
These  Epicurean  notions,  however  absurd  and  unworthy  of  the 
Deity  they  may  seem,  do  yet  in  some  measure  take  possession  of 
ever}'  man's  mind  at  the  instant  of  his  committing  a  sin;  since  it  is 
most  certain,  that  with  a  due  impression  of  the  Divine  onmiscience 
upon  his  soul  at  the  time,  he  would  not  commit  it  for  all  that  the 
tempter  could  offer  him.  But  faith  is  apt  to  sleep,  and  then  sin 
awakes, 

12,  Arise,  O  Lord;  O  God,  lift  up  thine  hand:  forget  not  the 
humble.  13,  Wherefore  doth  the  wicked  contemn  God?  He  hath 
said  in  his  heart,  Thou  wilt  not  require  if. 

The  church  now  prays,  that  Jehovah,  in  vindication  of  his  own 
honour  and  attributes,  would  arise  to  judgment,  and  make  bare  his 
glorious  arm  for  the  defence  of  his  elect,  who  cry  day  and  night  unto 
hira.  Thus  would  the  insolence  of  the  wicked  one  and  his  agents, 
founded  on  the  Divine  forbearance,  be  repressed,  and  all  the  world 
would  see,  that  God  had  not  forgotten,  but  still,  as  ever,  remem- 
bered and  regarded  the  low  estate  of  his  handmaid. 

14.  Thou  hast  seen  it,  for  thou  beholdest  mischief  and  spite,  to 
requite  it  with  thy  hand:  the  poor  committeth  himself  unto  thee  ; 
fhou  art  the  helper  of  the  fatherless. 

"  The  wicked"  above  "  saith  in  his  heart.  Thou  wilt  not  require 
it."  But  the  faithful  are  taught  other  things  by  the  promises  in 
Scripture,  and  the  experience  of  unnumbered  histories.  They 
know  assuredly,  that  God  beholds  all  that  travail  and  vexation 
which  some  inflict,  and  others  sustain, upon  the  earth;  and  that  he 
will  infallibly  recompense  to  the  former  their  deeds,  to  the  latter 
their  sufferings.  Destitute  should  we  be  of  every  earthly  helji,  in 
the  state  of  beggars  and  orphans,  yet  in  him  will  we  trust,  who,  as 
the  Father  and  protector'of  all  such,  saith  unto  every  one  of  us,  "  1 
will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake  the(\" 


Day  II.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  87 

15.  Bieak  thou  the  arm  of  the  wicked  and  evil  man  :  seek  out 
his  wickedneas  till  thoujiiid  none. 

This  may  be  either  a  prayer  or  a  prediction,  implyijig  that  the 
time  will  come,  when  the  power  of  Jehovah  will  dash  in  pieces 
that  of  the  enemy,  by  the  demolition  cither  of  sin  or  the  sinner, 
until  wickedness  become  utterly  to  an  end,  and  righteousness  be 
established  for  ever  in  the  kingdom  of  Messiah.     And  lo, 

iG.  The  Lord  is  King  for  ever  and  ever:  the  heathen  are  pe- 
rished out  of  his  land. 

Faith  beholds  the  Lord  Jesus,  as  already  manifested  in  his  glo- 
rious majesty,  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  become  his,  and  the 
Canaanito  no  more  in  the  land  of  ])romise.  Each  individual  ex- 
periences in  himself  a  happy  preUule  to  this  manifestation,  when 
Christ  rules  in  his  heart  by  the  Spirit,  and  every  appetite  and  affec- 
tion is  obedient  to  the  sceptre  of  his  kingdom. 

17.  Lord,  thou  hast  heard,  or,  hearest,  the  desire  of  the  hum- 
ble: thou  wilt  prepare,  or,  thou  preparcst,  their  heart ;  tkott  wilt 
cau.<}e,  or,  thou  causest,  thine  ear  to  hear. 

How  many  important  and  comforting  truths  have  we  here,  in  a 
few  words  ?  As,  that  the  "  humble"  and  lowly,  whatever  they  may 
suffer  in  the  world,  are  the  favourites  of  Jehovah:  that  he  attends 
to  the  very  "  desires"  of  their  hearts :  that  such  hearts  '•  prepared" 
to  prayer,  are  so  many  instruments  strung  antl  tuned  by  the  hand 
of  Heaven :  and  tliat  their  prayer  is  as  music,  to  wliich  the  Almighty 
himself  listens  with  pleasure. 

18.  To  Judge  the  fatherless  and  the  ojqjressed,  that  the  man  of 
the  earth  may  no  more  oppress. 

For  the  sake  of  the  elect,  and  their  prayers,  the  days  of  perse- 
cution and  tribulation  v»ill  be  shortened ;  the  insolence  of  the  earth- 
born  oppressor,  the  man  of  sin,  will  be  chastised ;  the  cause  of  the 
church  will  be  heard  at  the  tribujial  of  God,  and  victory,  triumph, 
and  glory,  will  be  given  unto  her.  In  the  foregoing  exposition,  re- 
gard has  been  chiefly  had  to  the  case  of  the  church,  and  to  her  suf- 
ferings from  the  spirit  of  antichrist,  in  whomsoever  existing  and 
acting,  from  time  to  time  in  the  world;  this  being  judged  the  most 
generally  useful  application,  which  Christians,  as  such,  can  make 
of  the  Psalm.  Particular  accommodations  of  it  to  the  various  op- 
pressions of  innocent  poverty  by  ini(juitous  opulence,  will  meet  the 
eye,  and  oiler  themselves  at  once  to  ])ersons  so  circumstanced,  foi- 
their  support  and  comfort  under  their  respective  aftlictions;  which 
will  be  also  not  a  little  alleviated  by  the  consideration,  that  the 
whole  church  of  (iod  groaneth  with  them,  and  travaileth  in  pain, 
waiting  for  the  adoption,  to  wit,  the  redemption  of  the  body.   Then, 


85         .  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XI. 

and  not  till  then,  tears  shall  cease  to  run  down  the  checks  of  misery ; 
and  sorrow  and  sighing  shall  fly  away  to  return  no  more  for  ever. 

PSALM  XL 

ARGUMENT. 

The  Psalmist,  under  persecution,  1 — 3.  declareth  himself  resolved  to  trust 
in  God  alone,  at  a  time  when  he  was  advised  to  fly  to  some  place  of  re- 
fuge ;  4.  he  expresses  his  faith  in  the  omniscience  and  overruling  power 
of  Jehovah ;  5.  assigns  the  reason  why  good  men  are  afflicted ;  who,  after 
that  the  wicked,  6.  shall  be  destroyed,  will  appear  to  have  been  all  along, 
7.  the  favoured  of  God. 

1.  In  the  hoRD  jntt  I  my  trusty  how  say  ye  to  my  soul,  Flee  as 
a  bird  to  your  mountain  ? 

The  Christian,  like  David,  in  perilous  times,  should  make  God 
his  fortress,  and  continue  doing  his  duty  in  his  station;  he  should 
not,  at  the  instigation  of  those  about  him,  like  a  poor,  silly,  timo- 
rous, inconstant  bird,  either  fly  for  refuge  to  the  devices  of  worldly 
wisdom,  or  desert  his  post,  and  retire  into  solitude,  while  he  can 
serve  the  cause  in  which  he  is  engaged.  Nor  indeed  is  there  any 
"  mountain"  on  earth  out  of  the  reach  of  care  and  trouble.  Temp- 
tations are  every  where;  and  so  is  the  grace  of  God. 

2.  For,  lo,  the  tcicked  bend  their  boiv,  they  make  ready  their 
arroio  upon  the  string,  that  they  may  jmvily  shoot  at  the  upright 
in  heart. 

These  seem  to  be  still  the  words  of  David's  friends,  represent- 
ing to  him,  as  a  motive  for  his  flight,  the  extreme  danger  he  was  in 
from  the  "  arrows''  of  the  enemy,  already,  as  it  were,  fitted  to  the 
"  string"  and  pointed  at  him  "  in  secret,"  so  that  not  knowing 
from  whence  they  were  to  come,  he  could  not  guard  against  them. 
The  Christian's  danger,  from  the  darts  of  the  infernal  archers, 
lying  in  wait  for  his  soul,  is  full  as  great  as  that  of  David.  But 
"  the  shield  of  faith"  sufficeth  in  both  cases. 

3.  If  the  foundations  be  destroyed,  what  can  the  righteous  do? 

This  likewise  seems  to  be  spoken  by  the  same  persons,  discou- 
raging David  from  making  an}^  farther  resistance,  by  the  considera- 
tion, that  all  was  over;  the  "  foundations"  of  religion  and  law 
were  subverted;  and  what  could  a  man,  engaged  in  the  most 
"  righteous"  designs,  hope  to  "  do,"  when  that  was  the  case  }  Such 
arguments  are  often  urged  by  the  timid,  in  similar  circumstances; 
but  they  are  fallacious;  since  all  is  not  over,  while  there  is  a  man 
left  to  rej)rove  error,  and  bear  testimony  to  the  truth.  And  a  man 
who  does  it  with  becoming  spirit,  may  stop  a  prince,  or  senate. 


Day  II.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  8^ 

when  in  full  career,  and  recover  the  day.     But  let  us  hear  David's 
farther  reply  to  his  advisers. 

4.  The  Lord  is  in  hin  hohj  temple,  the  Lord's  throne  is  in  heu- 
cen  ;  his  eyes  behold,  his  eijelich  tnj  the  children  of  men. 

In  the  first  verse,  the  Psalmist  had  declared  his  trust  to  be  in  Je- 
hovah. After  reciting  the  reasonings  of  his  friends,  he  now  pro- 
ceeds to  evince  the  fitness  and  propriety  of  such  trust,  notwith- 
standing the  seemingly  desperate  situation  of  aflairs.  "  Jehovah 
is  in  his  holy  temple;''  into  which,  therefore,  unholy  men,  however 
triumphant  in  this  world,  can  never  enter:  "  Jehovah's  throne  is 
in  heaven ;  and  consequently  superior  to  all  power  upon  earth, 
which  may  be  controlled  and  overruled  b}'  him  in  a  moment :  "  his 
eyes  behold,  his  eyelids  try  the  children  of  men ;"  so  that  no  secret 
wickedness  can  escape  his  knowledge,  who  scrutinizeth  the  hearts 
as  well  as  the  lives  of  all  the  sons  of  Adam.  Why,  then,  should 
the  man  despair,  who  hath  on  his  side  holiness,  omnipotence,  and 
omniscience  ? 

5.  The  Lord  tricth  the  righteotis ;  hut  the  tdclccd,  and  him 
that  loreth  violence,  his  soul  hate.th. 

As  to  the  aftlictions  which  persons  may  suffer,  who  are  embarked 
in  a  righteous  cause,  they  are  intended  to  purge  away  the  dross, 
and  to  refine  them  for  the  Master's  use.  '•  Gold,"  saith  the  son  of 
Sirach,  "  is  tried  in  the  fire,  and  acceptable  men  in  the  furnace 
of  adversity,"  Ecclcs.  ii.  5.  In  the  mean  time,  God's  displeasure 
against  the  wicked  is  ever  the  same,  and  their  prosperity,  instead 
of  benefiting,  will  in  the  end  destroy  them.  The  cases  of  David 
and  Saul,  Christ  and  the  Jews,  the  martyrs  and  their  persecutors, 
are  all  cases  in  point,  and  should  be  often  in  our  thoughts,  to  teach 
us  patience,  and  guard  us  against  despair,  in  seasons  of  calamity, 
pain,  or  disgrace. 

6.  Upon  the  wicked  he  shall  rain  snares,  or,  burning  coals,  fire 
and  brimstone,  and  an  horrible  tempest ;  this  shall  be  the  portion 
of  their  cup. 

St.  Jude,  ver.  7'.  tells  us,  that  the  cities  of  Sodom,  Gomorrah, 
&c.  for  their  abominable  sins,  "  ■srpor.etvrxi  S'et'yiu.cc,  arc  set  forth  for 
an  example,  or  specimen,  suffering  the  vengeance  of  eternal  fire." 
And  here  we  see  the  images  are  plainly  taken  from  the  dreadful 
judgment  inflicted  on  those  cities,  and  transferred  to  the  vengeance 
of  the  last  day.  Then  the  sons  of  faithful  Abraham  shall  behold 
a  prospect,  like  that  which  once  presented  itself  to  the  eyes  of 
their  father;  when  rising  early  in  the  morning,  and  looking  towards 
Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  and  towards  all  the  land  of  the  plain,  he 
•'  beheld,  and  lo,  the  smoke  of  the  country  went  up  as  the  smoke 
1'-? 


90  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XII. 

of  a  furnace!"  Gen.  xix.  28.  Such  must  be  the  "  portion  of  their 
cup,"  who  have  dashed  from  them  the  cup  of  salvation.  He, 
therefore,  who  would  enjoy  the  prosperhy  of  the  wicked  here, 
must  take  with  it  their  torment  hereafter;  as  he  who  is  ambitious 
of  wearing  the  crown  of  righteousness  in  heaven,  must  be  content 
1o  endure  tribulation  upon  earth. 

7.  Foi-  the  righteous  Lord  loveth  righteousness ;  his  counte- 
nance doth  behold  the  itpright. 

He  who  is  in  himself  essential  righteousness,  cannot  but  love 
his  own  resemblance,  wrought  in  the  faithful  by  his  good  Spirit ; 
with  a  countenance  full  of  paternal  affection,  he  beholds,  and  speaks 
peace  and  comfort  to  them  in  the  midst  of  their  sorrows;  until,  ad- 
mitted through  mercy  to  the  glory  from  which  justice  excludes  the 
wicked,  and  beholding  that  countenance  which  has  always  beheld 
them,  they  shall  enter  upon  a  life  of  boundless  and  everlasting  felicity. 

SECOND  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XH. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  cliurcli,  through  David,  1,  2.  laments  the  decrease  of  God's  faithlul 
servants,  and  the  universal  corruption  among  men,  but,  3 — 5.  rests  upon 
the  Divine  promises,  the  truth  and  certainty  of  which,  6,  7.  she  cele- 
brates, and  comforts  herself  therewith,  while  in  a  world,  where  often- 
times, 8.  the  wicked  walk  uncontrolled. 

1.  Help,  (Heb.  save,)  Lord,  for  the  godly  man  ceaseih;  for 
the  faithful  fail  from  among  the  children  oftnen. 

Our  Lord  foretels,  that  in  the  latter  days,  "  because  iniquity 
shall  abound,  the  love  of  many  shall  wax  cold;"  and  seems  to 
question  whether,  "  when  the  Son  of  man  cometh,  he  shall  find 
faith  upon  the  earth."  The  universal  depravity  of  Jew  and  Gen- 
tile caused  the  church  of  old  to  pray  earnestly  for  the  first  advent 
of  Christ;  and  the  like  depravity  among  those  who  call  themselves 
Christians,  may  induce  her  to  pray  no  less  earnestly  for  his  appear- 
ance the  second  time  unto  salvation.  It  is  frequently  a  benefit  to 
be  destitute  of  help  from  man,  both  as  it  puts  us  upon  seeking  it 
from  God,  and  inclines  him  to  grant  it  when  we  do  seek. 

2.  ThcT/  speak  vanity,  or,  a  lie,  every  one  with  his  neighbour  : 
with  flattering  lips,  and  with  a  double  heart  do  they  speak. 

When  men  cease  to  be  faithful  to  their  God,  he  who  expects  to 
find  them  so  to  each  other  will  be  much  disappointed.  The  pri- 
mitive sincerity  will  accompany  the  primitive  piety  in  her  flight 


Day  II.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  91 

from  the  earth ;  and  then  interest  will  succeed  conscience  in  the  rc- 
pilatinn  of  human  conduct,  till  one  man  cannot  trust  another  far- 
ther than  he  holds  him  by  that  tie.  Hence,  by  the  way,  it  is,  tliat 
although  many  are  infidels  themselves,  yet  few  choose  to  have  their 
families  and  dependents  such;  as  judging,  and  rightly  judging,  that 
true  Christians  are  the  only  persons  to  be  depended  on,  for  the 
exact  discharge  of  social  duties. 

3.  The  Lord  shall  cut  off  all  flattering  lips,  and  the  tongue  that 
speaketh  proud  things :  4.  JHio  have  said,  With  our  tongue  tcill 
we  prevail;  our  lips  are  our  omi :  who  is  Lord  over  ns  ? 

They  who  take  pleasure  in  deceiving  others  will,  at  the  last,  find 
themselves  most  of  all  deceived,  when  the  Sun  of  truth,  by  the 
brightness  of  his  rising,  shall  at  once  detect  and  consume  hypo- 
crisy. And  as  to  men  of  another  stamp,  who  speak  great  swelling 
words  of  vanity;  who  vaunt  themselves  in  the  arm  of  flesh,  think- 
ing to  prevail  by  human  wit  or  human  power :  equally  deplorable 
will  be  their  case,  when  the  Lord  Cod  '•'  omnipotent"  reigneth. 

5.  For  the  oppression  of  the  poor,  for  the  sighing  of  the  needy ^ 
710W  will  I  arise,  saith  the  Lord;  I  will  set  him  in  safety  from  him 
that  jjujfcth  at  him. 

For  the  consolation  of  the  afflicted  and  poor  in  spirit,  Jehovah 
is  here  introduced  promising,  out  of  compassion  to  their  sufferings, 
to  "  arise,  and  set  them  in  safety,"  or  place  them  in  a  state  of"  sal- 
vation." Such  all  along  has  been  his  promise  to  the  church,  who 
by  looking  back  to  the  deliverances  wrought  of  old  for  the  servants 
of  God,  and  above  all,  to  that  wrought  for  the  Son  of  God,  is  now 
encouraged  to  look  forward,  and  expect  her  final  redemption  from 
the  scorn  and  insolence  of  infidelity. 

6.  The  words  of  the  Lord  are  pure  words;  as  silver  tried  in  a 
furnace,  or  crucible  of  earth,  purified  seven  times. 

The  church  rejoices  in  the  promises  of  God  her  Saviour,  because 
they  are  such  as  she  can  confide  in.  His  words  are  not  like  those 
of  deceitful  boasting  man,  but  true  and  righteous  altogether.  Often 
have  they  been  put  to  the  test,  in  the  trials  of  the  faithful,  like 
silver  committed  to  the  furnace,  in  an  earthen  crucible;  but  like 
silver  in  its  most  refined  and  exalted  purity,  found  to  contain  no 
dross  of  imperfection,  no  alloy  of  fallibility  in  them.  The  words 
of  Jehovah  are  holy  in  his  precepts,  just  in  his  laws,  gracious  in  his 
promises,  significant  in  his  institutions,  true  in  his  narrations,  and 
infallible  in  his  predictions.  What  are  the  thousands  of  gold  and 
silver,  compared  to  the  treasures  of  the  sacred  page  ? 

7.  Thou  shall  keep  them,  O  Lord,  thou  shall  preserve  them  from 
this  generation  for  ever. 


92  A  CC^IMENTARY  Psal.  XIII. 

As  if  it  had  been  said,  Yes,  blessed  Lord,  what  thou  hast  pro- 
mised shall  surely  be  perlbrmed,  since  there  is  with  thee  no  vari- 
ableness, nor  shadow  of  turning :  thou  wilt  keep  thy  poor  and  lowly 
servants,  as  thou  hast  promised,  from  being  circumvented  by 
treachery,  or  crushed  by  ))ower :  thou  wilt  preserve  them  undefded 
amidst  an  evil  and  adulterous  generation  ;  thou  wilt  be  with  thy 
church  to  the  end  of  the  world,  and  then  admit  her  to  be  with  thee 
for  ever. 

8.  The  wicked  walk  on  every  side,  when  the  vilest  men  are  exalted. 

While  the  faithful  repose,  as  they  ought  to  do,  an  unlimited  con- 
fidence in  God's  promises,  they  have,  in  the  mean  time,  but  too 
much  reason  to  mourn  the  prevalence  of  wickedness,  stalking  like 
its  author,  to  and  fro,  and  up  and  down  in  the  earth,  uncontrolled 
by  those  who  bear  the  sword,  but  who  either  blunt  its  edge,  or  turn 
it  the  wrong  way.  Such  is  often  the  state  of  things  here  below; 
and  a  reflection,  made  upon  the  subject  by  our  Lord,  when  his 
enemies  drew  near  to  apprehend  him,  may  satisfy  us  how  it  comes 
to  be  so ;  "  It  is  your  hour,  and  the  power  of  darkness."  But  that 
hour  will  quickly  pass  with  us,  as  it  did  with  him,  and  the  power 
of  darkness  will  be  overthrown ;  the  Lord  will  be  our  everlasting 
light,  and  the  days  of  our  mourning  shall  be  ended. 

PSALM  XIII. 

AKGUMENT. 

Tills  Psalm  contains,  1,  2.  a  complaint  of  desertion;  3,  4.  a  prayer  for  the 
Divine  assistance  ;  5,  6.  an  act  of  faith  and  thanksgiving-. 

1.  Hoiv  long  icilt  thou  forget  me,  O  Lord  ?  for  ever  ?  How  long 
loilt  thou  hide  thy  face  from  mc? 

While  God  permits  his  servants  to  continue  under  affliction,  he 
is  said,  after  the  manner  of  men,  to  have  "  forgotten,  and  hid  his 
face  from  them."  For  the  use,  therefore,  of  persons  in  such  cir- 
cumstances, is  this  Psalm  intended;  and  consequently,  it  suits  the 
different  cases  of  the  church  universal,  languishing  lor  the  advent 
of  her  Lord,  to  deliver  her  from  this  evil  world ;  of  any  particular 
church,  in  time  of  persecution ;  and  of  each  individual  when  ha- 
rassed by  temptations,  or  broken  by  sickness,  pain,  and  sorrow. 
He  who  bore  our  sins,  and  carried  our  soirows,  may  likewise  be  pre- 
sumed to  have  made  it  a  part  of  his  devotions  in  the  day  of  trouble. 

2.  How  long  shall  I  take  counsel  in  my  soid,  having  sorroic  in 
my  heart  daily?  How  long  shcdl  mine  enemy  he  exalted  over  me? 

To  excite  compassions,  and  prevail  for  help  from  above,  the 
petitioner  mentions  three  aggravating  circumstances  of  his  misery: 


Day  it.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  93 

the  perplexity  of  his  soul,  not  knowing  which  way  to  tum,  or  what 
course  to  take;  his  heartfelt  sorrow,  utterin?  itself  in.  si.:lis  and 
groanings;  and  the  mortifying  reflection,  that  his  enemies  were 
exulting  in  their  conquest  over  him.  All  this  will  happen,  and  be 
j^articularly  painful,  to  him  who  has  yielded  to  tem})tation,  and 
committed  sin. 

3.  Consider  and  hear  mc,  O  Lord  w/y  God;  lightCH  mine  eyes, 
lest  I  sleep  the  sleep  of  death. 

On  the  preceding  consideration  is  founded  a  prayer  to  Jeho- 
vah, that  he  would  no  longer  hide  his  face,  but  "  consider,"  or, 
more  literally,  '"•  have  respect  to,  favourably  behold"'  his  servant; 
that  he  would  "hear,  attend  to,  be  mindful  of,"  his  suppUcation 
in  distress.  The  deliverance  requested  is  expressed  figuratively, 
'•  Ligiiten  mine  eyes,  lest  I  sleep  the  sleep  of  death."'  In  time 
of  sickness  and  grief,  the  "  eyes*'  are  dull  and  heavy ;  and  they 
grow  more  and  more  so  as  death  approaches,  which  closes  them 
in  darkness.  On  the  other  hand,  health  and  joy  render  the  or- 
gans of  vision  bright  and  sparkling,  seeming,  as  it  were,  to  impart 
"  light"  to  them  from  within.  The  words,  therefore,  may  be  fitly 
applied  to  a  recovery  of  the  body  natural,  and  thence  of  the  body 
pohtic,  from  their  respective  maladies.  Nor  do  they  less  signifi- 
cantly describe  the  restoration  of  the  soul  to  a  state  of  spiritual 
health  and  holy  joy,  which  will  manifest  themselves,  in  like  man- 
ner, by  ''  the  eyes  of  the  understanding  being  enlightened ;"  and 
jn  this  case,  the  soul  is  saved  from  the  sleep  of  sin,  as  the  body  is, 
in  the  other,  from  the  sleep  of  death. 

4.  Lest  mine  enemy  say,  I  have  prevailed  against  him;  and 
those  that  trouble  me  rejoice  ichen  I  am  moved. 

This  argimient  we  often  find  urged  in  prayer  to  God,  that  he 
would  be  pleased  to  work  salvation  for  his  people,  lest  his  and 
their  enemies  should  seem  to  triumph  over  him,  as  well  as  them; 
which  would  indeed  have  been  the  case,  had  Satan  either  seduced 
the  true  David  to  sin,  or  confined  him  in  the  grave.  And  cer- 
tainly, it  should  be  a  powerful  motive  to  restrain  us  from  trans- 
gression, when  we  consider,  that  as  the  conversion  of  a  sinner 
brings  glory  to  God,  and  causes  joy  among  the  angels  of  heaven; 
so  the  fall  of  a  believer  disgraces  the  gospel  of  Jesus,  opens  the 
mouths  of  the  adversaries,  and  would  produce  joy,  if  such  a  thing 
could  be,  in  hell  itself. 

5.  But  I  have  trusted,  or,  /  trust,  in  thy  mercy  ;  my  heart  shall 
rejoice,  or,  rejoices,  in  thy  salvation.  G.  I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord, 
because  he  hath  dealt,  or,  deals,  bountifully  with  me. 

The  heart,  which  "  trusteth  in  God's  mercy,"  shall  alone  "re- 


91  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XI  \. 

joice  in  his  salvation,"  and  celebrate  by  the  tongue,  in  songs  of 
praise,  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord,  It  is  observable,  that 
this,  and  many  other  Psalms,  with  a  mournful  beginning,  have  a 
triumphant  ending;  to  show  us  the  prevailing  power  of  devotion, 
and  to  convince  us  of  the  certain  return  of  prayer,  sooner  or  later, 
bringing  with  it  the  comforts  of  heaven,  to  revive  and  enrich  our 
weary  and  barren  spirits  in  the  gloomy  seasons  of  sorrow  and 
tempt;ition,  like  the  dew  descending  by  night  upon  the  withered 
summit  of  an  eastern  mountain. 

PSALM  XIV. 

ARGUMENT. 

Tills  Psalm  is  in  a  nianner  the  same  with  the  LIIM.  It  sets  forth,  1 — 3. 
the  corruption  of  the  world j  4 — 6.  its  enmity  against  the  ijcoplc  of  God; 
7.  the  proi)het  longs  and  prays  for  salvation. 

1.  The  fool  hath  said  in  Ms  heart,  There  is  no  God:  they  are 
corrupt,  they  have  done  abominable  works,  there  is  none  that  do- 
cth  good. 

It  does  not  appear  upon  what  occasion  David  composed  this 
Psalm.  The  revolt  of  Israel  in  Absalom's  rebellion  is  by  most 
writers  pitched  upon  as  the  subject  of  it.  But  be  this  as  it  may, 
the  expressions  are  general,  and  evidently  designed  to  extend  be- 
yond a  private  interpretation.  And  accordingly,  the  Apostle,  Rom. 
iii.  10,  &c.  produces  some  passages  from  it,  to  evince  the  apostacy 
of  both  Jews  and  Gentiles  from  their  King  and  their  God,  and  to 
prove  them  to  be  all  under  sin.  In  this  light  therefore  we  are  to 
consider  it,  as  characterizing  the  principles  and  practices  of  those 
who  oppose  the  Gospel  of  Christ  in  all  ages.  "  The  fool  liath 
said  in  his  heart,  There  is  no  God.''  Infidelity  is  the  beginning  of 
sin,  folly  the  foundation  of  infidelity,  and  the  heart  the  seat  of  both. 
"  Their  foolish  heart  (says  St.  Paul  of  the  heathen,  Rom.  i.  21.) 
was  darkened."  The  sad  consequence  of  defection  in  principle  is 
corruj)tion  in  practice.  "  They  are  corrupt,  they  have  done  abo- 
minable works,  there  is  none  that  doeth  good."  On  these  words 
the  reader  may  see  a  full  comment,  Rom.  i.  28 — 32. 

2.  The  Lord  looked  dotvn  fro?n  heaven  upon  the  children  of 
men,  to  see  if  there  were  any  that  did  understand,  and  seek  God. 
3.  They  are  all  gone  aside,  they  are  all  together  become  filthy ,  ox, 
putrified :  there  is  none  that  docth  good,  no,  not  one. 

Like  a  watchman  on  the  top  of  some  lofty  tower,  God  is  repre- 
sented as  sinveying  from  his  heavenly  throne  the  sons  of  Adam, 
and  their  proceedings  upon  the  earth  :  he  scrutinizes  them,  and  as 


Day  II.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  95 

it  were  searches  diligently,  to  find  among  them  a  man  of  true  wis- 
dom one  whose  heart  was  turned  toward  the  I..ord  his  God,  one 
who  was  inquiring  the  way  to  salvation  and  glory,  that  he  might 
walk  therein.  But  as  the  result  of  this  extensive  and  accurate  sur- 
vey God  informs  his  prophet,  and  commissions  him  to  inform  the 
world,  that  all  had  declined  from  the  paths  of  wisdom  and  righ- 
teousness; that  the  mass  of  human  nature  was  become  putrid,  re- 
quiring to  be  cleansed,  and  the  vessels  made  of  it  to  be  formed 
anew.  Such  is  the  scriptuie  account  of  man,  not  having  received 
grace,  or  having  fallen  from  it;  of  man  without  Christ,  or  in  arms 
against  him.     See  Koni.  iii.  11,  12. 

*4.  Have  all  the  tcorlcers  of  imqnUy  no  knowledge?  irho  cat 
up  mij  people  as  they  eat  bread,  and  call  not  upon  the  Lord. 

The  "  woikers  of  iniquity,"  work  for  the  wages  of  death;  they 
fight  against  God  and  their  own  souls;  they  barter  eternity  for  time, 
and  part  with  happiness  for  misery,  both  in  possession  and  rever- 
sion. Well  therefore  may  it  be  asked,  "  Have  they  no  knowledge  r" 
For  conmnon  sense,  after  all,  is  what  they  want.  They  who,  with 
an  appetite  keen  as  that  to  their  food,  prey  upon  the  poor,  and  de- 
vour the  people  of  God,  will  themselves  be  preyed  upon  and  de- 
voured by  that  roaring  lion,  whose  agents  for  the  present  they  are; 
and  such  as  now  "  call  not  on  the  name  of  the  Lord"  Jesus  for 
pardon  and  salvation,  shall  hereafter  call  in  vain  upon  the  rocks 
and  mountains,  to  shelter  them  from  his  power  and  vengeance. 

5.  There  icere  ihey  in  great  fear  ;  for  God  is  in  the  generation 
of  the  righteous. 

In  the  parallel  place,  Psalm  liii.  5.  after  the  words,  "  There  were 
they  in  great  fear,"  are  added  these,  "  where  no  fear  was,"  which 
certainly  connect  better  with  whtit  follows,  "  For  God  is  in  the  ge- 
neration of  the  righteous."  David  is  sujjposed  to  be  speaking  j^ri- 
marily  of  Israel's  defection  from  him  to  Absalom,  and  here  to  be 
assigning  the  motive  of  that  defection  in  many,  namely,  fear  of  the 
rebel's  growing  power,  and  distrust  of  his  ability  to  protect  them ; 
which  fear,  he  observes,  was  groundless,  becatise  his  cause  was  the 
cause  of  God,  who  would  not  fail  to  appear  in  its  support  and  vin- 
dication. The  subjects  of  Christ,  in  times  of  persecution,  are  often 
tempted  to  renounce  their  allegiance,  upon  t!ie  same  principle  of 
fear;  although  of  them  it  may  more  emphatically  be  said,  that  they 

*  Between  the  preceding^  verse  and  this  are  three  others  inserted  in  our 
<  ommon  trauslalion,  which  though  taken  by  St.  Paul  fioni  other  part;  of 
Scripture,  yet  because  (Rom.  iii.  13.)  tliey  followcJ  the  words  cited  Iroin 
this  Psalra,  were  probably  added  thereunto  in  this  place  bj  goiue  trans- 
cribers of  the  copies  of  the  L.\X.  For  in  other  copies  of  the  ]>XX.  they 
exist  not,  any  more  than  in  the  Hebrew,  ChaUlee,  or  Syriac. 


(j6  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XV. 

"  fear  where  no  fear  is,  since  God  is  in  tlie  generation  of  the  righ- 
teous ;"  and  they  who  are  engaged  on  the  side  of  the  Messiah,  will, 
in  the  end,  most  assuredly  be  triumphant.  The  latter  clause  of 
this  verse,  in  Psalm  liii.  runs  thus,  "  For  God  hath  scattered,  or, 
shall  scatter  the  bones  of  him  that  encampeth  against  thee ;  thou 
hast,  or  shalt  put  them  to  shame,  because  God  hath  despised  them  :" 
the  sense  of  which  is  evidently  the  same  with — "  God  is  in  the  ge- 
neration of  the  righteous :"  he  will  defend  them,  and  overthrow 
their  enemies ;  therefore  let  them  not  fear,  neither  let  their  hearts 
be  troubled.  If  this  interpretation  be  disapproved,  the  words, 
<'  There  were  they  in  great  fear,-'  must  be  understood  of  the  ene- 
my, and  the  clause,  "  where  no  fear  was,"  must  be  rendered  in- 
terrogatively thus,  "  and  was  there  not  cause  for  them  to  fear  r 
since  God  is  in  the  generation  of  the  righteous,  or,  will  scatter  the 
bones  of  him  that  encampeth  against  thee,"  &:c. 

6.  Ye  have  shamed  the  counsel  of  the  poor,  because  the  Lord 
is  his  refuge. 

This  is  plainly  addressed  to  the  adversaries,  and  charges  them 
with  reproaching  and  scoffing  at  that  confidence  in  the  Lord,  ex- 
pressed by  the  afflicted  righteous  in  the  preceding  verse. 

7.  0  that  the  salvation  of  Israel  were  come  out  of  Sion!  When 
the  Lord  bringeth  back  the  captivity  of  his  people,  Jacob  shall 
rejoice,  and  Israel  shall  be  glad. 

The  consideration  of  the  apostacy  and  corruption  of  mankind, 
described  in  this  Psalm,  makes  the  prophet  express  a  longing  de- 
sire for  the  salvation  of  Israel,  which  was  to  go  forth  out  of  Zion, 
and  to  bring  back  the  people  of  God  from  that  most  dreadful  of  all 
captivities,  the  captivity  under  sin  and  death;  a  salvation,  at 
which  Jacob  would  indeed  rejoice,  and  Israel  be  glad.  And  how 
doth  the  whole  church,  at  this  time,  languish  for  the  consummation 
of  her  felicity,  looking,  even  until  her  eyes  fail,  for  that  glorious  day 
of  final  redemption,  when  every  believing  heart  shall  exult,  and 
all  the  sons  of  God  shout  aloud  for  joy ! 

THIRD  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XV. 

ARGUMENT. 
This   is  one  of  the  Psalms  appointed  to  be  used  011  Ascension-day.     The 
Prophet,   1.  incjuires  concerning  the  person  who  should  ascend  into  tlie 
hill,  and  d\v(;ll  in  the  temple  of  Jehovah ;  2 — 5.  he  receives,  in  answer  to 
ills  question,  a  chariictcr  of  such  person. 

J.  Lord,  who  shall  abide  in  thi/ tabernacle?  IVho  shall  dwell 
in  thy  holy  hill? 


Day  III.  M.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  97 

The  prophet  alkules  to  the  hill  of  Sion  in  the  earthly  Jcnisalem, 
to  the  tabernacle  of  God  which  was  thereon,  and  the  character  of 
the  priest,  who  should  officiate  in  that  tabernacle.  But  all  these 
were  fisfnres  of  a  celestial  Jerusalem,  a  spiritual  Sion,  a  tiiie  taber- 
nacle, and  an  eternal  ])riest.  To  the  trreat  oricinals  therefore  we 
must  transfer  our  ideas,  and  consider  the  inquiry  as  made  after  Ilira 
who  should  fix  his  restintr-place  on  the  heavenly  mount,  and  exer- 
cise his  unchangeable  priesthood  in  the  temple  not  made  with 
hands.  And  since  the  disciples  of  this  now  and  great  High  Priest 
become  righteous  in  him,  and  are  by  the  Spirit  conformed  to  his 
image,  the  character  which  essentially  and  inherently  belongs  only 
to  him,  will  derivatively  belong  to  them  also,  who  must  follow  his 
steps  below,  if  they  wouUI  reign  with  him  above. 

2.  He  that  wnlketh  uprighlltj,  and  zrorketh  right eoiisncss,  and 
spealccth  the  truth  in  his  heart. 

The  man,  therefore,  who  would  be  a  citizen  of  Zion,  and  there 
enter  into  the  rest  and  joy  of  his  Lord,  must  set  that  Lord  always 
before  him.  Renewed  through  grace,  endued  with  a  liveh-  faith, 
and  an  operative  charity,  he  nmst  consider  and  imitate  the  life  of 
that  blessed  Person,  who  walked  amongst  men,  without  partaking 
of  their  corruptions;  who  conversed  unblameabjy  with  sinners; 
who  could  give  this  challenge  to  his  inveterate  enemies,  "  Which 
of  you  convinccth  me  of  sin  ?-'  in  whom  the  grand  accuser,  when 
he  came,  "found  nothing;"  who,  being  himself  "the  truth," 
thought  and  spake  of  nothing  else;  making  many  promises,  and 
performing  them  all. 

3.  He  that  backhiteth  not  with  his  tongue,  nor  doeth  evil  to  his 
neighbour,  nor  takcth  up  a  reproach  against  his  neighbour. 

Who,  knowing  the  sins,  follies,  and  infirmities  of  all  mankind, 
made  his  tongue  an  instrument,  not  of  disclosing  and  exasperating, 
but  of  covering  and  healing  these  sores  in  human  nature;  wiio  es- 
teeming every  son  of  Adam  as  his  neighbour,  went  about  doing  g  >od, 
and  then  laid  down  his  life,  and  resigned  his  breath  in  prayer  for 
his  murderers;  who,  instead  of  taking  up  a  reproach,  and  listening 
to  the  calumniator,  cast  him  out  and  silenced  him,  erasing  the  hand 
writing  that  was  against  us,  and  nailing  the  cancelled  indictment  to 
the  cross. 

4.  In  whose  et/es  a  vile  person  is  contemned ;  but  he  honoureth 
them  that  fear  the  Lord.  He  that  sweareth  to  his  own  hurt,  and 
rhangeth  not. 

Who  rejected  the  wicked,  however  rich  and  honourable ;  and 
chose  the  well-inclined,  however  poor  and  contemj^tible  in  the 
world ;  who,  having,  by  covenant  with  the  Father,  engaged  to  keep 
13 


^i^-. 


!)8  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XVI. 

the  law,  and  to  taste  death  lor  every  man,  went  wilHngl}'  and  stea- 
dily through  this  work,  and  surmounted  every  obstacle  which  could 
be  thrown  in  his  way,  until  he  declared  concerning  the  task  ap- 
ixiinted  him,  "  It  is  finished." 

5.  He  thai  jmttet knot  out  Jus  money  to  usury,  nor  taketh  reward 
against  the  innocent. 

Who  was  so  far  from  desiring  to  amass  the  earthly  manmion 
that  he  would  touch  none  of  it :  and  received  the  true  riches  only 
that  he  might  bestow  them  upon  others ;  who,  instead  of  taking  a 
reward  against  the  innocent,  died  for  the  guilty ;  and  whose  sen- 
tence, when  he  shall  sit  on  the  throne  of  judgment,  will  be  equally 
impartial  and  immutable. 

6.  He  that  doeth  these  things  shall  never  he  moved. 

In  the  above  comment,  it  was  thought  most  adviseable  to  open 
and  display  the  full  intent  of  what  was  both  enjoined  and  forbid- 
den, by  exemplifying  each  particular,  as  receiving  its  utmost  com- 
pletion in  the  character  and  conduct  of  our  blessed  Lord.  And 
whoever  shall  survey  and  copy  these  virtues  and  graces,  as  they 
present  themselves  in  his  life,  will,  it  is  humbly  apprehended,  take 
the  best  and  shortest  way  to  the  heavenly  Zion,  and  make  that  use 
of  the  fifteenth  Psalm,  which  the  church  may  be  supposed  to  have 
had  in  view,  when  she  appointed  it  as  one  of  the  proper  Psalnis  for 
Ascension-day. 

PSALM  XVI. 

ARGUMENT. 

Upon  wiiatever  occasion,  or  in  whatever  distress  David  might  compose  tlii> 
Psahu,  we  arc  taught  by  St.  Peter  and  St.  Paul,  Acts  ii.  25.  and  xiii.  35. 
to  consider  him  as  speaking-  in  tlie  person  of  our  Lord  Christ,  of  whom 
alone  the  latter  part  of  the  Psalm  is  true.  The  contents  arc,  1.  a  prayer 
for  support ;  2,  3.  a  declaration  of  love  to  the  saints ;  4.  a  protestation 
against  idolaters  ;  5 — 8.  acts  of  love,  joy,  and  confidence  in  Jehovah  ; 
and  9 — 11.  one  of  hope  in  an  approaching  resurrection  and  glorification. 

1.  Preserve  me,  O  God:  for  in  thee  do  I imt  my  trust. 

These  words  are  evidently  spoken  by  one  in  great  distress,  who 
addresses  himself  to  heaven  for  suj)port  under  his  sufferings,  plead- 
ing his  confidence  in  God,  still  unshaken  by  all  the  storms  that  had 
set  themselves  against  it.  This  might  be  the  case  of  David,  and 
may  be  that  of  any  believer.  But  since  the  Psalm  is  a  continued 
speech  without  change  of  pereon,  we  may  consider  the  whole  as 
uttered  by  llim,  who  only  could  utter  the  concluding  verses,  and 
who  in  this  first  verse  makes  his  supplication  to  tiu^  Father,  for 
the  promised  and  expected  deliverance. 


Day  III.  INI.  R  ON  THE  PSALMS.  W 

2.  0  my  soul,  tlion  hast  saidunto  the  Lonn,  Thou  art  mi/  Lord: 
mif  goodness  e.\tencieth  not  to  thcc;  3.  But  to  the  saints  that  are 
in  the  earth,  and  to  the  excellent,  in  whom  is  all  my  delight. 

In  tlie  Clialdeeand  Sjriac,  the  latter  clause  of  the  former  of  these 
two  verses  is  rcnfJcrcd — "  lAIy  c;oothicss  is  from  thee."  An  inge- 
nious writer  thinks  the  Hebrew  will  bear  this  sense,  in  the  ellipti- 
cal way,  thus — "  My  goodness  !  shall  I  mention  that  ?  By  no 
means ;  it  is  all  to  be  ascribed  to  thee,"''  The  goodness  of  man  is 
all  derived  from  God,  and  should  be  extended  to  his  brethren.  That 
of  Messiah  owed  its  original  to  his  union  with  the  Divinity  ;  and 
promoted  the  salvation  of  those  to  whom  it  was  communicated, 
that  is  to  say,  of  those  who  therrby  became  "  the  saints  and  excel- 
lent ones  in  the  earth."  For  their  sakes  obedience  was  performed, 
and  propitiation  made,  by  the  Son  of  God,  because  he  loved  them 
with  an  everlasting  love,  and  placed  "  all  his  delight"  in  making 
them  happy.  lie  "rejoiced  in  the  habitable  parts  of  the  earth, 
and  his  delights  were  with  the  sons  of  men,"  Prov.  viii.  31. 

4.  Their  sorrow  shall  be  mnltipHed  that  hasten  after  another 
god  :  their  drink-offerings  of  blood  will  I  not  offer,  nor  take  up 
their  names  into  mij  lips. 

Christ  denounceth  vengeance  against  those  who  should  make  to 
themselves  other  gods,  run  after  other  saviours,  or  sufl'er  any  crea- 
ture to  rival  him  in  their  affections ;  declaring  of  such  that  their 
oflerings  should  not  be  presented  by  him  to  the  Father,  nor  should 
they  be  partakers  of  the  benefits  of  his  intercession.  Even  the 
bloody  sacrifices  of  the  law,  instituted  tor  a  time  by  God  himself", 
became  abomination  to  him  when  that  time  was  expired,  and  the 
one  great  sacrifice  had  been  oflered  upon  the  altar  of  the  cross. 

5.  The  Lord  is  the  portion  of  mine  inheritance,  and  of  my 
cup ;  thou  maintainest  my  lot.  6.  The  lines  are  fallen  unto  me 
in  pleasant  places ;  yea,  I  have  a  goodly  heritage. 

The  tiue  David,  anointed  to  his  everlasting  kingdom,  yet  first  a 
man  of  sorrows  and  a  stranger  upon  earth,  prefers  the  promised  in- 
liei'itance  of  the  church,  that  s})iritual  kingdom,  city,  and  temple  of 
Jehovah,  before  all  the  kingdoms  of  this  world,  and  the  glory  of 
them;  he  is  sure  that  Jehovah  will  maintain  his  lot,  that  he  will 
both  give  and  preserve  to  him  this  his  ])atrimony ;  and  therefore 
rejoices  at  the  divine  beauty  and  excellency  of  the  heavenly  Canaan. 
And  hence  the  Christian  learns  wherein  his  duty  and  his  happiness 
consist;  namely,  in  making  choice  of  God  for  "  the  portion  of  his 
inheritance  and  of  his  cup,"  for  his  support,  and  for  his  delight:  in 
preferring  the  spirit  to  the  flesh,  the  chuich  to  tlic  world,  and  eter- 
nity to  time. 


100  A  COMMK^TARY  Psal.  XVI. 

7.  I  nrill  bless  the  Lord,  icho  hath  given  me  counsel;  my  reins 
also  instruct  me  in  the  night  season. 

The  person  speaking  here  blesses  Jehovah  for  communicating 
that  divine  "  counsel,"  that  celestial  wisdom,  by  which  he  was 
incited  and  enabled  to  make  the  foregoing  choice  and  resolution. 
In  the  latter  part  of  the  verse  is  intimated  the  mode  of  these  gra- 
cious and  spiritual  comnumications,  which  in  the  dark  seasons  of 
adversity  were  conveyed  to  the  inmost  thoughts  and  affections  of 
the  mind,  tJiereby  to  instruct,  to  comfort,  and  to  strengthen  the 
sufiorer,  until  his  passion  should  be  accomplished,  and  the  morning 
of  the  resurrection  should  dawn,  in  which,  as  we  shall  see,  all  his 
hope  and  confidence  were  placed. 

8.  I  have  set  the  Lord  alivai/s  before  me:  becattse  he  is  at  my 
right  hand,  I  shall  not  be  moved. 

The  method  taken  by  Christ,  as  man,  to  support  himself  in  time 
of  trouble,  and  persevere  unto  the  end,  was  to  maintain  a  constant 
actual  sense  of  the  presence  of  Jehovah,  whom  when  he  thus  saw 
standing  at  his  right  hand,  ready,  at  the  appointed  hour,  to  succour 
and  deliver  him,  he  then  feared  not  the  powers  of  earth  and  hell 
combined  for  his  destruction.  Why  are  our  fears  great,  but  be- 
cause our  faith  is  little  ? 

9.  Therefore  my  heart  is  glad,  and  my  glory  rejoiceth ;  my 
flesh  also  shall  rest  in  hope. 

Through  confidence  in  the  almighty  power  engaged  on  his  side, 
joy  filled  the  heart  of  Christ,  and  rendered  his  tongue  an  instru- 
ment of  giving  glory  to  Jehovah  in  the  midst  of  his  sufferings ;  be- 
cause v.'hen  they  were  ended,  as  they  must  soon  be,  his  flesh  was 
only  to  make  its  bed,  and  rest  awhile  in  the  grave,  after  the  labours 
of  the  day,  in  sure  and  certain  hope  of  a  speedy  resurrection  and 
glorification.  This  same  consideration  is  to  the  afilicted,  the  sick, 
and  the  dying  Christian,  a  never-failing  source  of  comfort,  an  in- 
exhaustible fountainof  joy ;  sin  and  infidelity  are  the  enemies,  who 
would  fill  it  with  earth. 

10.  For  thou  vrilt  not  leave  my  sold  in  hell;  neither  wilt  thou 
suffer  thine  Holy  One  to  see  corruption. 

It  was  a  part  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  and  promised  by  the 
mouth  of  God's  prophets,  that  after  the  death  of  Messiah,  his 
animal  frame  tysj  should  not  continue,  like  those  of  other  men,  in 
the  grave,  blNK'  nor  should  corruption  be  permitted  to  seize  on  the 
body,  by  which  all  others  were  to  be  raised  to  incorruption  and 
immortality.  As  members  of  (Jhrist,  this  same  promise  and  assu- 
rance is  so  far  ours,  that  although  our  mortal  part  nmst  sec  corrup- 
tion, yet  it  shall  not  be  finally  left  under  the  power  of  the  enemy, 


Day  III.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALIMS.  iOl 

but  sliall  be  raised  again,  and  reunited  to  its  old  companion,  the  soul, 
whirli  exists,  meanwhile,  in  secret  and  undiscerned  regions,  there 
waiting  for  the  day  when  its  Redeemer  shall  triumph  over  cornij)- 
tion,  in  his  mystical,  as  he  hath  already  done,  in  his  natural  body. 

1 1 .  Thou  itrilt  shew  me  the  path  of  life :  in  thij  presence  is  ful- 
ness ofjoij;  ot  thij  ri^ht  hand  there  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 

The  return  of  Christ  from  the  grave  is  beautifully  described  by 
Jehovah  "  showing,"  or  discovering  to  him  a  "  path  of  life,-'  lead- 
ing through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  anil  from  that  valley 
to  the  summit  of  the  hill  of  Zion,or  to  the  mount  of  God  in  heaven, 
on  which  he  now  sits  enthroned.  There  exalted  at  the  right  hand 
of  the  Father,  that  human  body,  which  expired  on  the  cross,  and 
slept  in  the  sepulchre,  lives  and  reigns,  filled  with  delight,  and  en- 
circled by  glory  incomprehensible  and  endless.  Through  this  thy 
beloved  Son  and  our  dear  Saviour,  "  thou  shalt  show"  us  likewise, 
O  Lord,  "  the  path  of  life;"  thou  shalt  justify  our  souls  by  thy 
grace  now,  and  raise  our  bodies  by  thy  power  at  the  last  day ; 
when  earthly  sorrow  shall  terminate  in  heavenly  joy,  and  momen- 
tary pain  shall  be  rewarded  with  everlasting  felicity. 


PSALM  XVIL 

ARGUMENT, 

The  Psalmist,  confiding  in  the  justice  of  his  cause,  1 — 4.  prayeth  for  a  hear- 
ing and  decision  of  it;  5 — 9.  he  petitioneth  for  the  Divine  guidance  and 
protection  ;  10 — 12.  he  describeth  the  temper  and  behaviour  of  his  ene- 
mies ;  13,  14.  beseecheth  God  to  disappoint  them,  and  to  deliver  him  ; 
he  endeth  with  an  act  of  faith. 

1.  Hear  the  right,  O  Lord,  or  Hear,  0  righteous  Lord,  attend 
unto  my  cry,  give  ear  unto  my  prayer,  that  goeth  not  out  of 
feigned  lips. 

The  righteousness  of  the  judge,  and  the  importunity  and  sin- 
cerity of  the  petitioner,  are  the  arguments  here  lyged  for  a  speedy 
and  favourable  determination.  Slander  and  calumny  were  the 
portion  of  David,  and  of  a  greater  than  David,  till  the  righteous 
Lord  manifested  himself  on  their  behalf.  And  shall  not  God,  in 
like  manner,  judge  and  avenge  the  cause  of  "  his  own  elect,  who 
cry  day  and  night  unto  him  ?  I  tell  you,"  saith  Christ  himself, 
"  that  he  will  avenge  them  speedily,"  Luke  xviii.  8.  '•  Men  ought 
always  to  pray,  therefore,  and  not  to  faint." 

2.  Let  my  sentence  come  forth  from  thy  present  c  :  let  thine  eyes 
behold  the  things  that  are  equal. 


102  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XVll. 

A  court  of  equity  is  ever  sitting  in  heaven,  to  receive  appeals 
from  the  wrongful  decisions  of  men  here  below ;  and  in  that  court 
a  judge  presides,  whose  impartial  hand  holds  the  scales  of  justice 
even;  whose  unerring  eye  marks  the  least  inclination  of  either; 
and  from  whose  sentence  injured  innocence  is  tlierefore  taught  to 
expect  redress. 

3.  Thou  hast  proved  mine  heart,  thou  hast  visited  me  in  the 
night;  thou  hast  tried  me,  and  sJtaltfnd  nothing :  I  am  purposed 
that  my  mouth  shall  not  transgress. 

The  sufferer's ''  heart  condemns  him  not,  and  he  has  confidence 
towards  God,"  to  whom  he  applies  as  the  proper  Judge,  because 
the  only  Witness  of  his  integrity.  God  had  "  proved,"  Jiot  only 
his  words  and  actions,  but  his  "  heart,"  which  man  could  not  do: 
God  had  "  visited,"  observed,  and  explored  ''  him  in  the  night," 
when  secrecy  and  solitude  prompt  the  hypocrite  to  sin,  and  when 
the  undisciplined  imagination  wanders  abroad,  like  the  bird  of 
darkness,  after  forbidden  objects;  God  had  '"  tried"  him,  as  silver 
or  gold,  in  the  fiery  furnace  of  adversity  ;  and  if  there  be  any  dross 
or  scum  in  the  metal,  it  will  then  rise  to  the  top,  and  show  itself; 
yet  nothing  appeared,  not  so  much  as  the  alloy  of  an  intemperate 
word.  Absolutely  and  universally,  this  could  only  be  true  of  the 
holy  Jesus;  however,  through  his  grace,  it  may  be  true  of  some  of 
his  disciples,  in  particular  instances  of  crimes  falsely  laid  to  their 
charge.  Let  us  pray  that  it  may  be  true  of  us,  whenever  God  shall 
please  to  prove  and  try  us. 

4.  Concerning  the  works  of  men,  by  the  word  of  thy  lips  I  have 
kept  me  from  the  paths  of  the  destroyer. 

The  way  to  hold  fast  our  integrity  in  time  of  temptation  is  here 
pointed  out.  "  Concerning  the  works  of  men,"  that  is,  such  works 
as  fallen  depraved  man  has  recourse  to,  when  in  distress,  "  by  the 
word  of  thy  lips,"  by  treasuring  up  thy  word  in  my  heart,  as  the 
rule  of  my  actions,  and  the  guide  of  my  life,  "  I  have  watched," 
observed,  that  is,  in  order  to  avoid  "  the  paths  of  the  destroyer." 
This  seems  to  be  the  literal  construction,  and  to  convey  the  full 
meaning  of  the  verse,  which  contains  exactly  the  same  sentiment 
with  that  in  Psalm  cxix.  11.  "  Thy  word  have  I  hid  in  mine  heart, 
that  I  might  not  sin  against  thee."  If  the  word  either  be  not  in 
the  heart  at  all,  or  if  it  be  not  there  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  ready 
at  all  times  for  use  and  application,  the  man  is  in  danger,  at  every 
turn,  of  going  astray. 

5.  Hold  up  my  goings  in  thy  paths,  that  my  footsteps  slip  not. 
The  word  of  (Jod  aflbrds  us  direction,  but  the  grace  of  God  must 

enable  us  to  follow  its  direction,  and  that  iirace  must  be  obtained  bv 


Day  III.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  103 

prayer.  The  '•  paths  of  God"  are  opposed  to  the  "  paths  of  the 
destroyer,"  the  way  of  righteousness  to  that  of  sin.  The  image 
here  is  taken  from  one  walking  in  a  slippery  path,  for  such  is  that 
of  human  Me,  hy  reason  of  temptations  ;  so  that  the  behever,  espe- 
cially if  he  be  young,  feeble,  and  inexperienced,  has  great  need  of 
a  divine  supporter  in  every  step  he  takes. 

6.  I  have  called  upon  thee,  for  thou  wilt  hear  me,  or,  because 
thou  hast  heard  me,  O  God:  incline  thine  ear  to  me,  and  hear  my 
speech. 

The  sweet  experience  of  former  deliverances  giveth  a  comforta- 
ble assurance  of  protection  in  present  and  future  dangers;  and  this 
should  cause  us  to  lly  for  refuge  at  all  times,  by  strong  supplication 
and  prayer,  to  him  who  is  able  and  willing  to  save  us  from  death. 

7.  JShew  thy  marvellous  loving-kindness,  O  thou  that  savcst  hy 
thy  right  hand  them  tvhich  put  their  trust  in  thee  from  those  that 
rise  up  against  them. 

This  is  an  address  to  the  "  loving-kindness,"  or  mercy  of  God, 
which  the  Psalmist  entreats  him  to  display  and  magnify  in  his  fa- 
vour, since  it  was  the  promise,  the  delight,  and  the  glory  of  Jeho- 
vah, to  save  those  who  believed  and  trusted  in  Him.  Tiicre  are 
two  ways  of  rendering  the  latter  clause  of  this  verse :  either,  "  Thou 
who  savest  by  thy  right  hand,  &c."  as  our  translation  has  it;  or, 
"  Thou  that  savest  them  which  put  their  trust  in  thee  from  those 
that  rise  up  at,  or,  against  thy  right  hand,"  meaning  the  opposers 
of  the  Divine  counsels  and  dispensations;  as  in  Zech.  iii.  1.  Satan 
is  said  to  "  stand  at  Joshua's  right  hand,"  to  obstruct  the  building 
of  the  temple. 

8.  Keep  me  as  the  apple  of  the  eye;  hide  me  under  the  shadow 
of  thy  wings,  9.  Fi-om  the  wicked  that  oppress  me,  from  my  deadly 
enemies,  who  compass  me  about.  ' 

He  who  has  so  fenced  and  guarded  that  precious  and  tender 
part,  the  pupil  of  the  eye,  and  who  has  provided  for  the  security 
of  a  young  and  helpless  brood  under  the  wings  of  their  dam,  is 
here  entreated  to  extend  the  same  providential  care  and  parental 
love  to  the  souls  of  his  elect,  equally  exposed  to  danger^  equally 
beset  with  enemies.  Of  his  readiness  so  to  do  he  elsewhere  as- 
sureth  us,  under  the  same  exquisite  imagery.  Zech.  ii.  8.  "  He  that 
toucheth  you,  toucheth  the  apple  of  his  eye."  Matt,  xxiii.  37.  "  O 
Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  how  often  would  I  have  gathered  thy  children 
together,  even  as  a  hen  gathercth  her  chickens  under  her  wings !" 

10.  They  are  inclosed  in  their  oionfat;  with  their  mouth  they 
speak  proudly. 

The  last  argument  made  use  of  by  tho  Psalmist,  in  hi'^  address 


104  A  COiMMENTARY  Psal.  XVII. 

to  God,  is  the  chariicter  of  his  adversaries.  He  begins  with  their 
''  pride"  and  its  cause,  "  fuhiess  of  bread,"  or  high  hving.  Dr. 
Hammond  prefers  the  rendering  which  follows;  '•  They  have  shut 
up  their  mouth  with  fat ;  they  speak  proudly."  Either  way  the 
meaning  plainly  is,  that  pride  is  the  child  of  plenty,  begotten  by 
self-indulgence,  which  hardens  the  hearts  of  men  against  the  fear  of 
God  and  the  love  of  their  neighbours;  rendering  them  insensible 
to  the  judgments  of  the  former,  and  the  miseries  of  the  latter.  Let 
every  man  take  care,  that,  by  pampering  the  flesh,  he  do  not 
raise  up  an  enemy  of  this  stamp  against  himself. 

11.  They  have  noiv  compassed  us  in  our  steps:  they  have  set 
their  eyes  bowing  doicn  to  the  earth. 

"  They  have  compassed  us  in  our  steps ;"  that  is,  literally,  Saul 
and  his  followers  had  watched,  pursued,  and  at  last  hemmed  in 
David  and  his  men;  "  They  have  set,  or  fixed  their  eyes"  upon 
us,  |n»SD  rwai'l  "  to  lay  us  prostrate  upon  the  earth,"  or  finally  to 
make  an  end  of  us.  Such  are  our  spiritual  enemies ;  such  is  their 
intention,  and  our  danger. 

12.  Like  as  a  lion  that  is  greedy  of  his  prey,  and  as  it  were  a 
young  lion  lurking  in  secret  places. 

The  similitude  of  a  lion,  either  roaring  abroad  in  quest  of  his 
prey,  or  couching  in  secret,  ready  to  spring  upon  it  the  moment  it 
comes  within  his  reach,  is  often  employed  by  David,  to  describe 
the  power  and  malice  of  his  enemies.  Christians  cannot  forget, 
that  they  likewise  have  an  adversary  of  the  same  nature  aad  cha- 
racter; one  ever  seeking  whom,  and  contriving  how,  he  may  de- 
vour. 

13.  Arise,  O  Lord,  disappoint  him,  cast  him  down  :  deliver  my 
soul  from  the  wicked,  which  is  thy  stoord;  From  men  which  are 
thy  hand,  O  Lord,  from  the  inen  of  the  world,  which  have  their 
portion  in  this  life,  and  whose  belly  thou  fillest  with  thy  hid  trea- 
sure :  they  are  full  of  children,  and  leave  the  rest  of  their  sub- 
stance to  their  babes. 

The  Psalmist,  hciving  characterized  those  who  pursued  after 
him  to  take  away  his  life,  now  entreats  God  to  "  arise,"  or  ap- 
pear in  his  cause,  to  "  disappoint"  or  "  prevent"  the  enemy  in 
his  designs,  and  to  "  cast  him  down,"'  to  overthrow  and  subdue 
him.  The  next  words  may  be  thus  rendered;  '•  Deliver  my 
soul  from  the  wicked  by  thy  sword,  from  men  by  thy  hand,  O 
Lord,  from  the  men  of  the  world;"  the  expressions,  "  sword,  and 
hand  of  JtHiovah,"  being  frequently  used  to  denote  his  power  and 
vengeance.  The  n^DD  OMD  or  "  mortals  of  the  transitory 
world,"  from  whom  David  prays  to  be  delivered,  are  said  to  be 


Day  ril.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  105 

such  as  have  "  their  portion  in  this  life,"  such  as,  in  our  Saviour's 
lanjGfuage,  "  have  their  reward"  here,  and  are  not  to  expect  it 
hereafter;  "  whose  beUies  thou  fillest  with  thy  hid  treasure;"  whom 
thou  permittest  to  enjoy  thy  temporal  blessings  in  abundance,  to 
"  receive  their  good  things'"  upon  earth,  and  to  "  fare  sumptuously 
every  day;"  as  if  it  were  to  convince  us,  in  what  estimation  we 
ought  to  hold  the  world,  when  we  see  the  largest  shares  of  it  dealt 
out  to  the  most  worthless  of  the  sons  of  Adam  :  "  They  are  full  of, 
or  abound  in  children,  and  leave  the  residue  of  their  substance  to 
their  babes  :"  after  living  in  plenty,  perhaps  to  a  good  old  age,  they 
leave  behind  them  a  numerous  and  flourishing  posterity,  who  in- 
herit their  estates,  and  go  on,  as  their  fathers  did  before  them, 
without  piety  to  God,  or  charity  to  the  poor.  From  these  men 
and  their  ways,  we  have  all  reason  to  say  with  David,  "  Good 
Lord,  deliver  us :" 

15.  As  for  me,  I  will  behold  thy  face  in  righteousness;  I  shall 
he  satisfied,  lohen  I  awake,  with  thy  likeness. 

Instead  of  setting  our  aflections  on  things  below,  the  prophet  in- 
structs us,  after  his  example,  to  place  all  our  happiness  in  the  vision 
of  God,  and  in  that  righteousness  which  leads  to  it ;  since  the  hour 
is  coming,  when  we  shall  awake,  and  arise,  after  the  Divine  simili- 
tude ;  when  we  shall  be  like  God,  for  we  shall  see  him  as  he  is, 
and  by  seeing  him  shall  be  changed  into  the  same  image ;  and  then 
shall  every  desire  be  satisfied  with  the  fulness  of  joy,  with  the  ex- 
reeding  abundance  of  unutterable  glory. 

THIRD  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XVIII. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm,  as  we  arc  informed  by  the  sacred  history,  2  Sam.  xxii.  l.was 
composed  and  sung  by  David,  in  the  day  tliut  the  Lord  had  delivered  him 
out  of  the  hand  of  all  his  enemies,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  Saul.  It  con- 
tains, ver.  1 — 3.  an  address  of  thanks  to  Jehovah  ;  4 — 6.  a  relation  of 
Sufferings  undergone,  and  prayers  made  for  assistance;  7 — 15.  a  magni- 
ficent description  of  the  Divine  interposition  in  favour  of  tlie  sufferer,  and 
16 — 19.  of  the  deliverance  wrought  for  him,  20 — 24.  in  consideration  of 
his  righteousness,  25 — 28.  according  to  the  tenor  of  God's  equitable  pro- 
ceedings. 29 — 36.  to  Jehovah  is  ascribed  the  glory  of  tlie  victory,  which 
37 — 42.  is  represented  as  every  way  complete,  by  the  destruction  of  all 
opponents,  and  43 — 45.  the  submission  of  the  heathen;  for  these  events, 
4f) — 50.  God  is  blessed  and  praised.  As  the  sublimity  of  the  figures  used 
ill  this  Psalm,  and  the  consent  of  ancient  commentators,  even  Jewish  as 
well  as  Christian,  but  above  all,  the  citations  made  from  it  in  the  New 
M 


106  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XVIII. 

Testament,  do  evince,  that  the  kingdom  of  Messiah  is  here  pointed  at, 
nnder  that  of  David ;  an  application  is  therefore  made  of  the  whole  in 
the  ensuing  comment,  to  the  sufferings,  resurrection,  righteousness,  and 
conquests  of  Christ,  to  the  destruction  of  the  Jews,  and  conversion  of 
the  Gentiles.  In  a  word,  the  Psalm,  it  is  apprehended,  should  now  be 
considered  as  a  glorious  epinikioiu  or  triumphal  hymn,  to  be  sung  by  the 
church,  risen  cmd  victorious  in  Christ  her  head. 

1.  7  will  love  thee,   O  Lord,  my  strength. 

Let  us  su})pose  King  Messiah,  like  his  illustrious  progenitor  of 
old,  seated  in  peace  and  triumph  upon  the  tlirone  designed  and 
prepared  for  him.  From  thence  let  us  imagine  him  taking  a  retro- 
spective view  of  the  sufferings  he  had  undergone,  the'battles  he  had 
fought,  and  the  victories  he  had  gained.  With  this  idea  duly  im- 
pressed upon  our  minds,  we  shall  be  able  in  some  measure  to  con- 
ceive the  force  of  the  words,  "  pmx,  With  all  the  yearnings  of 
affection  I  will  love  thee,  O  Jehovah,  my  strength,  through  my 
union  with  whom,  I  have  finished  my  work,  and  ain  now  exalted 
to  prtuse  thee,  in  the  name  of  a  redeemed  world."  Whenever  we 
sing  this  Psalm,  let  us  think  we  are  singing  it  in  conjunction  with 
our  Saviour,  newly  risen  from  the  dead ;  a  consideration  which 
surely  will  incite  us  to  do  it  with  becoming  gratitude  and  devotion. 

2.  The  Lord  is  my  rock,  and  my  fortress,  and  my  deliverer  ^ 
my  God,  my  strength,  in  lohom  I  will  trust;  my  buckler,  and  the 
horn  of  my  salvation,  and  my  high  tower. 

In  other  words,  explanatory  of  the  figures  here  made  use  of, 
Through  Jehovah  it  is,  that  I  have  stood  immoveable  amidst  a  sea 
of  temptations  and  afflictions  :  he  has  supported  me  under  my  trou- 
bles, and  delivered  me  out  of  them ;  his  protection  has  secured  me, 
his  power  has  broken  and  scattered  mine  enemies ;  and  by  his 
mercy  and  truth  am  I  now  set  up  on  high  above  them  all. — How 
lovely  these  strains,  in  the  mouth  of  the  church  militant !  How  glo- 
rious will  they  be,  when  sung  by  the  church  triumphant !  It  is 
observable,  that  the  words,  "  in  whom  I  trust,"  or,  as  the  original 
has  it,  "  I  will  trust  in  him,"  are  referred  to  in  the  margin  of  our 
English  Bible,  as  quoted  from  this  verse  by  St.  Paul,  Heb.  ii.  13. 
If  it  be  so,  the  reader,  by  turning  to  the  place,  may  furnish  himself 
with  a  demonstration,  that  in  the  xviiith  as  well  as  in  the  xvitli 
Psalm,  David  speaks  in  the  person  of  Christ. 

3.  I  will,  or,  did  call  upon  the  Lord,  who  is  worthy  to  be 
praised;  so  shall  I  be,  or,  so  loas  I  saved  from  my  enemies. 

As  the  Psalm  so  evidently  throughout  is  a  thanksgiving  for  past 
deliverances,  the  verbs  in  this  verse  seem  to  require  the  same  ren- 
dering which  is  given  to  them  below,  at  ver.  Q.  Jelinvah  is  to  be 


Day  III.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSAI.IVIS.  107 

"  called  upon,"  both  in  adversity  and  in  prosperity  ;  in  the  former 
with  the  voice  of  prayer,  in  the  hitter  with  that  of  praise.  '•'  Is  any 
afflicted?"  saith  St.  James,  v.  13.  "  Lot  him  pray.  Is  any  merry  ? 
Let  him  sing  Psahns." 

4.  The  sorroiDS,  or,  cords  of  death  compassed  mo,  and  thejlooda 
of  ungodly  men,  or,  Belial,  made  ine  afraid.  5.  llie  sorrotvs,  or, 
cords  of  hell,  or,  the  grave,  compassed  me  about;  the  snares  of 
death  jirevented  me. 

St.  Peter,  in  his  sermon  on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  says,  when 
speaking  of  Christ — "  Whom  (Jod  hath  raised  up,  having  loosed 
the  pains  of  death,  because  it  was  not  possible  that  he  should  be 
holden  of  it,"'  Acts  ii.  24.  Now,  "  the  Hebrew  word  ^Dn,  (as  Dr. 
Hammond  well  observes  on  that  place)  signifies  two  things,  acord^ 
or  band,  and  a  pang,  especially  of  women  in  travail ;  hence  the 
LXX.  meeting  with  the  word,  Ps.  xviii,  where  it  certainly  signifies 
Xoi^tcty  cords  or  bands, yet  have  rendered  it  uhveq,  pangs ;  and  from 
their  example  here  St.  Luke  hath  used  ret?  uhvu^  B-ocvotm,  the  pains 
or  pangs  oi  de^Xh;  when  both  the  addition  of  the  word  Avs-*?,  loos- 
ings,  and  x-pureiTSxi,  being  holden  fast,  do  show  the  sense  is  bands. 
or  cords.'^  From  the  passage  in  the  Acts,  with  this  learned  and 
judicious  remark  upon  it,  we  obtain  not  only  the  true  rendering  of 
the  phrase  "niD  ^^DH,  cords  or  bands  of  death,"  but  also  something 
more  than  an  intimation,  that  in  the  verses  of  our  Psalm  now  be- 
fore us,  David  speaks  of  Christ,  that  the  "  cords  of  death,"  those 
"  bands"  due  to  our  sins,  "  compassed  him  about,  and  the  floods 
of  Belial,"  the  powers  of  darkness  and  ungodliness,  like  an  over- 
whelming torrent  breaking  forth  from  the  bottondess  pit,  '"'  made 
him  afraid  in  the  day  of  his  agony,  when  the  apprehensions  of  the 
bitter  cup  cast  his  soul  into  unutterable  amazement,  and  he  i)eheld 
himself  environed  by  those  '•  snares,"  which  had  captivated  and 
detained  all  the  children  of  Adam.  David,  surrounded  by  Saul 
and  his  blood-thirsty  attendants,  was  a  lively  emblem  of  the  sufler- 
ing  Jesus,  and  therefore  the  same  description  is  applicable  to  both ; 
as  the  words  of  the  second  Psalm,  in  like  manner,  celebi-ate  the 
inauguration  of  the  son  of  Jesse,  and  that  of  the  Son  of  God. 

C.  In  my  distress  I  called  upon  the  Lord,  and  cried  unto  my 
God:  he  heard  my  voice  out  of  his  temple,  and  my  cry  came  be- 
fore him,  even  into  his  ears. 

David  was  in  distress ;  David  called  upon  Jehovah,  the  God  of 
Israel,  who  dwelt  between  the  Cherubim  in  the  holy  place;  and 
by  him  the  prayer  of  David  was  heard.  Much  greater  was  the 
distress  of  Christ,  who  likewise,  as  St.  Paul  speaks,  ''  in  the  days 
of  his  (lesh  offered  up  prayers  and  supplications  with  strong  crying 


108  A  COMMENTARY  Fsal.  XVIII. 

and  tears,  unto  liim  that  was  able  to  save  him  from  death,  and  was 
heard,"  Heb.  v.  J.  his  voice  ascended  to  the  eternal  temple,  his 
powerful  cry  pierced  the  ears  of  the  Father  everlasting,  and  brought 
salvation  from  heaven  at  the  time  appointed.  The  church  also  is 
distressed  upon  earth,  she  crieth,  her  cries  are  heard,  and  will  be 
answered  in  the  day  of  God. 

7.  Then  the  earth  shook  and  trembled;,  the  foundations  also  oj 
the  hills  moved  and  loere  shaken,  because  he  was  wroth. 

At  this  verse  the  Prophet  begins  to  describe  the  manifestation  of 
Divine  power  in  favour  of  the  Righteous  Sufferer.  The  imagery 
employed  is  borrowed  from  mount  Sinai,  and  those  circumstances 
which  attended  the  delivery  of  the  law  from  thence.  When  a  mo- 
narch is  angry,  and  prepares  for  war,  his  whole  kingdom  is  instantly 
in  commotion.  Universal  nature  is  here  represented  as  feeling  the 
effects  of  its  Sovereign's  displeasure,  and  all  the  visible  elements 
are  disordered.  The  earth  shakes  from  its  foundations,  and  all 
its  rocks  and  mountains  tremble  before  the  majesty  of  their  great 
Creator,  when  he  ariseth  in  judgment.  This  was  really  the  case 
at  the  resurrection  of  our  Lord  from  the  dead ;  when  as  the  Evan- 
gelists inform  us,  "  there  was  a  great  earthquake,"  and  the  grave 
owned  its  inability  any  longer  to  detain  the  blessed  body,  which 
had  been  committed,  for  a  season,  to  its  custody.  And  what  hap- 
pened at  the  resurrection  of  Jesus,  should  remind  us  of  what  shall 
happen,  when  the  earth  shall  tremble,  and  the  dead  shall  be  raised 
at  the  last  day. 

8.  lliere  went  up  a  smoke  out  of  his  nostrils,  andjire  out  of 
his  mouth  devoured;  coals  were  kindled  by  it;  or,  fire  out  of 
his  mouth  devoured,  with  burning  coals  from  before  him. 

The  farther  effects  of  God's  indignation  are  represented  by  those 
of  fire,  which  is  the  most  terrible  of  the  created  elements,  burning 
and  consuming  all  before  it,  scorching  the  ground,  and  causing  the 
mountains  to  smoke.  Under  this  appearance  God  descended  on 
the  top  of  Sinai :  thus  he  visited  the  cities  of  the  plain ;  and  thus 
he  is  to  come  at  the  end  of  time.  Whenever  therefore  he  is  de- 
scribed as  showing  forth  his  power  and  vengeance  for  the  salvation 
of  his  chosen,  and  the  discomfiture  of  his  enemies,  a  '"■  devouring 
fire"  is  the  emblem  made  choice  of,  to  convey  proper  ideas  of  such 
his  manifestations.  And  from  hence  we  may  conceive  the  heat  of 
his  wrath  against  the  adversaries  of  man's  salvation,  when  by 
raising  his  Son  Jesus  from  the  dead,  he  blasted  their  schemes,  and 
withered  all  their  strength. 

9.  He  bowed  the  heavens  also,  and  came  down :  and  darkness 
was  under  his  feet.     10.  And  fie  rode  upon  a  cherub^  and  did  fly  ; 


Day  III.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  lOf) 

yea,  he.  did  fiy  upon  the  win^s  of  the  wind.  11.  He  made  darJc- 
ness  his  secret  place  ;  his  pavilion  round  about  him  were  dark  wa- 
ters and  thick  clouds  of  the  skies. 

Storms  and  tempests  in  the  element  of  air  are  instruments  of 
the  Divine  displeasure,  and  are  therefore  selected  as  figures  of  it. 
When  God  descends  from  above,  the  clouds  of  heaven  compose  an 
awful  and  gloomy  tabernacle,  in  the  midst  of  which  he  is  supposed 
to  resitle  :  the  reins  of  whirlwinds  are  in  his  hand,  and  he  directs 
their  impetuous  course  through  the  world ;  the  whole  artillery  of 
the  cerial  regions  is  at  his  command,  to  be  by  liijn  employed  against 
his  enemies,  in  the  day  of  battle  and  war. 

12,  At  the  brightness  that  was  before  him,  his  thick  clouds 
■passed,  hailstones  and  coals  of  f  re.  13.  The  ho^D  also  thun- 
dered in  the  heavens,  and  the  Highest  gave  his  voice:  hail-stones 
and  coals  offre.  14.  Yea,  he  sent  out  his  arroirs,  and  scattered 
them;  and  he  shot  out  lightnings,  and  discomfited  them. 

T'he  discharge  of  the  celestial  artillery  upon  the  adverse  powers 
is  here  magnificently  described.  Terrible  it  was  to  them,  as  when 
lightnings  and  thunders,  hail-stoncs  and  balls  of  fire,  making  their 
way  through  the  dark  clouds  which  contain  them,  strike  terror  and 
dismay  into  the  hearts  of  men.  Such  is  the  "  voice,"  and  such  arc 
the  "  arrows*'  of  the  Lord  Almighty,  wherewith  he  "  discomfiteth'' 
all  who  oppose  the  execution  of  his  counsels,  and  obstruct  the 
salvation  of  his  chosen.  Every  display  and  description  of  this 
sort,  and  indeed  every  thunder  storm  which  we  behold,  should  re- 
mind us  of  that  exhibhion  of  power  and  vengeance,  which  is  here- 
after to  accompany  the  general  resurrection. 

1 5.  Then  the  channels  of  icaters  were  seen,  and  the  foundations 
of  the  world  were  discovered  at  thy  rebuke,  O  Lord,  at  the  blast 
of  the  breath  of  thy  nostrils. 

As  the  former  part  of  the  Psalmist's  description  was  taken  from 
the  appearance  on  Mount  Sinai,  so  this  latter  part  seems  evidently 
to  allude  to  what  passed  at  the  Red  Sea,  when  by  the  breath  of  (Jod 
the  waters  were  divided,  the  depths  were  discovered,  and  Israel 
was  conducted  in  safety  through  them.  By  that  event  was  prefi- 
gured the  salvation  of  the  cliurch  universal,  through  the  death  and 
resurrection  of  Clnist,  who  tlescended  into  the  lower  parts  of  the 
earth,  and  from  thence  reascended  to  light  and  life.  The  xivth 
chapter  of  Exodus,  which  relates  the  passage  of  Israel  through  the 
Red  Sea,  is  therefore  appointed  as  one  of  the  proper  lessons  on 
Easter  Day.  And  thus  we  obtain  the  ideas  intended  to  be  con- 
veyed in  this  sublime  but  diflicult  verse,  together  with  their  appli- 
cation to  the  grand  deliverance  of  the  true  David  in  the  ilay  of  God's 


110  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XVIII. 

power.  Indeed  it  is  not  easy  to  accommodate  to  any  part  of  the 
history  of  the  son  of  Jesse,  those  awful,  majestic  and  stupendous 
images,  which  are  made  use  of  throughout  this  whole  description 
of  the  Divine  manifestation,  from  verse  7.  But  however  this  be, 
most  certainly  every  part  of  so  solemn  a  scene  of  terrors  forbids  us 
to  doubt  but  that  a  "greater  than  David  is  here;"  since  creation 
scarce  affords  colours  brighter  and  stronger  than  those  here  em- 
ployed, wherewith  to  paint  the  appearance  of  Jehovah  at  the  day 
of  final  redemption. 

16.  He  sent  from  above,  he  took  me,  he  drcto  me  out  of  many, 
or,  the  great,  waters.  17 .  He  delivered  me  from  my  strong  ene- 
iny,  and  from  them  which  hated  me:  for  they  7vere  too  strong  for 
me. 

For  this  purpose  did  God  in  so  wonderful  a  manner  display  his 
power  and  glory,  that  he  might  deliver  the  sufferer  out  of  his 
troubles.  This  deliverance  is  first  expressed  metap])orically  by 
"  drawing  him  out  of  the  great  waters,"  and  then  plainly,  "  he 
delivered  me  from  my  strong  enemy,"  &c.  The  "  great  waters," 
in  ver.  I6.  are  the  same  with  "the  floods  of  the  ungodly,"  in  ver. 
4.  By  these  was  Messiah,  like  David,  oppressed  and  overwhelmed 
for  a  time;  but,  like  David,  he  rose  at  length  superior  to  them  all. 
The  "  strong  enemy"  was  obliged  to  give  way  to  a  "  stronger 
than  he,  who  overcame  him,  and  took  from  him  his  armour  in 
which  he  trusted,  and  divided  the  spoil,"  Luke  xi.  22. 

18.  They  prevented  me  in  the  day  of  my  calamity,  but  the 
Lord  was  my  stay.  19.  He  brought  me  forth  also  into  a  large 
■place  ;  he  delivered  me,  because  he  delighted  in  me. 

The  Divine  mercy  is  celebrated  again  and  again  through  this  sa- 
cred hymn  in  a  variety  of  expressions.  Innumerable  foes  "  pre- 
vented," that  is,  surrountled,  enclosed  Christ  on  all  sides,  "  in  the 
day  of  his  calamity,"  when  the  powers  of  earth  and  hell  set  them- 
selves in  array  against  him;  but  "Jehovah  was  his  stay;"  on  him 
he  reposed  an  unshaken  confidence;  Jehovah  therefore  supported 
his  steps,  and  led  him  on  to  victory  and  triumph  ;  from  the  narrow 
confines  of  the  grave  he  translated  him  to  unbounded  empire,  be- 
cause he  was  the  Son  of  his  love,  in  whom  he  delighted. 

20.  The  Lord  rewarded  me  according  to  my  righteousness ; 
according  to  the  cleanness  of  my  hands  hath  he  recompensed  me. 
21.  For  I  have  kept  the  ways  of  the  Lord,  and  have  not  wickedly 
departed  from  my  (iod:  22.  For  cdl  his  judgments  were  before 
me,  and  I  did  not  put  away  his  statutes  from  me.  23.  I  was 
rdso  upright  before  him;  and  I  kept  mys(df  from  mine  iniquity  ; 
or,  from  iniquities.     24.  Therefore  hath  the  Lord  recompensed 


Day  III.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  Ill 

me  according  to  my  righteousness,  according  to  the  cleanness  of 
my  hands  in  his  eye-sight. 

Commentators  have  been  much  perplexed  on  account  of  these 
unlimited  claims  to  righteousness  made  by  David,  and  that,  long 
after  the  matter  of  Uriah,  and  towards  the  close  of  his  life.  Cer- 
tain indeed  it  is,  that  the  expressions,  considered  as  David's,  must 
either  be  confined  to  his  steadfast  adherence  to  the  true  worship,  in 
opposition  to  idolatry,  or  to  his  innocency  with  regard  to  some  par- 
ticular crimes  falsely  alleged  against  him  by  his  adversaries.  But 
if  the  Psalm  be  prophetical,  and  sunt^  by  the  victorious  monarch 
in  the  person  of  King  Messiah;  then  do  the  verses  now  before  us 
no  less  exactly  than  beautifully  delineate  that  all-perfect  righteous- 
ness wrought  by  the  Redeemer,  in  consequence  of  which  he  obtained 
deliverance  for  himself  and  his  people.  For  ''  His''  righteousness' 
sake  Jehovah  was  well  pleased,  and  rewarded  with  everlasting  feli- 
city the  unspotted  purity  of  his  works ;  '•  He*'  performed  an  unsin- 
ning  obedience  to  every  pait  of  the  law,  and  swerved  not  from  its 
line  in  a  single  instance ;  the  rule  was  ever  in  his  eye,  and  no  temp- 
tation could  induce  him  to  deviate  from  its  direction ;  like  the  light, 
he  passed  through  all  things  undefiled,  and  his  garments  were  white 
as  the  lily  :  therefore  a  glorious  kingdom  was  given  unto  him,  for- 
asmuch as  in  him  the  piercing  eye  of  Heaven  could  discover  no 
blemish  at  all. 

25.  With  the  merciful  thou  wilt  shew  thyself  merciful;  with 
an  upright  man  thou  toilt  shew  thyself  upright:  26.  With  the 
pure  thou  loilt  shew  thyself  pure  ;  and  ivitk  the  froward  thou  wilt 
shew  thyself  froward ;  Heb.  with  the  perverse  thou  wilt  wrestle, 
or,  strive. 

The  reason  is  here  assigned  why  God  "  recompensed  Messiah 
according  to  the  cleanness  of  his  hands,"  namely,  because  he  is 
just,  in  rendering  to  every  one  according  to  his  works.  He  who 
is  "  merciful"  to  his  brethren,  shall  obtain  the  Divine  mercy  ;  he 
who  is  "upright"  in  his  dealings  with  others,  will  have  justice 
done  him  by  the  great  Judge  against  his  iniquitous  o[)pressors ;  he 
who  is  "  pure"  from  deceit  and  hypocrisy  in  the  service  of  God, 
shall  experience  in  himself  a  faithful  and  exact  performance  of  the 
promises  which  God  hath  made  to  such ;  but  the  man  that  is  "  fro- 
ward," perverse,  and  rebellious,  must  expect  to  grapple  with  an 
arm,  which  will  either  humble  or  destroy.  See  Lev.  xxvi.  3,  4, 
&c.  23,  24,  &c.      1  Kings  viii.  32.     Prov.  iii.  34. 

27.  For  thou  wilt  save  the  afflicted,  or,  loivly,  people  :  hut  wilt 
hring  down  high  looks. 

•'  God  resisteth  the  proud,"  saith  an  apostle,  '•  and  giveth  grace 


112  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XVIII. 

to  the  humble,"  James  iv.  G.  And,  indeed,  what  is  the  covenant 
of  grace,  but  a  covenant  to  humble  pride,  and  to  exalt  humility ; 
what  was  it,  but  the  humility  of  Christ,  that  subdued  the  pride  of 
Satan ;  and  on  what  does  the  salvation  of  every  man  depend,  but 
on  the  issue  of  the  contest  between  these  two  principles  in  his  heart? 

28.  For  thou  wilt,  or,  dost,  light  my  candle,  or,  lamj):  the  Lord 
my  God  will,  or,  does,  enlighten  my  darkness. 

An  instance  of  God's  favour  towards  the  lowly  and  afflicted  was 
the  salvation  vouchsafed  to  the  suffering  Josus,  who  like  David,  af- 
ter much  tribulation  and  persecution,  under  which  he  sunk  for  a 
time,  even  so  low  as  to  the  grave  itself,  was  exalted  to  glory  and 
honour.  This  change  of  condition  is  set  forth  by  that  of  a  "  lamp," 
from  a  state  of  extinction  to  one  of  illumination,  darkness  being  a 
well-known  emblem  of  sorrow  and  death,  as  light  is  the  established 
symbol  of  life  and  joy.  Remarkable  are  the  words  of  the  Chaldee 
Paraphrast  upon  this  verse,  cited  by  Dr.  Hammond — ''  Because 
thou  shalt  enlighten  the  lamp  of  Israel,  which  is  put  out  in  the  cap- 
tivity, for  thou  art  the  author  of  the  light  of  Israel :  the  Lord  my 
God  shall  lead  me  out  of  darkness  into  light,  and  shall  make  me  see 
the  consolation  of  the  age  which  shall  come  to  the  just." 

29.  For  by  thee  I  have  run  through,  or,  broken  a  troop;  and 
by  my  God  have  I  leaped  over  a  loall. 

Through  the  power  of  his  divinity,  the  Captain  of  our  salvation 
vanquished  the  host  of  darkness,  and  escaped  from  the  sepulchre, 
notwithstanding  all  their  precautions  to  confine  him  there.  Vain 
is  every  efi'ort,  by  whomsoever  it  is  made,  against  the  counsels  of 
omnipotence.  And  let  us  reflect,  for  our  comfort,  that  they  who 
could  not  prevent  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  cannot  detain  the  soul 
of  a  Christian  in  sin,  or  his  body  in  the  grave. 

30.  As  for  God,  his  ivay  is  perfect:  the  tvord  of  the  Lord  is 
tried:  he  is  a  buckler  to  all  those^that  trust  in  him. 

The  '■  way"  of  God  is  the  course  of  his  proceedings  with  men, 
and  hs  "  perfection"  consists  in  the  equity  of  those  proceedings : 
the  promises  made  in  "  the  word  of  Jehovah"  to  his  servants,  are 
-'  tried"  in  times  of  affliction  and  persecution,  as  gold  in  the  fire, 
and  found  pure  from  any  dross  of  deceit,  or  fallibility:  he  is  ever 
a  "  shield,"  to  protect  "  those  who  trust  in  him,"  during  their  stay 
here,  until  he  becomes  "  their  exceeding  great  reward"  hereafter. 
All  this  he  has  been  to  the  Head,  in  order  that  he  may  be  all  this 
to  the  members  of  the  chvuxh. 

31.  For  who  is  God,  save  the  Lord  ?  Or  tcho  is  a  rock,  save 
our  God? 

*'  .tohovyh'"  alone  is  ilie  "  God,"  or  covenanted  Saviour  of  bis 


Day  III.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  113 

people  ;  he  is  tlie  only  "  rock''  on  which  they  may  securely  build 
their  hope  of  heaven.  Vain  were  the  idols  of  the  ancient  world, 
Baal  and  Jupiter;  as  vain  are  those  of  modern  times,  pleasure, 
honour,  and  profit.  They  cannot  bestow  content,  or  make  their 
votaries  happy  below ;  much  less  can  they  deliver  from  death,  or 
open  the  everlasting  doors  above. 

32.  It  is  God  that  girdeth  me  iiuth  strength,  and  maketh  my 
way  perfect. 

In  this  and  the  following  versos  are  enumerated  the  gifts  of  God 
to  the  spiritual  warrior,  whereby  he  is  armed  and  prcjiared  for  the 
battle,  after  the  example  of  his  victorious  loader.  God  invests 
him  with  "  strength,"  or  what  the  Apostle  calls,  "  the  spirit  of  might 
in  the  inner  man,"  as  the  loins  of  a  soldier  are  braced  by  the  mili- 
tary girdle ;  whence  that  of  St.  Paul,  "  having  your  loins  girt  about 
with  truth."'  He  removes  every  thing  that  may  impede  his  pro- 
gress, until  he  has  accomplished  his  warfare,  and  finished  his  course 
in  righteousness,  which  seems  to  be  what  is  meant  by  "  making 
his  way  perfect." 

33.  He  maketh  my  feet  like  hinds'  feet,  and  sctteth  me  tipon  tny 
high  places. 

He  endueth  the  affections,  which  are  the  feet  of  tiie  soul,  with 
vigour  and  agility,  to  ran  the  way  of  his  commandments,  to  sur- 
mount every  obstacle,  and,  with  an  activity  like  that  of  the  swift 
hart,  or  the  bounding  roe,  to  conquer  the  steep  ascent  of  the  ever- 
lasting hills,  and  gain  the  summit  of  the  heavenly  mountain.  St. 
Paul  tells  us  how  the  feet  must  be  shod  for  this  purpose,  namely, 
"  with  the  preparation  of  the  Gospel  of  peace." 

34.  He  teacheth  my  hands  to  war,  so  thai  a  bow  of  steel  is 
broken  by  mine  arms. 

He  communicates  a  wisdom  and  a  power  which  nothing  can 
withstand,  instmcting  and  enabling  the  combatant  to  overcome  in 
the  conflict,  to  seize  and  render  useless  the  weapons  of  the  adver- 
sary. St.  Paul  puts  into  the  Christian  warrior's  hand,  "  the  sword 
of  the  Spirit,  which  is  the  word  of  God." 

35.  Thou  hast  also  given  me  the  shield  of  thy  salvation:  and 
thy  right  hand  hath  holden  me  up,  and  thy  gentleness,  or,  thyaf- 
fiictions,  have  inade  me  great. 

The  salvation  of  God  is  a  defence  against  all  temptations  to 
such  as  believe  in  it ;  whence  St.  Paul  styles  this  piece  of  armour, 
"  the  shield  of  faith,  wherewith,"  says  he,  "  ye  may  be  able  to 
quench  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the  devil."  The  ^'  right  hand"  of 
CJod  must  support  and  sustain  us  at  all  times ;  and  the  wholesome 
discipline  of  the  Christian  camp,  the  chastisements  and  corrections 


114  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XVIIL 

of  our  heavenly  Father,  must  trani  us  up  to  true  greatness,  and 
prepare  us  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  The  soldiers,  like  their 
great  Leader,  must  be  "  made  perfect  through  sufferings." 

36.  Thou  hast  enlarged  my  steps  under  me,  that,  or,  and,  my. 
feet  did  not  slip. 

In  other  words,  God  had  opened  a  free  course  for  him  to  victory 
and  triumph,  and  liad  also  endued  him  with  strength  to  run  that 
course;  thus  removing  the  two  mischievous  effects  of  sin,  which 
not  only  precluded  the  way  to  heaven,  but  deprived  us  of  the  abi- 
lity to  travel  in  it. 

37".  I  have  pursued  mine  enemies,  and  overtaken  them;  neither 
did  I  turn  again  till  they  were  eonsumed.  38.  I  have  icounded 
them  that  they  loerc  not  aide  to  rise:  they  are  fallen  under  my 
feet. 

If  we  suppose  David  in  his  conquests  to  have  prefigured  victori- 
ous Messiah,  then  have  we,  in  these  and  the  subsequent  verses,  a 
sublime  description  of  that  vengeance,  which  Jesus,  after  his  resur- 
rection and  ascension,  inflicted  on  his  hardened  and  impenitent 
enemies,  ilis  wrath  "  pursued"  and  "  overtook"  them,  in  the 
day  of  vishation;  nor  did  it  return,  till,  like  a  devouring  fire,  it 
had  "consumed  the  prey."  The  Jews  were  cast  down,  "not 
able  to  rise,"  or  lift  up  themselves  as  a  people,  being  crushed  under 
the  feet  of  the  once  despised  and  insulted  Nazarene.  Let  us  reflect 
upon  the  impotence  of  our  spiritual  adversaries,  when  Jesus  de- 
clares war  against  them:  and  let  us  beseech  him  to  conquer  them 
in  us,  as  he  has  conquered  them  for  us. 

39.  For  thou  hast  girded  me  with  strength  unto  the  battle;  thou 
liast  subdued  under  me  those  that  rose  up  against  me.  40.  Thou 
hast  also  given  me  the  necks  of  mine  enemies;  that  Imight  destroy 
them  that  hate  me. 

With  the  almighty  power  of  the  Godhead  was  Jesus  invested, 
by  which  all  the  enemies  were  subdued  unto  him;  the  stiff  "necks" 
of  his  crucifiers  were  bowed  under  him,  and  utter  destruction  be- 
came the  portion  of  those  who  hated  him,  and  had  "  sent  after 
him,  saying.  We  will  not  have  this  man  to  reign  over  us."  So  gird 
us  thy  soldiers  and  servants,  O  Lord  Jesus,  to  the  battle ;  and  sub- 
due under  us,  by  the  power  of  thy  grace,  those  that  rise  up  against 
us,  whether  they  be  our  own  corrupt  desires,  or  the  mahcious  spi- 
rits of  darkness;  so  give  us,  like  another  Joshua,  the  "necZ;"  of 
these  our  enemies,  that  we  may  destroy  them  that  hate,  and  would 
destroy  us. 

41.  They  cried,  but  there  was  none  to  save  them;  even  unto  the 
Lord,  hiit  he  answered  them  not. 


IXvYin.  E.  p.  ON  Tin:  PSVLMS.  115 

Never  was  there  a  more  just  and  lively  portrait  of  the  lamenta- 
ble and  desperate  state  of  the  Jews,  when  their  calamities  came 
upon  them.  "  Thc}'  cried,  but — none  to  save  !"  They  had  re- 
jected flim  who  alone  could  save,  and  who  was  now  about  to  de- 
stroy them.  They  cried  to  Jehovah,  and  thought  themselves  still 
his  favourile  nation  ;  but  Jehovah  and  Jesus  were  one ;  so  that  af- 
ter putting  the  latter  from  them,  they  could  not  retain  the  former 
on  their  side.  '•  lie  answered  them  not !"  It  was  too  late  to  knock 
when  the  door  was  shut ;  too  late  to  cry  for  mercy,  when  h  was  the 
time  of  justice.  Let  us  knock  while  yet  the  door  may  be  opened, 
and  not  begin  to  pray  when  prayer  shall  be  no  longer  heard. 

42.  Then  did  I  beat  them  small  as  the  dust  before  the  irind:  J 
did  cast  them  out  as  the  dirt  in  the  streets. 

The  nature  of  that  judgment  which  was  executed  upon  the 
Jews,  cannot  be  more  accurately  delineated  than  by  the  two  ima- 
ges here  made  use  of.  They  were  broken  in  pieces,  and  dispersed 
over  the  face  of  the  earth  by  the  breath  of  God's  displeasure,  like 
"  dust  before  the  wind ;  and  as  dirt  in  the  streets,  they  were  cast 
out,"  to  be  trodden  under  foot  by  all  nations.  O  that  every  nation 
would  so  consider,  as  to  avoid  their  crime  and  their  i)unishment. 

43.  Thou  hast  delivered  nie  from  the  strivings  of  the  people, 
.tnd  thou  hast  made  me  the  head  of  the  heathen :  a  people  whom  I 
have  not  known  shall  serve  me. 

If  David  was  delivered  from  the  strivings  of  the  people;  if  the 
adjacent  heathen  nations  were  added  to  his  kingdom,  and  a  "  peo- 
ple, whom  he  had  not  known,  served  him;"  how  much  more  was 
this  the  case  of  the  Son  of  David,  when  he  was  "  delivered,"  by  his 
resurrection,  from  the  power  of  all  his  enemies;  when  he  was  made 
'•  head  of  the  heathen,"  of  whom,  after  their  conversion,  his  church 
was,  and  to  this  day  is  composed ;  and  when,  instead  of  the  rejected 
J^ws,  a  people,  to  whom  before  he  had  not  been  known,  became 
his  servants  ? 

44.  As  soon  as  they  hear  of  mc,  theij  shall  obey  me;  the 
strangers  shall  submit  themselves  nnto  mj'.  45.  'J7ie  strangers 
shall  fade  away,  and  be  afraid  out  of  their  close  places. 

"  As  soon  as  they  hear  of  me,  they  shall  obey  me;"  hereby  is 
intimated  the  readiness  with  which  the  (ientiles  should  flow  into 
the  church,  upon  the  preaching  of  the  <jos})el  to  them,  when  the 
Jews,  after  having  so  long  and  so  often  heard  it,  had  nailed  Christ 
to  the  cross,  and  driven  the  apostles  out  from  among  them.  "The 
strangers  shall  submit  themselves  unto  me  ;"  the  nations  who  were 
''  aliens  from  the  commonwealth  of  Israel,  and  strangers  to  the  cove- 
jKtnts  of  promise,"  either  cordially  submitted  to  the  scc|)tre  of  Christ, 


116  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XVIII. 

or  at  least  dissemblrd  their  hostility,  and  yielded  a  feigned  sub- 
mission; (for  so  the  iyn3  word  sometimes  signifies;)  "  the  strangers 
shall  fade  away;"'  that  is,  such  of  them  as  set  themselves  against 
me,  shall  find  their  strength  blasted  and  withered  as  a  leaf  in  au- 
tumn, and  shall  fall  at  the  sound  of  my  name  and  my  victories; 
"they  shall  come  trembling  from  their  strong  holds,"  as  places  not 
able  to  protect  then),  and  therefore  they  will  sue  for  peace.  Such 
seems  to  be  the  import  of  these  two  verses,  which  therefore  denote 
the  conquest  of  Messiah  to  have  been  every  where  complete.  And 
accordingly,  in  the  remaining  part  of  the  Psalm,  the  church  through 
Christ  her  Head,  blesseth  Jehovah  for  the  same. 

46.  The  Lord  liveth,  and  blessed  be  ?ny  Rock;  and  let  the  God 
of  my  salvation  be  exalted.  47.  It  is  God  that  avengeth  me,  and 
siibdueth  the  people  U7ider  me.  48.  He  delivered  me  from  mine 
cne?Hies ;  yea,  thou  Uftest  me  up  above  those  that  rise  up  against 
me  ;  thou  hast  delivered  me  from  the  violent  man. 

In  other  words,  "And  now  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  liveth  and 
reigneth,  for  ever  blessed  and  exalted,  as  the  God  of  salvation ;  by 
him  I  am  avenged  of  those  who  persecuted  me,  and  am  advanced  to 
empire ;  my  enemies  are  fallen,  and  my  throne  is  established."  Thus 
we  learn  to  trust  in  Jehovah  without  fear,  when  our  enemies  are 
victorious,  and  to  glorify  him  without  reserve,  when  we  are  so. 

49.  Therefore  will  I  give  thanks  unto  thee,  0  Lord,  among 
(he  heathen,  and  sing  jJi'dises  unto  thy  name. 

Remarkable  is  the  manner  in  which  St.  Paul  cites  this  verse, 
Rom.  XV.  9.  The  context  runs  thus,  "Now  I  say,  that  Jesus 
Christ  was  a  minister  of  the  circumcision  for  the  truth  of  God,  to 
confirm  the  promises  made  unto  the  fathers :  and  that  the  Gentiles 
might  glorify  God  for  his  mercy:  as  it  is  written.  For  this  cause 
I  will  confess  to  thee  among  the  Gentiles,  and  sing  unto  thy  name." 
This  verse  is  by  the  Apostle  produced  as  a  proof,  that  the  Gentiles 
were  one  time  to  glorify  God,  for  the  mercy  vouchsafed  them  by 
Jesus  Christ.  But  according  to  the  letter  of  the  passage,  king  Da- 
vid only  says,  that  he  will  "  give  thanks  unto  God  among  the  hea- 
then," on  account  of  his  own  deliverance,  and  exaltation  to  the 
throne  of  Israel ;  for  upon  that  occasion  we  know  that  he  composed 
and  sung  the  Psalm.  This  citation  brought  by  St.  Paul  cannot 
therefore  be  to  the  purpose  for  which  it  is  brought,  unless  the 
Psalm  have  a  double  sense;  unless  God  be  glorified  in  it  for  the 
victory  and  inthronization  of  Christ,  as  well  as  for  those  of  David; 
and  this  cannot  be,  unless  the  same  words  which  literally  cele- 
brate the  one,  do  likewise  prophetically  celebrate  the  other ;  un- 
less David  be  a  figure  of  Christ,  and  speak  in  his  person,  and  in 


Day  IV.  iM.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  117 

that  of  his  body  the  church.  Wliile  this  Psalm  is  used,  as  a  Chris- 
tian hymn,  in  the  Gentile  Christian  church,  David  still  continues, 
as  he  foresaw  he  should  do,  '•  to  give  thanks  unto  Jehovah,  to  glo- 
rify God  among  the  Gentiles,'-  for  the  mercies  of  redemption,  and 
to  "  sing  praises  unto  his  name.-'* 

50.  Great  deliverance  ^ivcth  he  to  his  Kinff:  andsheweth  mercji 
to  his  Anointed,  to  David,  and  to  his  seed  for  evermore. 

"  Great  deliverance  givcth  he  unto  his  king;"  to  king  David,  iu 
saving  liim  from  Saul  and  iiis  other  temporal  enemies,  and  seating 
him  on  the  earthly  throne  of  Israel ;  to  King  Messiah,  in  rescuing 
him  from  death  and  the  grave,  and  exalting  him  to  a  heavenly  throne, 
as  Head  of  the  church:  "and  showeth  mercy  to  his  Anointed;"  to 
him  who  was  anointed  outwardly,  and  in  a  figure,  with  oil ;  and  to 
him  who  was  anointed  inwardly,  and  in  truth,  with  the  Holy  Ghost 
and  with  power :  "  to  David  and  to  his  seed  for  evermore ;"  to  the 
literal  David,  and  to  his  royal  |)rogeny,  of  whom,  according  to  the 
flesh,  Christ  came;  and  to  Christ  himself,  the  spiritual  David,  the 
Beloved  of  God,  and  all  those  who  through  faith  become  his  chil-> 


FOURTH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER, 
PSALM  XIX. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  the  former  part  of  this  beautiful  Psalm,  vcr.  1 — 6.  the  heavens  are  repre- 
sented as  the  instructers  of  mankind;  the  subject,  the  universality,  and 
the  manner  of  their  instructions,  are  pointed  out;  the  glory,  beauty,  and 
powerful  effects  of  the  solar  light  are  described.  The  latter  part  of  the 
Psalm,  7 — 14.  contains  an  encomium  on  the  word  of  God,  in  which  its 
properties  are  enumerated;  and  a  prayer  of  tlie  Psalmist  for  pardoning 
and  restraining  grace,  and  for  the  acceptance  of  these  and  all  other  his 
devotions  and  meditations.  From  a  citation  which  St.  Paul  hatii  made 
of  the  4th  verse,  it  appears,  that,  in  the  exposition,  we  are  to  raise  our 
thoughts  from  things  natural  to  things  spiritual.;  we  are  to  contemplate 
the  publication  of  the  Gospel,  the  manifestation  of  the  Light  of  Life,  the 
Sun  of  Righteousness,  and  the  efficacy  of  evangelical  doctrine.  In  this 
view  tlip  ancients  have  considered  the  Psalm,  and  the  churcli  hath  there- 
fore appointed  it  to  be  read  on  Christmas  day. 

1.  The  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God ;  and  the  firmament 
skeweth  his  handy  icork. 

'  "  This  verse  is  appiicd  in  Rom.  xv.  2.  to  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles  unto 
the  faith  of  Christ,  and  praise  unto  Cod  therefor.  By  which  we  are  taught, 
that  of  Christ  and  his  kingdom  this  Psalm  is  chiefly  intended."     Jlinsivorth 


118  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XIX. 

Under  the  name  of  "  heaven,"  or  "  the  heavens,"  is  compre- 
hended that  fluid  mixture  of  light  and  air,  which  is  every  where 
diffused  about  us  ;  and  to  the  influences  of  which  arc  owing  all  the 
beauty  and  fruitfulness  of  the  earth,  all  vegetable  and  animal  life, 
and  the  various  kinds  of  motion  throughout  the  system  of  nature. 
By  their  manifold  and  beneficial  operations,  therefore,  as  well  as  by 
their  beauty  and  magnificence,  "  the  heavens  declare  the  glory  of 
God ;"  they  })oint  Him  out  to  us,  who,  in  scripture  language,  is 
styled  ''  the  glory  of  God ;"  by  whom  themselves  and  all  other 
things  were  made,  and  are  upholden ;  and  who  is  the  author  of 
every  grace  and  blessing  to  the  sons  of  men  :  "  the  firmament,"  or 
expansion  of  the  celestial  elements,  wherever  it  extends,  "  showeth 
his  handy  work,"  not  only  as  the  Creator,  but  likewise  as  the  Re- 
deemer of  the  world.  And  thus  do  the  heavens  afford  inexhaustible 
matter  for  contemplation  and  devotion  to  the  philosopher  and  to 
tlie  Christian. 

2.  Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech,  and  night  unto  night  sheweth 
knowledge. 

The  labours  of  these  our  instructers  know  no  intermission,  but 
they  continue  incessantly  to  lecture  us  in  the  science  of  divine  wis- 
dom. There  is  one  glory  of  the  sun,  which  shines  forth  by  day  ; 
and  there  are  other  glories  of  the  moon  and  of  the  stars,  which  be- 
come visible  by  night.  And  because  day  and  night  interchangeably 
divide  the  world  between  them,  they  are  therefore  represented  as 
transmitting  in  succession,  each  to  the  other,  the  task  enjoined 
them,  like  the  two  parts  of  a  choir,  chanting  forth  alternately  the 
praises  of  God.  How  does  inanimate  nature  reproach  us  with  our 
indolence  and  indevotion ! 

3.  There  is  no  speech  nor  language  where  their  voice  is  not 
heard. 

Our  translators,  by  the  words  inserted  in  a  different  character, 
have  declared  their  sense  of  this  passage  to  be,  that  there  is  no  na- 
tion or  language,  whither  the  instruction  diffused  by  the  heavens 
doth  not  reach.  But  as  the  same  thought  is  so  fully  expressed  in 
tlie  next  verse,  "  Their  sound  is  gone  out,"  &c.  it  seems  most  ad- 
viseable  to  adhere  to  the  original,  which  runs  literally  thus,  "  No 
speech,  no  words,  their  voice  is  not  heard  ;"  that  is,  aUhough  the 
heavens  are  thus  appointed  to  teach,  yet  it  is  not  by  articulate 
sounds  that  they  do  it;  they  are  not  endowed,  like  man,  with  the 
faculty  of  speech ;  but  they  address  themselves  to  the  mind  of  the 
intelligent  beholder  in  another  way,  and  that,  when  understood,  a 
no  less  forcible  way,  the  way  of  i)icture,  or  representation,     ^o 


DayIV.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  II9 

manifold  is  the  wisdom  of  (iod;  so  various  arc  the  ways  l>y  whicli 
he  communicates  it  to  men. 

4.  'ilieir  line  is  gone  out  through  all  the  earth,  and  their  words 
'to  the  end  of  the  world. 

Tlie  instruction  which  the  heavens  disperse  abroad  is  universal 
as  their  substance,  which  extends  itself  in  "  lines,"  or  rays,  "  over 
all  the  earth;"  by  this  means  their  "  words,"  or  rather  their  *"  sig- 
nificant actions"  and  operations,  are  every  where  jiresent,  even  "  to 
the  ends  of  the  world;"  and  tliereby  they  preach  to  all  nations  the 
power  and  wisdom,  the  mercy  and  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord. 
The  apostles'  commission  was  the  same  with  that  of  the  heavens ; 
and  St.  Paul,  Rom.  x.  18.  has  applied  the  natural  images  of  this 
verse  to  the  manifestation  of  the  Light  of  Life,  by  the  sermons  of 
those  who  were  sent  forth  for  that  purpose.  He  is  speaking  of  those 
Jews  who  had  not  obeyed  the  Gospel.  "  But  I  say,"  argues  he, 
"  have  they  not  heard  ?  Yes,  verily  their  sound  went  into  all  the 
earth,  and  their  words  unto  the  ends  of  the  world."  As  if  he  had 
said.  They  must  have  heard,  since  the  apostles  were  commanded 
not  to  turn  unto  the  Gentiles,  till  they  had  published  their  glad 
tidings  throughout  Judea ;  but  the  knowledge  of  him  is  now  become 
universal,  and  all  flesh  has  seen  the  glory  of  the  Lord ;  the  Light 
Divine,  like  that  in  the  heavens,  has  visited  the  whole  v/orld,  as  the 
prophet  David  foretold,  in  the  xixth  Psalm.  The  apostle  cannot 
be  supposed  to  have  made  use  of  this  scripture  in  a  sense  of  accom- 
modation only,  because  he  cites  it  among  otiier  texts  which  he  pro- 
duces merely  as  prophecies.  And  if  such  be  its  meaning,  if  the 
heavens  thus  declare  the  glory  of  God — and  this  is  the  great  lesson 
they  are  incessantly  teaching — what  other  language  do  they  speak, 
than  that  their  Lord  is  the  representative  of  ours,  the  bright  raler 
in  the  natural  world  of  the  more  glorious  one  in  the  si)iritual,  their 
sun  of  the  "  Sun  of  righteousness  ?"  But  of  this  the  following  verses 
will  lead  us  to  speak  more  particularly. 

In  them  hath  he  set  a  tabernacle  for  the  sun,  5.  Which  is  as  n 
bridegroom  coining  out  of  his  chamber,  imdrcjoicrfh  as  a  strong 
man  to  run  a  race. 

In  the  centre  of  the  heavens  there  is  a  tent  pitched  by  the  Creator 
for  the  residence  of  that  most  glorions  of  inanimate  substances,  the 
solar  light;  from  thence  it  issues,  with  the  beauty  of  a  bridegroom, 
and  the  vigour  of  a  champion,  to  run  its  course  and  perform  its  o))e- 

*  CDrrbD — The  verb  ^^^  (whence  "''70  words)  is  used  for  exprrssin-v 
Vhc  meaning  by  «grj.?.  If  lias  this  scn«e,  Prov.  vi.  1"^.  ni'^D  ^1''^  spraU- 
in-^  n-ilk  hf.i  fed. 


I2(j  A  COiMMENTARY  Psal.  XIX. 

rations.  A  tabernacle,  in  like  manner,  was  prepared  for  him,  who 
saith  of  himself,  "  I  am  the  light  of  the  world,"  John  viii.  12. 
And  as  the  light  of  the  sun  goes  out  in  the  morning  with  inconceiv- 
able activity,  new  and  youthful  itself,  and  communicating  life  and 
gayety  to  all  things  round  it,  like  a  bridegroom,  in  the  marriage 
garment,  from  his  chamber  to  his  nuptials ;  so,  at  his  incarnation, 
did  the  Light  Divine,  the  promised  bridegroom,  visit  his  church, 
being  clad  himself,  and  clothing  her  with  that  robe  of  righteousness, 
which  is  styled,  in  holy  Scripture,  the  marriage  garment ;  and  the 
joy,  which  his  presence  administered,  was,  like  the  benefits  of  it, 
universal.  And  as  the  material  light  is  always  ready  to  run  its  hea- 
venly race,  daily  issuing  forth,  with  renewed  vigour,  like  an  invin- 
cible champion  still  fresh  to  labour ;  so  likewise  did  he  rejoice  to 
run  his  glorious  race;  he  excelled  in  strength,  and  his  works  were 
great  and  marvellous ;  he  triumphed  over  the  powers  of  darkness ; 
he  shed  abroad  on  all  sides  his  bi'ight  beams  upon  his  church ; 
he  became  her  deliverer,  her  protector  and  support ;  and  showed 
himself  able  in  every  respect  to  accomplish  for  her  the  mighty  task 
he  had  undertaken.  What  a  marvellous  instrument  of  the  Most 
High  is  the  sun  at  his  rising,  considered  in  this  view  ! 

0.  His  going  forth  is  from  the  end  of  heaven,  and  his  circuit 
unto  the  ends  of  it:  and  there  is  nothing  hid  from  the  heat  thereof 

The  light  difiused  on  every  side  from  its  fountain,  extendeth  to 
the  extremities  of  heaven,  filling  the  whole  circle  of  creation,  pe- 
netrating even  to  the  inmost  substances  of  grosser  bodies,  and  act- 
ing in  and  through  all  other  matter,  as  the  general  cause  of  life 
and  motion.  Thus  unbounded  and  efficacious  was  the  influence  of 
the  Sun  of  righteousness,  when  he  sent  out  his  word,  enlight- 
ening and  enlivening  all  things  by  the  glory  of  his  grace.  His 
celestial  rays,  like  those  of  the  sun,  took  their  circuit  round  the 
earth ;  they  went  forth  out  of  Judea  into  all  parts  of  the  habitable 
world,  and  there  was  no  corner  of  it  so  remote  as  to  be  without 
the  reach  of  their  penetrating  and  healing  power.  "  The  Lord 
gave  the  word  :  great  was  the  company  of  those  that  published  it," 
Psalm  Ixviii.  11.  It  was  the  express  declaration  of  our  Saviour 
himself,  "  This  gospel  of  the  kingdom  shall  be  preached  in  all 
(he  world,  for  a  witness  unto  all  nations,  and  then  shall  the  end 
come,"  Matt.  xxiv.  14.  And  St.  Paul  affirms,  that  the  Gospel 
was  "  come  mito  all  the  world,  and  had  been  preached  to  every 
creatine  under  heaven,"  Col.  i.  6,  and  23.  The  prophet  there- 
fore, having  thus  foretold  the  mission  of  the  apostles,  and  the  suc- 
cess of  their  ministry,  proceeds  in  the  next  place  to  describe  their 
'•  doctrine ;"  so  that  what  follows  is  a  fine  encomium  upon  theGos' 


Day  IV.  M.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  121 

pel,  written  with  all  the  simplicity  peculiar  to  the  sacred  language, 
and  in  a  strain  far  surpassing  the  utmost  eflbrts  of  human  eloquence. 

7.  The  law,  or,  doctrine,  of  the  Loud  is  perfect,  converting,  or 
restoring,  the  soul:  the  testimony  of  the  Loud  is  sure,  making 
icise  the  simple. 

The  word  of  God  in  this  and  the  following  verses,  has  several 
most  valuable  properties  ascribed  to  it.  It  is  [jcrfectly  well  adapted 
in  every  particular,  to  "  convert,"'  to  restore,  to  bring  back  "  the 
soul"'  from  error  to  truth,  from  sin  to  righteousness,  from  sickness 
to  health,  from  death  to  life;  as  it  convinces  of  sin,  it  holds  forth 
a  Saviour,  it  is  a  means  of  grace,  and  a  rule  of  conduct.  It  giveth 
wisdom,  and  by  wisdom  stability,  to  those  who  might  otherwise, 
through  ignorance  and  weakness,  be  easily  deceived  and  led  astray; 
"  it  is  sure,"  certain  and  infallible  in  hs  directions  and  informations, 
"  making  wise  the  simple." 

8.  The  statutes  of  the  Loud  are  right,  rejoicing  the  heart :  the 
commandment  of  the  Lord  h  pure,  enlightening  the  eyes. 

To  those  who  study  the  righteousness  of  God  therein  communi- 
cated to  man,  it  becometh  a  never-failing  source  of  consolation  and 
holy  joy;  the  conscience  of  the  reader  is  cleansed  by  the  blood, 
and  rectified  by  the  Spirit  of  Christ;  and  such  a  conscience  is  a 
continual  feast;  the  ''  statutes  of  the  Lord  are  right,  rejoicing  the 
heart."  The  Divine  word  resembleth  the  light  in  its  brightness  and 
purity,  by  which  are  unveiled  and  manifested  to  the  eyes  of  the 
understanding,  the  wonderful  works  and  dispensations  of  God,  the 
state  of  man,  the  nature  of  sin,  the  way  of  salvation,  the  joys  of 
heaven,  and  the  pains  of  hell :  "  the  commandment  of  the  Lord 
is  pure,  enlightening  the  eyes." 

9.  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  clean,  enduring  for  ever  :  the  judg- 
ments of  the  Lord  are  true  and  righteous  altogether. 

"  The  fear  of  the  Lord,"  which  restrains  from  transgressing  that 
law  by  which  it  is  bred  in  the  heart,  is  in  its  effect  a  preservative 
of  mental  purity,  and  in  the  duration  both  of  its  effect  and  its  re- 
ward eternal;  it  "'  endureth  for  ever."  The  judgments  of  "  the 
Lord  are"  not,  like  those  of  men,  oftentimes  wrong  and  unjust,  but 
all  his  determinations  in  his  word  are  "  truth  and  righteousness 
united"  in  perfection. 

10.  More  to  he  desired  are  they  than  gold,  yea,  than  much  fine 
gold:  sweeter  also  than  honey,  and  the  honey-comb. 

What  wonder  is  it,  that  this  converting,  instructing,  exhilirating, 

enlightening,  eternal,  true,  and  righteous  word,  should  be  declared 

preferable  to  the  riches  of  eastern  kings,  and  sweeter  to  the  soul  of 

the  pious  believer,  than  the  sweetest  thing  we  know  of  is  to  the 

16 


122  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XIX. 

bodily  taste  ?  How  ready  we  are  to  acknowledge  all  this !  Yet, 
the  next  hour,  perhaps,  we  part  with  the  true  riches  to  obtain  the 
earthly  mammon,  and  barter  away  the  joys  of  the  Spirit  for  the 
gratifications  of  sense !  Lord,  give  us  affections  towards  thy  word 
in  some  measure  proportioned  to  its  excellence ;  for  we  can  never 
love  too  much  what  wc  can  never  admire  enough. 

11.  Moreover,  hy  them  is  thy  servant  teamed;  and  in  keepiii^ 
of  them  there  is  great  reward. 

The  Psalmist  here  bears  his  own  testimony  to  the  character 
above  given  of  the  Divine  word ;  as  if  he  had  said.  The  several 
parts  of  this  perfect  law,  hereafter  to  be  published  to  the  whole 
race  of  mankind,  have  been  all  along  my  great  instructers,  and  the 
only  source  of  all  the  knowledge  to  which  thy  servant  hath  attained ; 
and  I  am  fully  assured,  that  the  blessed  fruit  of  them,  when  they 
are  duly  observed,  and  have  their  proper  effect,  is  exceeding  glo- 
rious, even  eternal  life. 

12.  Who  can  understand  his  errors?  Cleanse  thou  me  from  se- 
cret faults. 

The  perfection  and  spirituality  of  God's  law  render  it  almost  im- 
possible for  a  fallen  son  of  Adam  even  to  know  all  the  innumera- 
ble instances  of  his  transgressing  it.  Add  to  which,  that  false  prin- 
ciples and  inveterate  prejudices  make  us  regard  many  things  as 
innocent,  and  some  things  as  laudable,  which  in  the  eye  of  Hea- 
ven are  far  otherwise.  Self-examination  is  a  duty  which  few  prac- 
tise as  they  ought  to  do :  and  he  who  practises  it  best,  will  always 
have  reason  to  conclude  his  particular  confessions  with  this  general 
petition,  "  Cleanse  thou  me  from  secret  faults  !" 

13.  Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  presumptuous  sins;  let 
them  not  have  dominion  over  me :  then  shall  I  be  upright,  and  1 
shall  be  innocent  from  the  great  transgression. 

In  the  preceding  verse,  David  had  implored  God's  pardoning 
grace,  to  cleanse  him  from  the  secret  sins  of  ignorance  and  infir- 
mity ;  in  this  he  begs  his  restraining  grace,  to  keep  him  back  from 
presumptuous  sins,  or  sins  committed  knowingly,  deliberately,  and 
with  a  high  hand,  against  the  convictions  and  the  remonstrances 
of  conscience :  he  prays  that  such  sins  might  not  "  have  dominion 
over  him,"  or  that  he  might  not  by  contracting  evil  habits,  become 
the  slcive  of  an  imperious  lust,  which  might  at  length  lead  him  on 
to  "  the  great  transgression,"  to  rebellion,  and  final  apostacy  from 
God;  for  he  who  would  be  innocent  from  the  "  great  transgression," 
must  beware  of  indulging  himself  in  any. 

14.  Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and  the  meditation  of  my  heart, 
be  acceptable  in  thy  sight.  0  Lord,  my  strength  and  my  Redeemer. 


Day  IV.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  123 

The  prophet,  having  before  solicited  the  justification  of  his  per- 
son through  grace,  coiickides  with  a  petition  for  the  acceptance  of 
;ill  his  oflerings,  and  more  osi)ecially  of  these  his  meditations,  at 
ihe  iiands  of  that  l)lessed  One,  whom  he  addresses  as  the  author  of 
all  good,  and  the  deliverer  from  all  evil;  as  the  "  strensth,"  and 
tlie  "  Redeemer"  of  his  people.* 


PSALM  XX. 


ARGUMENT. 

] — 4.  Thechuicli  praycth  for  the  prosperity  of  King  Messiah,  going  forth 
to  tlie  battle,  as  her  chami)ion  and  deliverer;  for  his  acceptance  by  the 
Father,  and  for  the  accomplishment  of  his  will.  5,  6,  7.  she  dcclareth 
her  full  assurance  of  faith,  and  her  resolution  to  trust  in  him  alone,  and 
not  in  the  arm  of  flesh.  8.  she  foresecth  the  fall  of  her  enemies,  and  her 
own  exaltation  ;  and,  9.  concludeth  with  a  prayer  to  the  God  of  her 
strength. 

1.  The  Lord  hear  thee  in  the  day  of  trouble  ;  the  name  of  the 
God  of  Jacob  defend  thee. 

This  may  be  considered  as  the  address  of  a  people  to  their  king, 
when  he  goeth  forth  to  the  battle  against  their  enemies.  But  it  is 
to  be  regarded,  in  a  more  general  and  useful  view,  as  the  address 
of  the  church  to  Christ  her  king,  in  "  the  day  of  his  trouble."  She 
prayeth  for  the  accomplishment  of  his  warfare,  "  through  the  name 
of  the  God  of  Jacob,''  dwelling  in  him.  And  this  warfare,  though 
accomplished  in  his  own  person,  still  remaineth  to  be  accomplished 
in  his  people,  until  the  last  enemy  shall  be  destroyed,  and  death 
shall  be  swallowed  up  in  victory.  It  is  still  '•  the  day  of  trouble;" 
still  "  the  name  of  the  God  of  Jacob,"  must  "  defend"  the  body  of 
Christ. 

2.  Send  thee  help  from  the  sanctuary,  and  strengthen  thee  out 
of  Zion. 

All  help  and  strength,  in  the  time  of  danger  and  sorrow,  must  be 
obtained  by  prayer  from  the  heavenly  Sion,  which  is  the  Jerusa- 

*  If  the  reader  shall  have  received  any  pleasure  from  pursuing  the  com- 
ment on  the  foregoing  Pi-alm,  especially  the  first  part  of  it,  he  is  to  be  in- 
formed, that  lie  stands  indebted,  on  that  account,  to  a  discourse  entitled, 
Christ  the  light  of  the  woki.u,  published  in  the  year  1730,  by  the  late 
Reverend  Mr.  George  Watson,  for  many  years  the  dear  companion  antl  kind 
director  of  the  author's  studies;  in  attending  to  whose  agreeable  and  instruc- 
tive conversation,  he  has  often  passed  whole  days  together,  and  shall  always 
have  reason  to  number  them  among  tlie  best  spent  days  of  his  life  ;  whose 
death  he  can  never  think  of,  without  lamenting  it  afresh;  and  to  wiiose  me- 
n»ory  he  embraces,  with  pleasure,  tltis  opj)ortunity  to  pay  the  tribute  of  a 
grateful  heart. 


124  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XX. 

lem  above,  and  from  the  eternal  temple  thereon  constructed.  By 
this  "  help  and  strength/'  the  Captain  of  our  salvation  conquered ; 
and  the  church,  with  all  her  sons,  must  conquer,  through  the 
same. 

3.  Remember  all  thy  offerings,  and  accept  thy  burnt  sacrifice. 
As  Christ,  in  the  days  of  his  flesh,  offered  up,  not  only  prayers, 

and  tears,  but  at  length,  his  own  most  precious  body  and  blood, 
the  church  hei-e  prays,  that  the  great  propitiatory  sacrifice  may  be 
had  in  everlasting  remembrance  before  God,  and  the  merits  of  it 
be  continually  pleaded  in  arrest  of  judgment,  and  accepted  for  her- 
self and  her  children. 

4.  Grant  thee  according  to  thine  oivn  heart,  and  fulfil  all  thy 
counsel. 

The  desire  of  Christ's  heart,  and  the  counsel  of  his  will  was, 
that  he  might  die  for  our  sins,  and  rise  again  for  our  justification; 
that  the  Gospel  might  be  preached,  the  Gentiles  called,  the  Jews 
converted,  the  dead  raised,  and  the  elect  glorified.  That  this  his 
"  desire  might  be  granted,"  and  this  his  "  counsel  be  fulfilled,"  the 
church  of  old  prayed;  and  the  church  now  prayeth  for  the  accom- 
plishment of  that  which  yet  remains  to  be  accomplished. 

5.  We  will  rejoice  in  thy  salvation,  and  in  the  name  of  our  God 
we  wiU  set  up  our  banners:  the  Lokd  fdfil  all  thy  pefitiotis. 

The  joy  of  the  church  is  the  salvation  of  Christ;  and  the  joy 
of  every  individual  is  in  the  application  of  that  salvation  to  himself, 
and  all  around  him.  In  the  name  of  Jesus,  and  under  the  banner 
of  the  cross,  the  armies  of  the  faithful  undertake  and  carry  on  all 
their  enterprises  against  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil.  The 
prospect  of  the  glorious  fruits  of  Christ's  victory  caused  the  church 
to  redouble  her  prayers,  that  he  might  be  heard  in  his  "  petitions'' 
for  mankind,  and  might  see  of  the  travail  of  his  soul. 

6.  Now  know  I,  that  the  Lord  savcth  his  anointed:  he  will  hear 
him  from  his  holy  heaven,  loith  the  saving  strength  of  his  right 
hand. 

The  assurance  of  the  ancient  church  was  built  on  the  prophecies 
going  before  concerning  the  salvation  of  Messiah.  Our  assurance 
is  strengthened  by  the  actual  performance  of  so  great  a  part  of 
the  counsel  of  God.  We  know  that  the  Lord  has  "  saved  his 
Anointed;"  that  his  Anointed  saveth  all  who  believe  and  obey 
him,  from  their  sins ;  and  therefore,  we  doubt  not,  but  that  by  "  the 
strength  of  his  right  hand,"  or  by  the  excellency  of  his  power,  he 
will  finally  save  them  from  death,  and  rescue  them  from  the  grave. 

7.  Some  trust  in  chariots,  and  some  in  ho7'ses ;  but  we  will  re- 
member the  name  of  the  Lord  our  God. 


Day  IV.  M.  P.  0\  THE  PSALIVIS.  I2r» 

This  should  be  the  resohition  of  every  Christian  king  and  peo- 
ple, in  the  day  of  battle.  And,  in  the  spiritual  war,  in  which  we 
are  all  engaged,  the  first  and  necessary  step  to  victory  is,  to  re- 
nounce all  confidence  in  the  wisdom  and  strength  of  nature  and  the 
world ;  and  to  remember,  that  we  can  do  nothing,  but  in  the  name, 
by  the  merits,  through  the  power,  and  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ, 
our  Loud  and  our  God, 

8.  Thei/ are  broug/tt  down  and  fallen  ;  but  we  are  risen,  and 
stand  upright. 

This  was  eminently  the  case,  when  the  pride  and  power  of  Jewish 
infidelity  and  pagan  idolatry  fell  before  the  victorious  sermons  and 
lives  of  the  humble  believers  in  Jesus:  this  is  the  case  in  every  con- 
flict with  our  spiritual  enemies,  when  we  engage  them  in  the  name, 
the  Spirit,  and  the  power  of  Christ :  and  this  will  be  the  case  at  the 
last  day,  when  the  world,  with  the  prince  of  it,  shall  be  '^  brought 
down,  and  fall;  but  we,  risen"  from  the  dead,  through  the  resur- 
rection of  our  Lord,  shall  "  stand  upright"  in  the  courts  of  heaven, 
and  sing  the  praises  of  him  who  getteth  us  all  our  victories. 

9.  Save,  Lord  :  let  the  king  hear  iis  when  we  call. 

Thus  the  Psalm  concludes,  as  it  began,  with  a  general  ^'  ITo- 
sanna"  of  the  church,  praying  for  the  prosperity  and  success  of 
the  then  future  Messiah,  and  for  her  own  salvation  in  him,  her 
King;  who  from  the  grave  and  gate  of  death,  was,  for  this  end,  to 
be  exalted  to  the  right  hand  of  the  Majesty  in  the  heavens,  that  he 
might  hear,  and  present  to  his  Father  the  prayers  of  his  people, 
••'  when  they  call  upon  him." 

PSALM  XXL 

ARGUMENT. 

Tliis  is  one  of  the  proper  Psalms  which  the  church  hath  appoinlcd  to  Lc  uicd 
on  Ascension-day,  and  wherein,  1 — 6.  she  celebrates  the  victory  of  her 
Redeemer,  and  the  glory  consequent  thereupon ;  she  prophesies,  7.  the 
stabilityof  his  kingdom,  and,  8 — 12.  the  destruction  of  the  enemies  thereof; 
concluding  with  a  prayer  for  his  final  triumph  and  exaltation;  the  cele- 
bration of  which,  with  everlasting  hallelujahs,  will  be  her  employment  in 
heaven. 

1.  The  Icing  shall  joy  in  thy  strength,  O  Lord;  and  in  thy  sal- 
vation how  greatly  shall  he  rejoice  ! 

The  joy  of  Christ  himself,  after  his  victory,  is  in  the  strength 
and  salvation  of  Jehovah,  manifested  thereby.  Such  ought  to  be 
the  joy  of  his  disciples,  when  God  hath  enabled  them  to  vanquish 


126  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXI. 

their  enemies,  either  temporal  or  spiritual ;  in  which  latter  case,  as 
they  are  called  kings,  and  said  to  reign  with  Christ ;  so  they  are  in 
dut}^  bound  to  acknowledge,  that  they  reign  by  him :  "  He  that 
glorieth,"  whatever  the  occasion  be,  "  let  him  glory  in  the  Lord." 

2.  T/iou  hast  given  him  his  hearfs  desire,  and  hast  not  with- 
holden  the  request  of  his  lips. 

The  desire  of  Christ's  heart  was  his  own  resurrection  and  exalta- 
tion, for  the  benefit  of  his  church :  and  now  he  ever  liveth  to  make 
"  request  with  his  lips,"  for  the  conversion  and  salvation  of  sinners. 
Such  desires  will  be  granted,  and  such  requests  will  never  be  with- 
holden.  Let  us  be  careful  to  frame  ours  after  that  all-perfect  mo- 
del of  divine  love. 

3.  For  thou  preventest  him  loith  the  blessings  of  goodness ; 
thou  settest  a  crown  of  pure  gold  on  his  head. 

The  Son  of  God  could  not  be  more  ready  to  ask  for  the  blessings 
of  the  Divine  goodness,  than  the  Father  was  to  give  them  :  and  his 
disposition  is  the  same  towards  all  his  adopted  sons.  Christ,  as 
king  and  priest,  weareth  a  crown  of  glory,  represented  by  the  purest 
and  most  resplendent  of  metals,  gold.  He  is  pleased  to  esteem  his 
saints,  excelling  in  different  virtues,  as  the  rubies,  the  sapphires,  and 
the  emeralds,  which  grace  and  adorn  that  crown.  Who  would  not 
be  ambitious  of  obtaining  a  place  therein  ! 

4.  He  asked  life  of  thee,  and  thou  gavest  it  him,  even  length  of 
days  for  ever  and  ever. 

The  life  asked  by  Christ  was,  not  a  continuance  in  this  valley 
of  tears,  but  that  new  and  eternal  life,  consequent  upon  a  resurrec- 
tion from  the  dead.  For  thus  his  petition  was  granted  in  "  length 
of  days  for  ever  and  ever."  He  died  no  more ;  death  had  no  "  more 
dominion  over  him."  Whose  disciples  then  are  they,  that  wish 
only  to  have  their  days  prolonged  upon  the  earth,  forgetful  of  the 
life  which  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God  ? 

T).  His  glory  is  great  in  thy  salvation:  honour  and  majesty 
hast  thou  laid  upon  him. 

What  tongue  can  express  the  '•'  glory,  honour,  and  majesty," 
with  which  the  King  of  righteousness  and  peace  was  invested  upon 
his  ascension ;  when  he  took  possession  of  the  throne  prepared  for 
him,  and  received  the  homage  of  heaven  and  earth  ?  The  sacred 
imagery  in  St.  John's  Revelation  sets  them  before  our  eyes  in  such 
a  manner,  that  no  one  can  read  the  description,  whose  heart  will 
not  burn  within  him,  through  impatient  desire  to  behold  them.  Sec 
Rev.  ch.  iv.  vii.  xix.  xxi.  xxii. 

G.  For  thou  hast  made  him  most  blessed,  Heb.  set  him  to  be 


Day  IV.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  12? 

blessings,*  for  ever :  thou  hast  made  him  exceeding  glad  with  thy 
rountenance. 

Christ,  by  his  death  and  passion,  having  removed  the  curse,  b&. 
came  the  fountain  of  all  blessings  to  his  people,  in  time  and  eter- 
nity, being  himself  the  Blessing  promised  to  Abraham,  and  the 
object  of  the  patriarchal  benedictions.  The  joy  communicated  to 
the  humanity  of  our  Lord  from  the  Divine  nature,  shall  be  shed 
abroad  on  all  his  saints,  when  admitted  to  view  the  "  countenance 
of  God"  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ.  Then  they  shall  enter  into 
"  the  joy  of  their  Lord." 

7.  For  the  king  trusteth  in  the  Lord,  and  through  the  mercy 
of  the  Most  High  he  shall  not  be  moved. 

The  throne  of  Christ,  as  man,  was  erected  and  established,  by 
his  trust  and  confidence  in  the  Father,  during  his  humiliation  and 
passion.  Fahh  in  God,  therefore,  is  the  way  that  leadeth  to  ho- 
nour and  stability.  ^'  Look  at  the  generations  of  old,  and  see  :  did 
ever  any  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  was  confounded?"  Eccles.  ii.  10. 

8.  Thine  hand  shall  find  out  all  thine  enemies  ;  thy  right  hand 
shall  find  out  those  that  hate  thee. 

The  same  right  hand  of  Jehovah  is  glorious  in  power  to  save  his 
people,  and  to  destroy  his  enemies ;  to  convert  the  Gentiles,  and 
to  crush  the  Jews;  to  exalt  the  faithful  to  heaven,  and  cast  down 
the  unbelieving  to  hell;  neither  is  there  any  treason  against  the 
King  of  heaven,  which  shall  not  be  dragged  forth  into  the  light, 
made  manifest,  judged,  and  condemned.  Let  thy  hand,  O  Lord, 
be  upon  our  sins,  to  destroy  them;  but  upon  us,  to  save  us. 

9.  77iou  shall  make  them  as  a  fiery  oven  in  the  time  of  thine 
anger  :  the  Lord  shall  sioallow  them  up  in  his  wrath,  and  the  fire 
shall  devour  them. 

"  The  time  of  God's  anger"  often  begins  in  this  life,  especially 
towards  the  close  of  it,  when  an  evil  conscience  within,  like  a  flame 
confined  in  an  "  oven,"  torments  the  sinner,  as  a  prelude  to  jjunish- 
ments  future  and  unknown,  which  the  "  wrath"  of  God  is  preparing 
to  inflict  on  the  incorrigible  and  impenitent.  -  Let  us  so  meditate 
on  this  sad  scene,  that  we  may  have  no  part  in  it. 

10.  Their  fruit  shalt  thou  destroy  from  the  earth,  their  seed 
from  among  the  children  of  men. 

A  day  is  coming,  when  all  the  "  fruits"  of  sin,  brought  forth  by 
sinners,  in  their  words,  their  writings,  and  their  actions,  shall  be 
'■  destroyed;"  yea,  the  tree  itself,  which  had  produced  them,  shall 

*  "  Nam  poRuistieum  in  secula  boncdiccndum. "  Houblgant.  Compare 
Gon.  xii.  2.     Bishop  Loiiili,  in  Merrick'.i  Annolalions. 


128  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXL 

be  rooted  up,  and  cast  into  the  fire.  The  '•  seed"  and  posterity  of 
the  wicked,  if  they  continue  in  the  way  of  their  forefathers,  will  be 
punished  hke  tliem.  Let  parents  consider,  that  upon  their  princi- 
ples and  practices  may  depend  the  salvation  or  destruction  of 
multitudes  after  them.  The  case  of  the  Jews,  daily  before  their 
eyes,  should  make  them  tremble. 

11.  For  they  intended  evil  against  thee;  they  imagined  a  mis- 
chievous  device,  which  they  are  not  able  to  perform. 

Vengeance  came  upon  the  Jews  to  the  uttermost,  because  of  thenr 
intended  malice  against  Christ.  They,  like  Joseph's  brethren, 
"  thought  evil  against  him ;"  but  "  they  were  not  able  to  per- 
form it ;  for  God  meant  it  unto  good,  to  bring  to  pass,  as  it  is  this 
day,  to  save  such  people  alive,"  Gen.  i.  20.  So  let  all  the  designs 
of  ungodly  men  against  thy  church,  O  Lord,  through  thy  power  of 
bringing  good  out  of  evil,  turn  to  her  advantage :  and  let  all  men 
be  convinced  that  no  weapon  formed  against  thee  can  prosper. 

12.  Therefore  shall  thou  mahe  them  turn  their  hack,  or,  thou 
shall  set  them  as  a  butt,  when  thou  shall  make  ready  thine  arrows 
upon  thy  strings,  against  thefoce  of  them. 

The  judgments  of  God  are  called  his  ''arrows,"  being  sharp, 
swift,  sure,  and  deadly.  What  a  dreadful  situation  to  be  set  as 
a  mark,  and  "  butt,"  at  which  these  arrows  are  directecf!  View 
Jerusalem  encompassed  by  the  Roman  armies  without,  and  torn  to 
pieces  by  the  animosity  of  desperate  and  bloody  factions  within. 
No  farther  commentary  is  requisite  upon  this  verse.  "  Tremble,  and 
repent,"  is  the  inference  to  be  drawn  by  every  Christian  commu- 
nity under  heaven,  in  which  appears  the  symptoms  of  degeneracy 
aod  apostacy. 

13.  Be  thou  exalted,  Lord,  in  thine  own  strength;  so  tvill  toe 
sing  and  praise  thy  poiver. 

The  church  concludes  with  a  joyful  acclamation  to  her  Redeemer, 
wishing  for  his  "  exaltation  in  his  own  strength,"  as  God,  who  was 
to  be  abased  in  much  weakness,  as  man.  We  still  contume  to 
wish  and  pray  for  his  exaltation  over  sin,  in  the  hearts  of  his  peo- 
ple by  grace,  and  finally  over  death,  in  their  bodies,  by  his  glori- 
ous power  at  the  resurrection.  The  triumph  over  sin  we  sing  in 
psahns,  and  hymns,  and  spiritual  songs  upon  earth;  that  over 
death  we  shall  praise  with  everlasting  hallelujahs,  in  heaven. 


Day  IV.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  J29 

FOURTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XXII. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm,  which  the  church  hath  appointed  to  he  used  on  Good  Friday, 
as  our  Lord  uttered  the  first  verse  of  it,  when  hanging  on  the  cross,  con- 
sistcth  of  two  parts.  Tlie  former,  1 — 21.  trcatcth  of  tlic  passion  ;  the  lat- 
ter, 22 — 31.  celebrateth  the  resurrection  of  Jesus,  with  its  effects.  1 — 2. 
lie  complaineth  of  being  forsaken  ;  3 — 6.  acknowledgeth  the  holiness  of 
the  Father,  and  plcadeth  the  former  deliverances  of  the  church;  6 — 8. 
doscribeth  his  humiliation,  with  the  taunts  and  reproaches  of  the  Jews  ; 
9 — 11.  expresseth  his  faith,  andprayelh  for  help  ;  12 — 18.  particularizeth 
his  sufferings;  19 — 21.  repeateth  his  supplications;  22 — 25.  declareth  his 
resolution  to  praise  llie  Father  for  his  deliverance,  and  exhorteth  his 
church  to  do  the  same;  26 — 31.  prophcsieth  the  conversion  of  tlie  Gen- 
tile world  to  the  faith  and  worship  of  the  true  God. 

1.  Ml/  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me?  Why  art 
thou  so  far  from  helping  me,  and  from  the  words  of  my  roaring? 

Christ,  the  beloved  Son  of  the  Father,  when  hanging  on  the 
cross,  complained  in  these  words,  that  he  was  deprived,  for  a  time, 
of  the  Dhine  presence  and  comforting  influence,  while  he  suffered 
for  our  sins.  If  the  Master  thus  underwent  the  trial  of  a  spiritual 
desertion,  why  doth  the  discij^le  think  it  strange,  unless  the  light  of 
heaven  shine  continually  upon  his  tabernacle  ?  Let  us  comfort  our- 
selves, in  such  circumstances,  with  the  thought,  that  we  are  there- 
by conformed  to  the  image  of  our  dying  Lord,  that  Sun  which  set 
in  a  cloud,  to  arise  without  one. 

2.  0  my  God,  I  cry  in  the  day  time,  hut  thou  hearest  not;  and 
in  the  night  season,  and  am  not  silent. 

Even  our  Lord  himself,  as  man,  prayed,  "  that  if  it  were  possi- 
ble, the  cup  might  pass  from  him ;"  but  God  had  ordained  other- 
wise, for  his  own  glory,  and  for  man's  salvation.  "  Day  and  night," 
in  prosperity  and  adversity,  living  and  dying,  let  us  not  be  "  silent," 
but  cry  for  deliverance;  always  remembering  to  add,  as  Christ  did, 
"  Nevertheless,  not  my  will,  but  thine  be  done."  Nor  let  any  man 
be  impatient  for  the  return  of  his  prayers,  since  every  petition  pre- 
ferred even  by  the  Son  of  God  himself  was  not  granted. 

3.  But  thou  art  holy,  O  thou  that  inhahitest  the  praises  of  Is- 
rael* 

Or,  perhaps,  as  Bishop  Lowth  renders  it,  "  Thou  that  inhabitest  "^xni?' 
ai^nn  'lie  irradiations,  the  glory  of  Israel."  Sec  Merrick's  .innotnlioti^ 
on  the  Psalms,  p.  43. 

17 


130  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXII. 

Whatever  beftilletli  tlie  members  of  tlic  church,  the  head  thereof 
here  teacheth  them  to  confess  the  justice  and  hoHness  of  God,  in 
all  his  proceedings;  and  to  acknowledge,  that  whether  he  exalteth 
or  humbletli  his  people,  he  is  to  be  praised  and  glorified  by  them. 

4.  Our  fathers  trusted  in  thee :  they  trusted,  and  thou  didst 
deliver  them. 

"Trust"  in  God  is  the  way  to  "  dehverance ;"  and  the  former 
instances  of  the  Divine  favour  are  so  many  arguments  why  we 
should  hope  for  the  same ;  but  it  may  not  always  be  vouchsafed, 
when  we  expect  it.  The  patriarchs  and  Israelites  of  old  were  of- 
ten saved  from  their  enemies :  the  holy  Jesus  is  left  to  languish  and 
expire  Under  the  malice  of  his.  God  knows  what  is  proper  for 
him  to  do,  and  for  us  to  suffer;  we  know  neither.  This  conside- 
ration is  an  anchor  for  the  afflicted  soul,  sure  and  steadfast. 

5,  They  cried  unto  thee,  and  icere  delivered:  they  trusted  in 
thee,  and  tvere  not  confounded. 

No  argument  is  of  more  force  with  God,  than  that  which  is 
founded  upon  an  appeal  to  his  darling  attribute  of  mercy,  and  to 
the  manifestations  of  it  formerly  made  to  persons  in  distress  ;  for 
which  reason  it  is  here  repeated  and  dwelt  upon.  They  who 
would  obtain  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need,  must  '"  cry"  as  well  as 
^'  trust."  The  "  prayer  of  faith"  is  mighty  with  God,  and  (if  we 
may  use  the  expression)  overcometh  the  Omnipotent. 

6.  But  1  am  a  icorm,  and  no  man;  a  reproach  of  men,  and 
despised  of  the  people. 

lie  who  spareth  all  other  men,  spared  not  his  own  Son;  he  spared 
not  him,  that  he  might  spare  them.  The  Redeemer  of  the  world 
scrupleth  not  to  compare  himself,  in  his  state  of  humiliation,  to  the 
lowest  reptile  which  his  own  hand  formed,  a  "  worm,"  humble, 
silent,  innocent,  overlooked,  oppressed,  and  trodden  under  foot. 
Let  the  sight  of  this  reptile  teach  us  humility. 

7,  8.  All  they  that  see  me,  laugh  me  to  scorn:  they  shoot  out 
the  lip,  they  shake  the  head,  saying,  He  trusted  on  the  Lord,  that 
he  would  deliver  him:  let  him  deliver  him,  seeing  he  delighted  in 
Mm. 

This  was  literally  fulfilled,  when  Messiah  hung  upon  the  cross, 
and  the  priests  and  elders  used  the  very  words  that  had  been  put 
into  their  mouths  by  the  Spirit  of  prophecy  so  long  before.  Matt, 
xxvii.  41 — 43.  "  The  chief  j)riests  inocking  hini,  with  the  scribes 
and  elders,  said,  He  trusted  in  God;  let  him  deliver  him  now,  if 
he  will  have  him."  O  the  wisdom  and  foreknowledge  of  God  ! 
the  infatuation  and  blindness  of  man !  The  same  are  too  often 
the  sentiments  of  those,  who  live  in  times  when  the  church  and  her 


Day  IV.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSAEMS.  I3i 

righteous  cause,  with  their  advocates,  are  under  the  cloud  of  perse- 
cution, and  seem  to  sink  beneath  the  displeasure  of  the  powers  ol 
the  world.  But  such  do  not  believe,  or  do  not  consider,  that,  in 
the  Christian  economy,  death  is  followed  by  a  resurrection,  when 
it  will  appear,  that  God  forsaketh  not  them  that  are  his,  but  they 
are  preserved  for  ever. 

9,  10.  But  thoii  art  he  that  took  me  out  of  the  womb;  thou  didst 
make  vie  hope,  when  I  was  upon  mi/  mothers  breasts.  I  was  cast 
upon  thee  from  the  womb:  thou  art  mi/  Gud  from  mi/  mother's 
belli/. 

This  was  eminently  the  case  of  Christ,  who  was  the  Son  of  God 
in  a  sense,  in  which  no  other  man  ever  was.  But  in  him  we  are 
all  children  of  God  by  adoption :  we  are  all  in  the  hands  of  a  gra- 
cious Providence  from  the  womb;  and  into  those  hands  must  we 
commend  ourselves,  when  about  to  depart  hence.  To  whom  else, 
then,  should  we  have  recourse  for  support  and  consolation,  in  the 
day  of  calamity  and  sorrow  ? 

11.  Be  not  far  from  me,  for  trouble  is  near;  for  there  is  7ton€ 
to  help. 

From  the  foregoing  considerations,  namely,  from  the  holiness  of 
God,  ver.  3.  from  the  salvation  vouchsafed  to  the  people  of  old 
time,  ver.  4,  5.  from  the  low  estate  to  which  Messiah  was  reduced, 
ver.  6,  7}  8.  and  from  the  watchful  care  of  the  Father  over  him, 
since  his  miraculous  birth,  ver.  9,  10.  from  all  these  considerations, 
he  enforceth  his  petition  for  help,  during  his  unparalleled  suffer- 
ings, when  ''  all  forsook  him  and  fled."  Let  us  treasure  up  these 
things  in  our  hearts,  against  the  hour  when  "  trouble  shall  be  near, 
and  there  shall  be  none  to  help :"  when  all  shall  forsake  us,  but 
God,  our  conscience,  and  our  prayers. 

12,  13.  Many  bulls  have  compassed  me:  strong  bulls  of  Bashan 
liave  beset  me  round.  They  gaped  upon  me  with  their  moidlis,  as 
a  ravening  and  a  roaring  lion. 

From  the  11th  verse  to  the  19th  the  sufferings  of  the  holy  Jesus 
are  described,  in  terms  partly  figurative,  and  partly  literal.  \ 
lamb  in  the  midst  of  wild  "  bulls  and  lions"  is  a  very  lively  repre- 
sentation of  his  meekness  and  innocence,  and  of  the  noise  and  fury 
of  his  implacable  enemies.  "  Bashan"  was  a  fertile  country. 
Numb,  xxxii.  4.  and  the  cattle  there  kd,  were  fat  and  "  strong," 
Deut.  xxxii.  ]  4.  Like  them,  tiie  Jews,  in  that  good  land,  "  waxed 
fat  and  kicked,"  grew  proud  and  rebelled ;  "  forsook  God  that 
made  them,  and  Ughtly  esteemed  the  Rock  of  their  salvation."  Let 
I)oth  communities  and  individuals,  when  blessed  with  peace,  plenty, 
;ind  prosperity  in  the  world,  take  sometimes  into  consideration  this 


132  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXII. 

flagrant  instance  of  their  being  abused,  with  the  final  consequence 
of  such  abuse. 

14,  15.  I  am  poured  out  like  water,  and  all  my  hones  are  out 
of  joint,  or,  sundered;  my  heart  is  like  wax,  it  is  melted  in  the 
midst  of  my  bowels.  My  strength  is  dried  up  like  a  potsherd, 
a7id  my  tongue  cleaveth  to  my  Jaws;  and  thou  hast  brought  me 
into  the  dust  of  death. 

For  our  sakes  Christ  yielded  himself,  like  "  water,"  without  re- 
sistance, to  the  violence  of  his  enemies;  suffering  his  "bones,"  in 
which  consisteth  the  strength  of  the  frame,  to  be  distended  and  dis- 
located upon  the  cross  ;  while,  by  reason  of  the  fire  from  above,  to 
the  burning  heat  of  which  this  paschal  Lamb  was  exposed,  his 
heart  dissolved  and  melted  away.  The  intenseness  of  his  passion, 
drying  up  all  the  fluids,  brought  on  a  thirst,  tormenting  beyond  ex- 
pression; and,  at  last,  laid  him  low  in  the  grave.  Never,  blessed 
Lord,  was  love  like  unto  thy  love !  Never  was  sorrow  like  unto 
thy  sorrow !  Thy  spouse  and  body  mystical,  the  church,  is  often, 
in  a  degree,  conformed  unto  thee  ;  and  as  thou  wert,  so  is  she  in 
this  world. 

16.  For  dogs  have  compassed  me :  the  assembly  of  the  wicked 
have  inclosed  me :  they  pierced  my  hands  and  my  feet. 

Our  Lord,  who  compared  himself  above,  ver.  12.  to  a  lamb  in 
the  midst  of  bulls  and  lions,  here  setteth  himself  forth  again  under 
the  image  of  a  hart,  or  hind,  roused  early  in  the  morning  of  his 
mortal  life,  hunted  and  chased  all  the  day,  and  in  the  evening  pulled 
down  to  the  ground,  by  those  who  "  compassed"  and  "  inclosed" 
him,  thirsting  and  clamouring  for  his  blood,  crying,  '•'  Away  with 
him,  away  with  him  !  crucify  him,  crucify  him  !"  And  the  next 
step  was,  the  "  piercing  his  hands  and  his  feet,"  by  nailing  them 
to  the  cross.  How  often,  O  thou  Preserver  of  men,  in  thy  church, 
thy  ministers,  and  thy  word,  art  thou  thus  compassed,  and  thus 
pierced  ? 

17.  I  may  tell  all  my  bones:  they  look  and  stare  upon  me. 
The  skin  and  flesh  were  distended,  by  the  posture  of  the  body 

on  the  cross,  that  the  bones,  as  through  a  thin  veil,  became  visible, 
and  might  be  counted;*  and  the  holy  Jesus,  forsaken  and  stripped, 
naked  and  bleeding,  was  a  spectacle  to  heaven  and  earth.  Look 
unto  him,  and  be  ye  saved,  all  ye  ends  of  the  world  ! 

*  "  Qui  macilenti  sunt,  sic  habent  ossa  prominentia,  ut  facile  omnia  pos- 
sint  tactu  secerni  et  numerari.  David,  quatcniis  ha^c  ei  conveniunt,  dioere 
hoc  potuit  de  se  fuga  et  molestiis  emaciato.  Sed  Christns  aptius  ita  loqui 
poterat,  quod  magis  cniaciatus  esset,  et  corpore  nudo  atquc  in  cruce  dis- 
tento,  magis  adparerent  ossa."  Le  Clerc,  cited  by  Bishop  Loicth,  in  Merrick's 
.Innotaiions. 


Day  IV.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  133 

18.  The  1/  part  my  garments  among  them,  and  cast  lots  upon 
viy  vesture.  ^ 

"  The  soldiers,  when  they  had  crucified  Jesus,  took  his  garments, 
and  made  four  parts,  to  every  sohUer  a  part ;  and  also  his  coat : 
now  the  coat  was  without  seam,  woven  from  the  top  throughout. 
They  said  therefore  among  themselves,  Let  us  not  rend  it,  but  cast 
lots  for  it,  whose  it  shall  be:  that  the  Scripture  might  be  fulfilled, 
which  saith.  They  parted  my  raiment  among  them,  and  for  my 
vesture  they  did  cast  lots,"  John  xix.  23,  24. 

19.  But  he  not  thou  far  from  n^e,  OLoiio:  O  my  strength, 
haste  thee  to  help  me. 

The  circumstances  of  the  passion  being  thus  related,  Christ  re- 
sumes the  prayer  with  which  the  Psalm  begins,  and  which  is  re- 
peated ver.  10,  11.  The  adversary  had  emptied  his  quiver,  and 
spent  all  the  venom  of  his  malice ;  Messiah  therefore  prayeth  for  a 
manifestation  of  the  power  and  favour  of  Heaven  on  his  side  in  a 
joyful  and  glorious  resurrection.  And  to  a  resurrection  from  the 
dead  every  man  will  find  it  necessary  to  look  forward  for  comfort. 

20.  Deliver  my  soul  from  the  sword',  my  darling*  from  the 
poioer  of  the  dog.  21.  Save  me  from  the  lion''s  mouth:  for  thou 
hast  heard  me,  or,  and  hear  thoic  me  from  the  horns  of  the  tfni- 
corn. 

The  wrath  of  God  was  the  "  sword,"  which  took  vengeance  on 
all  men,  in  their  representative;  it  was  the  "  flaming  sword,"  which 
kept  man  out  of  paradise;  the  sword,  to  which  it  was  said,  at  the 
time  of  the  passion — "  Awake,  O  sword,  against  ray  shepherd,  and 
against  the  man  that  is  my  fellow,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts  :  smite 
the  shepherd,  and  the  sheep  shall  be  scattered,"  Zech.  xiii.  J. 
Matt.  xxvi.  31.  The  ravening  fury  of  the  '"  dog,"  the  "  lion,"  and 
the  "  unicorn,"  or  "  oryx,"  a  fierce  and  untameable  creature  of 
the  stag  kind,  is  made  use  of  to  describe  the  rage  of  the  Devil  and 
his  instruments,  whether  spiritual  or  corporeal.  From  all  these 
Christ  supplicates  the  Father  for  deliverance.  How  great  need 
have  we  to  supplicate  for  the  same  through  him  ! 

22.  Iicill  declare  thy  name  unto  my  brethren:  in  the  midst  of 
the  congregation  u'ill  I  praise  thee. 

The  former  part  of  the  Psalm  we  have  seen  to  be  prophetical  of 
the  passion.  The  strain  now  changes  to  an  epinikion,  or  hymn  of 
triumph,  in  the  mouth  of  the  Redeemer,  celebrating  his  victory  and 

'  Hcb.  'n'Tn'  7ny  nniled  one.  '•  May  it  relate  to  any  thing  more  tliaii 
'tS'SJ?  The  human  nature  united  with  tlie  Divinity  in  tlie  person  of  Christ  • 
Quccre."    Bishop  Lowth,  in  .Merrick's  Annotations 


134  A  COiMMENTARY  Psal.  XXII. 

its  happy  consequences.  This  verse  is  cited  bj'the  Apostle,  Heb. 
ii.  11.  "Both  he  that  sanctified  and  they  who  are  sanctified  arc 
all  of  one :  for  which  cause  He  is  not  ashamed  to  call  them  breth- 
ren, saying,  I  will  declare  thy  name  unto  my  brethren,"  &c. 
And  accordingl}'^,  when  the  deliverance,  so  long  wished,  and  so 
earnestly  prayed  for,  was  accomplished  by  the  resurrection  of  Je- 
sus from  the  dead,  he  "  declared  the  name  of  God,"'  by  his  Apos- 
tles, to  all  his  "  brethren ;"  and  caused  the  church  to  resound  with 
incessant  praises  and  hallelujahs;  all  which  are  here  represented  as 
proceeding  from  the  body,  by  and  through  him  who  is  the  head  of 
that  body. 

23.*  Ye  that  fear  the  Lord,  pj-afse  him  ;  all  ye  the  seed  of  Ja- 
cob, glorify  him  ;  and  fear  him,  all  ye  the  seed  of  Israel. 

If  Christ  arose  from  the  dead,  to  declare  salvation  to  his  breth- 
ren, and  to  glorify  God  for  the  same,  how  diligent  ought  we  to  be 
in  doing  the  former ;  how  delighted  in  the  performance  of  the  latter  ! 
Messiah  first  addresseth  himself  to  his  ancient  people,  '•'  the  seed 
of  Jacob,"  to  whom  the  Gospel  was  first  preached.  How  long,  O 
Lord,  holy  and  true,  shall  thy  once  highly  favoured  nation  con- 
tinue deaf  to  this  gracious  call  of  thine?  "  All  ye  seed  of  Jacob, 
glorify  him ;  and  fear  him  all  ye  seed  of  Israel." 

24.  For  he  hath  not  despised  nor  abhorred  the  affiiciion  of  the 
afflicted;  neither  hath  he  hid  his  face  frorn  him  ;  but  lohen  he  cried 
unto  him,  he  heard. 

The  great  subjects  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  in  the  church, 
are  the  sufferings  of  the  lowly  and  afflicted  Jesus,  and  the  accep- 
tance of  those  sufferings  by  the  Father,  as  a  propitiation  for  the  sins 
of  the  world;  which  acceptance  was  testified  by  raising  him  from 
the  dead ;  inasmuch  as  the  discharge  of  the  surety  proved  the  pay- 
ment of  the  debt.  The  poor  and  aftlicted  brethren  of  Christ  may- 
take  comfort  from  this  verse;  for  if  they  suffer  in  his  spirit,  they 
will  be  raised  in  his  glory. 

25.  My  praise  shall  be  of  thee  in  the  great  congregation:  1 
tc  ill  pay  my  vows  before  them  that  fear  him. 

The  vow  of  Christ  was,  to  build  and  consecrate  to  Jehovah  a 
spiritual  temple,  in  which  the  spiritual  sacrifices  of  prayer  and 
praise  should  be  continually  offered.  This  vow  he  performed  after 
his  resurrection  by  the  hands  of  his  Apostles,  and  still  continueth 

"Bishop  liOwth  i.s  of  opinion,  tliat  this  verse  and  tlie  following  are  the 
"  soug"  of  praise,  which  in  the  verse  preceding,  the  speaker  says,  he  will 
utter  "  in  the  congregation."  The  introduction  of  it,  as  his  Lordship  justly 
observes,  gives  a  variety  to  the  whole,  and  is  liighly  poetical.  Mtrrick'K 
.tnnolnlions. 


PayIV.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  135 

to  perform,  by  those  of  his  ministers,  carrying  on  the  work  of  edi- 
fication in  "the  great  congregation*'  of  the  Gentile  Christian 
church.  The  two  vows  of  Christ  cannot  fail  of  being  pcrfonned. 
Happy  are  they,  whom  he  vouchsafeth  to  use  as  his  instruments 
iiv  the  performance  of  them. 

26.  The  meek  shall  eat  and  he  satisfied:  they  shall  praise  the 
Lord  that  seek  him :  your  heart  shall  live  for  ever. 

A  spiritual  banquet  is  prepared  in  the  church  for  the  meek  and 
lowly  of  heart  j  the  bread  of  life  and  the  wine  of  salvation  are  set 
forth  in  the  word  and  sacraments  ;  and  they  that  hunger  and  thirst 
after  righteousness  shall  be  "  satisfied"  therewith  :  they  "  who 
seek''  the  Lord  Jesus  in  his  ordinances,  ever  find  reason  to  "  praise 
him ;"  while,  nourished  by  these  noble  and  heavenly  viands,  they 
live  the  life,  and  work  the  works  of  grace,  proceeding  still  forward 
to  glory ;  when  their  "  heart  shall  live  for  ever"  in  heaven. 

27.  All  the  ends  of  the  world  shall  remember,  and  turn  unto 
the  Lord  :  and  all  the  kindreds  of  the  nations  shall  toorship  he- 
fore  thee. 

The  great  truths  of  man's  creation  and  fall,  with  the  promise  of 
a  Redeemer  to  come,  were  "  forgotten"  by  the  nations,  after  their 
apostacy  from  the  true  God,  and  the  one  true  rohgion ;  but  wore, 
as  we  may  say,  recalled  to  their  "  remembrance"  by  the  sermons 
of  the  apostles,  and  the  writings  of  Moses  and  the  prophets,  trans- 
lated and  spread  among  them.  By  these  they  were  converted  to 
the  faith,  and  now  compose  the  holy  church  universal  throughout 
the  world;  being  the  glorious  proofs  and  fruits  of  the  resurrection 
of  Jesus  from  the  dead. 

28.  For  the  kingdom  is  the  Lord's;  and  he  is  the  governor 
among  the  nations. 

There  is  good  reason  why  the  nations  should  worship  Christ, 
and  throw  away  their  idols ;  since  in  his  hands,  not  in  theirs,  is 
the  government  of  the  world,  l^pon  his  ascension  he  was  crowned 
King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords;  he  ruleth  in  the  church  by  his 
Spirit;  and  blessed  are  the  hearts  that  are  his  willing  subjects  in 
the  day  of  his  power. 

29.  All  they  that  be  fat  upon  the  earth  shall  cat  and  worship  : 
all  they  that  go  doicn  to  the  dust  shall  how  before  him;  and  none 
can  keep  alive  his  own  soul. 

It  was  said  above,  ver.  2G.  "  the  meek,"  the  poor,  and  lowly, 
"  shall  eat  and  be  satisfied."  It  is  here  foretold,  that  the  "  fat 
ones  of  the  earth,"  the  great,  the  opulent,  the  flourishing,  the 
nobles  and  princes  of  the  world,  should  bo  called  in  to  partake  of 


136  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXII. 

the  feast,  and  to  "  worship"  God.  Rich,  as  well  as  poor,  are  in- 
vited;* and  the  hour  is  coming,  when  all  the  race  of  Adam,  as 
many  as  sleep  in  the  "  dust"  of  the  earth,  unable  to  raise  them- 
selves from  thence,  quickened  and  called  forth  by  the  voice  of 
tlie  Son  of  man,  must  "  bow"  the  knee  to  king  Messiah. 

30.  A  seed  shall  serve  him;  it  shall  be  accounted  to  the  Lord 
for  a  generation. 

The  apostle  informeth  us,  Rom.  ix.  8.  that  "  the  children  of  the 
promise  were  counted  for  the  seed ;"  that  is,  the  converts  to  be 
made  among  the  nations  by  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  according 
to  the  promise  to  Abraham  ;  these  were  to  constisute  the  church 
and  family  of  Christ,  the  "  generation"  of  the  faithful;  these  were 
to  take  the  place,  and  enjoy  the  privileges  of  the  Jews,  cut  off  be- 
cause of  their  unbelief.  Lord,  enable  us  to  serve  thee  all  our  lives 
with  a  service  acceptable  to  thee  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  that  at  the  re- 
surrection of  the  just,  we  may  be  numbered  in  the  generation  of 
thy  children. 

31.  Thei/  shall  come,  and  shall  declare  his  righteousness  imto 
a  people  that  shall  be  born,  that  he  hath  done  this. 

The  promised  and  expected  race  shall  spring  forth  at  the  time 
appointed,  and  proclaim  the  "righteousness,"  which  is  of  God  by 
faith,  to  ages  and  generations  yet  unborn ;  who,  hearing  of  that 
great  work,  which  the  Lord  shall  have  wrought  for  the  salvation  of 
men,  will  thereby  be  led  to  glorify  him  in  the  church,  for  the  same, 
to  the  end  of  time. 

Rise,  crown'd  with  light,  imperial  Salem  rise  ! 

Exalt  thy  tow'ring  head,  and  lift  thy  eyes  ! 

See  a  long  race  thy  spacious  courts  adorn  ; 

See  future  sons,  and  daughters  yet  unborn, 

In  crowding  ranks,  on  ev'ry  side  arise, 

Demanding  life,  impatient  for  the  skies  ! 

See  barb'rous  nations  at  thy  gates  attend, 

Walk  iu  thy  light,  and  in  thy  temple  bend.  Messiah. 


"^  They  are  "  invited,"  but  they  do  not  so  often  accept  the  invitation. 
And  it  must  be  owned,  that  ^HN  'llifl  are  generally  mentioned  in  an  unfa- 
vourable sense.  Bishop  Lowth  is  therefore  rather  inclined  to  construe  the 
words,  as  Mr.  Fenwickdoes;  all  who  are  "fattened,"  that  is,  "fed"  and 
"  sustained  by  the  earth."  The  expression  then  intimates  the  universality 
of  the  Gospel,  which,  the  apostle  says,  "  was  preached  to  every  crea- 
ture ;"  a  phrase  of  similar  import.  All  who  would  partake  the  benefits  of 
('hrist's  passion,  must  worship  him  as  a  Saviour,  before  they  are  called 
upon  to  adore  him  as  a  Judge.  The  bishop  thinks,  likewise,  that  the  29th 
verse  shoidd  end  with  the  words  "bow  before  him ;"  that  the  next  words 
in  the  original,  should  be  read,  as  almost  all  (he  ancient  versions  seem  to 
have  read  tliem,  HM  lb  'K'S]!  and  rendered— "  But  my  soul  shall  live— 
My  seed  shall  serve  him,"  iL.c. 


Day  IV.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS. 


PSxiLM  XXIII. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  this  Psalm,  flie  "sheep  of  God's  pasture"  address  themselves  to  their 
great  and  cfood  SiiEPirERD,  declarins^,  1.  their  acquiescence  and  confi- 
dence in  him;  2.  his  diligence  in  feetling^  tiiem  with  the  food  of  eternal 
life  ;  3.  his  watchful  care  in  bringing  tliem  back  from  the  ways  of  error, 
and  conducting-  them  in  the  path  of  truth  ;  4.  his  power  in  saving  them 
from  death  ;  5.  his  loving-kindness  in  vouchsafing  his  spiritual  comforts, 
during  their  pilgrimage  in  an  enemy's  country  ;  and  6.  they  express  their 
hope  and  trust,  that  a  continuation  of  that  loving-kindness  will  enable 
them  to  pass  through  the  vanities  and  vexations  of  time  to  the  blissful 
glories  of  eternity. 

1 .  The  Lord  is  mij  Shepherd,  I  shall  not  want. 

In  these  words,  which  one  cannot  utter,  without  feeling  the  hap- 
piness they  were  intended  to  descrihc,  the  beUever  is  taught  to  ex- 
press his  absohite  acquiescence  and  complacency  in  the  guardian 
care  of  the  great  Pastor  of  the  universe;  the  Redeemer,  and  Pre- 
server of  men.  AVith  joy  he  reflects,  tliat  he  lias  a  "  Shepherd  ;" 
and  that  that  Shephertl  is  Jehovah  ;  one  possessed  of  all  the  qua- 
lities requisite  to  constitute  the  pastoral  character  in  the  higliest 
perfection.  For  where  shall  we  ever  find  such  unexampled  dili- 
gence, such  inexpressible  tendei'ness,  such  exquisite  skill,  such  all- 
subduing  might,  and  such  unwearied  patience?  Why  should  they 
fear,  who  have  such  a  friend  ?  How  can  they  "  want,"  who  have 
such  a  "  Shepherd  r"  Behold  us,  O  Lord  Jesus,  in  ourselves  hun- 
gry, and  thirst}'^,  and  feeble,  and  diseased,  and  defenceless,  and 
lost.  O  feed  us,  and  cherish  us,  and  heal  us,  and  defend  us,  and 
bear  with  us,  and  restore  us. 

2.  He  makcth  me  to  lie  down  in  green  imstures :  he  leadeth  me 
beside  the  still  waters. 

The  loveliest  image  afforded  by  the  natural  world  is  here  repre- 
sented to  the  imagination  ;  that  of  a  flock,  feeding  in  verdant  mea- 
dows, and  reposing  in  quietness  by  the  rivers  of  water,  running 
gently  through  them.  It  is  selected,  to  convey  an  idea  of  the  pro- 
vision made  for  the  souls  as  well  as  bodies  of  men  by  His  goodness, 
who  "  openeth  his  hand,  and  filleth  all  things  living  with  plenteous- 
ness.  "  By  me,"  saith  the  Redeemer,  "  if  any  man  enter  in,  he 
shall  be  saved,  and  shall  go  in  and  out,  and  find  pasture,"  John 
X.  9.  And  what  saith  the  Spirit  of  peace  and  comfort  !  "  Let  him 
that  is  athirst  come;  and  whosoever  will,  let  him  take  the  water  of 
life  freely,"  Rev.  xxii.  17.  Every  flock  that  we  see,  should  re- 
18 


138  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXIII . 

mind  us  of  our  necessities  ;  and  every  pasture  should  excite  us  to 
praise  that  love,  by  which  they  are  so  bountifully  supplied. 

3.  He  restorcth  my  sovl:  he  leadeth  me  in  the  paths  of  righ- 
teousness for  his  name^s  sake. 

To  "  restore,*'  or  bring  back  those  that  had  "  gone  astray," 
that  is,  in  other  words,  to  "  call  sinners  to  repentance,"  was  the 
employment  of  Him,  who  in  the  parable  of  the  "  lost  sheep,"  re- 
presenteth  himself  as  executing  that  part  of  the  pastoral  office. 
By  the  same  kind  hand,  when  "  restored,"  they  are  thenceforward 
led  in  "  the  path  of  righteousness  ;"  in  the  way  of  holy  obedience. 
Obstructions  are  removed,  they  are  strengthened  to  walk  and  run 
in  the  path  of  God's  commandments  ;  while,  to  invite  and  allure 
them,  a  crown  of  glory  appears,  held  forth  at  the  end  of  it.  All 
this  is  now  done  for,  in,  by,  and  through  that  "  name,"  beside 
which,  there  is  none  other  under  heaven  given  unto  man,  whereby 
he  may  be  saved. 

4.  Yea,  though  I  loalk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of 
death,  I  ivill  fear  no  evil:  for  thou  art  ivith  me;  thy  rod  and  thy 
staff  they  comfort  me. 

The  sheep  here  express  their  confidence  in  the  power  of  their 
Shepherd,  as  sufficient  to  defend  them  against  tl»e  last  and  most 
formidable  enemy,  Deatli  himself.  To  apprehend  the  scenery  in 
this  verse,  we  must  conceive  the  church  militant  and  the  church 
triumphant  as  two  mountains,  between  which  lieth  the  "  valley  of 
the  shadow  of  death,"  necessary  to  be  passed  by  those  who  would 
go  from  one  to  the  other.  Over  all  that  region  of  dreariness  and 
desolation,  extendeth  the  empire  of  the  king  of  terrors  :  and  the 
believer  alone  "  feareth  no  evil"  in  his  passage  through  it ;  be- 
cause he  is  conducted  by  "  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  whom 
God  brought  again  from  the  dead  j"  Heb.  xiii.  20.  and  who  can 
therefore  show  us  the  path  of  life  through  the  vale  of  death.  In  all 
our  dangers  and  distresses,  but  chieliy  in  our  last  and  greatest  need, 
let  "  thy  rod,"  the  sceptre  of  thy  kingdom,  O  Lord,  protect  us. 
and  thy  pastoral  "  staff"  guide  and  support  our  stei)s ;  till,  througii 
the  dreadful  valley,  we  pass  to  the  heavenly  mountain,  on  which 
St.  John  saw  "  the  Lamb  standing  with  a  great  multitude  redeemed 
from  the  earth,"  Rev.  xiv.  1. 

5.  Thou  jjreparest  a  table  before  7ne  in  the  pi'csence  of  mine 
enemies;  thou  anointest  my  head  with  oil;  my  cup  runneth  over. 

Another  set  of  images  borrowed  from  a  "  feast,"  is  introduced 
to  give  us  ideas  of  those  cordials  and  comforts  prepared  to  cheei 
;md  invigorate  the  fainting  soul :  while,  surroimded  by  "  enemies.'" 


DayV.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  i3!) 

it  is  accomplisliing  its  pilsrnmacfo  throiich  life;  duiiiijT  wliicli  timo 
its  sorrows  and  afflictions  are  alleviated  and  sweetened  by  the  joys 
and  consolations  of  the  Holy  One ;  by  the  feast  of  a  good  con- 
science; by  the  bread  of  life,  the  "  oil"  of  gladness,  and  the  "cup" 
of  salvation,  still  full  and  "  running  over." 

6.  Stirebj  goodness  and  mercij  shall  follow  me  all  the  days  of 
mij  life;  and  I  will  divell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord ybr  ever. 

Experience  of  "  goodness  and  mercy,"  already  so  often  vouch- 
safed, begets  an  assurance  of  their  being  continued  to  the  end;  for 
nothing  can  separate  us  from  the  love  of  Christ,  if  we  do  not  sepa- 
rate ourselves  from  it.  Thus  will  the  Lord  our  Saviour  provide  for 
ns  on  earth,  and  conduct  us  to  heaven ;  where  we  shall  dwell  to 
•'  length  of  days,"  even  the  days  of  eternity,  "  one  fold  under  one 
Shepherd :"  a  fold  into  which  no  enemy  enters,  and  from  which  no 
friend  departs :  where  we  shall  rest  from  all  our  labours,  and  see  a 
period  to  all  our  sorrows :  where  the  voice  of  praise  and  thanksgiv- 
ing is  heard  continually ;  where  all  the  faithful,  from  Adam  to  his 
last  born  son,  shall  meet  together  to  behold  the  face  of  Jesus,  and 
to  be  blessed  with  the  vision  of  the  Almighty :  where  "  we  shall 
hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any  more,  neither  shall  the  sun 
light  on  us,  nor  any  heat.  But  the  Lamb,  which  is  in  the  midst 
of  the  throne  shall  feed  us,  and  lead  us  to  living  fountains  of  wa- 
ters," Rev.  vii.  l6,  17. 

FIFTH  DAY.— MORMNG  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XXIV. 

ARGUMENT. 

Tlie  plan  of  this  Psalm,  according  to  the  letter  of  it,  is  beautifully  deline- 
ated by  Bishop  Lowth,  in  his  xxviith  lecture.  The  ark  of  God  is  supposed 
to  be  moving:,  in  a  grand  and  solemn  procession  of  the  whole  Israclitish 
nation,  towards  the  place  of  its  future  residence  on  mount  Sion.  See  1 
Chron.  xv.  On  ascending  the  mountain,  the  Psalm  is  sung,  declaring, 
1,  2.  the  sovereignty  of  Jehovah  overall  tlie  earth  ;  describing,  3 — 6.  what 
the  character  ought  to  be  of  that  people  wlioni  he  had  more  peculiarly  se- 
lected, to  serve  him  in  the  house  where  iiis  glory  was  to  dwell,  and  of 
which,  7 — 10.  it  was  now  about  to  take  po.^scs.'ion.  All  this  is  by  us  to  be 
applied  to  the  Christian  church,  and  the  ascension  of  our  Lord  into  hea- 
ven ;  for  which  reason,  the  Psalm  is  one  of  those  apj)ointed  to  be  used  on 
Ascension-day. 

1 .  The  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the  fulness  thereof:  the  world, 
nnd  they  that  dwell  therein. 

The  God  of  Israel  was  Lord  of  the  whole  earth,  by  right  of  crea- 


140  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXIV. 

tion.  The  same  divine  person  who  created  the  world,  hath  since, 
in  Christ,  redeemed  it :  and  it  is  his  again,  by  that  right  also.  But 
the  church  Christian  is  his,  in  a  more  peculiar  manner,  as  the 
church  of  Israel  formerly  was.  We  are  doubly  bound  to  adore  and 
to  obey  him.  "  It  is  he  that  hath  made  us,  and  not  we  ourselves ;" 
Psalm  c.  2.  and  "  we  are  not  our  own,  being  bought  with  a  price," 
1  Cor.  vi.  20.  The  inference  is,  "  Let  us  glorify  God  in  our  bo- 
dies, and  in  our  spirits,  which  are,"  every  way  "  God's." 

2.  For  he  hath  founded  it  upon  the  seas,  and  established  it  up- 
on the  floods. 

The  waters,  which,  at  the  creation,  and  again  at  the  deluge^, 
overspread  all  things,  being,  by  the  power  of  God,  driven  down 
into  the  great  deep,  and  there  confined,  the  earth  was,  in  a  won- 
derful manner,  constructed  and  established  as  a  circular  arch,  up- 
on, or  over  them.  Let  us  often  meditate  on  this  noble  subject  for 
contemplation  and  devotion;  that  we  may  learn,  whither  we  are 
to  have  recourse,  when  in  danger  of  being  overwhelmed  by  sins  or 
sorrows. 

3.  Who  shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  the  Lono  ?  and  who  shall 
stand  in  his  hohj  place  ? 

The  connexion  seems  to  be  this.  If  the  Almighty  Creator  and 
Lord  of  all  the  earth  has  chosen  us  to  be  his  peculiar  people,  to 
serve  and  worship  him  in  his  temple,  upon  the  holy  hill  of  Sion, 
whither  the  sacred  symbol  of  his  presence  is  now  ascending,  what 
manner  of  persons  ought  we  to  be  ?  The  reasoning  is  exactly  the 
same,  as  Bishop  Lowth  observes,  with  that  of  Moses,  in  Deut.  x. 
14 — 16.  '^  Behold  the  heaven,  and  the  heaven  of  heavens,  is  the 
Lord's  thy  God;  the  earth  also,  with  all  that  therein  is.  Only  the 
Lord  hath  a  delight  in  thy  fathers,  to  love  them ;  and  he  chose  their 
seed  after  them,  even  you,  above  all  people,  as  it  is  this  day.  Cii-- 
cumcise  therefore  the  foreskin  of  your  heart,  and  be  no  more  stiff- 
necked."  The  argument  applies,  with  additional  force,  to  our- 
selves, as  Christians.  We  compose  a  far  more  numerous  and  mag- 
nificent procession  than  that  of  the  Israelites,  when  the  church  uni- 
versal, with  her  spiritual  services,  attends  our  Lord,  as  it  were,  up- 
on his  ascension,  in  heart  and  mind  ascending  with  him  into  the 
iioly  place  not  made  witii  hands. 

4.  He  that  hath  clean  hands,  and  a  pure  heart ;  who  hath  not 
lift  up  his  soul  unto  vaniti/,  or,  placed  his  trust  in  ruin  idob,  or, 
in  the  creature,  nor  sworn  deceitfully.  5.  He  shall  receive  the 
blessing  from  the  Lord,  and  righteousness  from  the  God  of  his 
salvation. 

No  man  can  ascend  into  heaven  through  his  own  righteous- 


DayV.  M.  p.  on  the  PSVOIS.  Ml 

ncss,  l)iit  he  wlio  came  down  iVom  heaven,  and  perfDnncd  a  per- 
fect sinless  obedience  to  the  will  of  God.  Sinners  of  old  were 
purified  through  faith  in  him  that  was  to  come,  by  typical  offer- 
ings and  ablutions,  before  they  approached  the  sanctnar}'.  We 
have  been  cleansed  from  our  sins,  and  renewed  unto  holiness,  by 
the  blood  of  Christ,  and  the  washing  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Thus 
we  become  his  people :  thus  we  "  receive  the  blessing  from  the 
Lord,  and  righteousness  from  the  God  of  our  salvation." 

6.  This  is  tlic  generation  of  thvm  that  seek  him,  that  seek  thi/ 
face,  O  Jacob,  or,  O  (iod  of  Jacob. 

Such  ought  the  people  to  be,  who  seek  the  presence  of  God,  and 
approach  to  worship  him  in  the  sanctuary ;  who  celebrate  the  as- 
cension of  their  Redeemer,  and  hope,  one  day,  to  follow  him  into 
those  happy  mansions,  which  he  has  gone  before  to  prepare  for 
them. 

7.  Lift  vp  your  heads,  0  ye  gates ;  and  be  ye  lifted,  np,  ye 
cverhtsting  doors  ;  and  the  King  of  glory  shall  come  in.  8.  JFho 
is  this  King  of  glory  ?  The  Loiid  strong  and  mighty,  the  Lord 
mighty  in  battle.     9,  10.  The  chorus  is  repeated. 

We  must  now  form  to  ourselves  an  idea  of  the  Lord  of  glory, 
after  his  resurrection  from  the  dead,  making  his  entry  into  the 
eternal  temple  in  heaven  ;  as  of  old,  by  the  symbol  of  his  presence, 
lie  took  possession  of  that  figurative  andtemporajy  structure,  which 
once  stood  upon  the  hill  of  Sion.  We  are  to  conceive  him  gradually 
rising  from  mount  Olivet  into  the  air,  taking  the  clouds  for  liis 
chariot,  and  ascending  up  on  high ;  while  some  of  the  angels,  like 
the  Levites  in  procession,  attendant  on  the  triumphant  Messiah,  in 
the  day  of  his  power,  demand,  that  those  everlasting  gates  and 
doors,  hitherto  shut  and  barred  against  the  race  of  Adani,  should 
be  thrown  open  for  his  admission  into  the  realms  of  bliss.  '*'  Lift 
up  your  beads,  O  ye  gates,  and  be  ye  lift  up,  ye  everlasting  doors, 
and  the  King  of  glory  shall  come  in."  On  hearing  this  voice  of 
jubilee  and  exultation  from  the  earth,  the  abode  of  misery  and  sor- 
row, the  rest  of  the  angels,  astonished  at  the  thought  of  a  man 
claiming  a  right  of  entrance  into  their  happy  regions,  ask  from 
within,  like  the  Levites  in  the  temple,  "  Who  is  this  King  of  glory  ?" 
To  which  question  the  attendant  angels  answer,  in  a  strain  of  joy 
and  trium))h — and  let  the  church  of  the  Redeemer  answer  with 
them — "  The  Lord,  strong  and  mighty,  the  Lord,  mighty  in 
battle;"  the  Lord  Jesis,  victorious  over  sin,  death,  and  hell. 
Therefore  we  say,  and  with  holy  transport  we  repeat  it ;  ''  Lift  up 
your  heads,  O  ye  gates,  and  I)e  yc  lift  up,  ye  everlasting  doors,  and 
the  King  of  glory  shall  come  in."     And  if  any  ask, "  Who  is  the 


142  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXV. 

King  of  glory  ?"  To  heaven  and  earth  we  proclaim  aloud — "  The 
Lord  of  hosts,"  all-conquering  Messiah,  head  over  every  crea- 
ture, the  leader  of  the  armies  of  Jehovah,  "  He  is  the  King  of 
glory.  Even  so,  Glory  be  to  thee,  O  Lord  most  high  !  Amen. 
Hallelujah. 

PSALM  XXV. 

ARGUMENT. 

It  is  much  the  same,  whether  we  suppose  the  church,  or  anj'  single  membt-i- 
thereof,  to  be  speaking  throughout  this  Psalm,  and  praying,  1 — 3.  for 
help  and  protection  against  spiritual  enemies  ;  4,  5.  for  knowledge  and 
direction  in  the  way  of  godliness  ;  pleading  for  this  purpose,  6,  7.  God's 
mercies  of  old;  8.  the  perfections  of  his  nature:  9,  10.  enumerating  the 
qualifications  requisite  for  scholars  in  the  divine  school;  11.  upon  the 
strength  of  those  arguments,  enforcing  the  petitions  for  mercy;  12 — 14. 
describing  the  blessedness  of  the  man  who  fcareth  the  Lord;  15 — 21. 
preferring  divers  petitions ;  and  22.  closing  the  whole  with  one  for  the 
final  redemption  of  the  Israel  of  God. 

1.  Unto  thee,  0  Lord,  do  I  lift  up  my  soul.  2.  O  my  God,  I 
trust  in  thee :  let  me  not  be  ashamed;  let  not  mine  enemies  triumph 
over  me. 

Cares  and  pleasures  are  the  weights  which  press  the  soul  down 
to  earth,  and  fasten  her  thereto;  and  it  is  the  spirit  of  prayer 
which  must  enable  her  to  throw  off  these  weights,  to  break  these 
cords,  and  to  "  lift  up"  herself  to  heaven.  He  who  "  trusteth"  in 
any  thing  but  in  God,  will  one  day  be  "  ashamed"  and  confounded, 
and  give  his  spiritual  "  enemies"  cause  to  "  triumph  over  him." 

3.  Yea,  let  none  that  wait  on  thee  he  ashamed:  let  them  be 
ashamed  which  transgress  without  a  cause,  or,  vainly,  rashly. 

God,  as  a  father  and  a  master,  will  never  suffer  his  children  and 
servants  to  want  his  favour  and  protection ;  nor  will  he  permit  ma- 
licious rebels  to  enjoy  it.  Honour  will,  in  the  end,  be  tlie  portion 
of  the  former,  and  shame  the  inheritance  of  the  latter. 

4.  Shev)  me  thy  ways,  O  Lord;  teach  me  thy  paths.  5.  Lead 
7ne  in  thy  truth,  and  teach  me  :  for  thou  art  the  God  of  my  salva- 
tion ;  on  thee  do  I  wait  all  the  day. 

We  are  travellers  to  heaven,  who,  through  temptation,  are  often 
drawn  aside,  and  lose  our  way.  The  way  is  the  law  of  God  ;  and 
to  keep  that  law  is  to  walk  in  the  way.  God  only  can  put  us  in 
the  way,  and  preserve  us  and  forward  us  therein;  for  which  pur- 
jjose,  we  must  continue  instant  in  prayer  to  "the  God  of  our  sal- 
vation," tliat  he  would  "  teach"  us  to  do  his  will ;  that  so  we  may 
not  be  ashamed  and  confounded. 


Day  V.  M.  P.  OiN  THE  PSALMS.  143 

6.  Remanbei-f  O  Lord,  tJiij  tender  mercies,  and  thtj  lovmg- 
kindncsses  ;  for  theij  have  been  ever  of  old. 

Tlie  soul,  when  hard  beset  with  sins  and  sorrows,  is  apt  to  think 
that  (ioD  hath  forsaken  and  forgotten  her.  In  this  case,  she  cannot 
more  effectually  prevail  upon  him,  or  comfort  herself,  than  by  re- 
collecting, and,  as  it  were,  reminding  him  of  former  mercies  j 
since,  however  the  dispositions  and  affections  of  men  may  alter, 
God  is  always  the  same. 

7.  Remember  not  the  sins  of  my  youth,  nor  my  transgressions  ^ 
according  to  thy  mercy  remember  thou  me,  for  thy  goodness'  sake, 
O  Lord. 

When  God  remembers  his  mercy,  he  forgets  our  sins  ;  and  when 
he  forgets  our  sins,  he  remembers  his  mercy  ;  for  what  else  is  his 
mercy,  but  the  forgiveness,  the  blotting  out,  the  non-imputation  of 
sin  ?  Who,  that  has  lived  long  in  the  world,  can  survey  the  time 
past  of  his  life,  without  breaking  forth  into  this  petition,  adding, 
to  "  the  sins  of  his  \outh,"  the  many  transgressions  of  his  riper 
years  ? 

8.  Good  and  upright  is  the  Lord  :  therefore  loill  he  teach  sin- 
ners in  the  way. 

Another  argument  for  hope  and  trust  in  God,  is  drawn  from  his 
"  nature.'"'  He  hates  sin,  and  loves  righteousness  ;  he  sent  his  Son 
to  suffer  for  the  one,  and  his  Spirit  to  produce  the  other  ;  and  he 
cannot  but  be  faithful  and  just  to  his  own  gracious  pronuses.  which 
all  centre  in  the  salvation  of  sinners  by  pardon  and  grace,  nirough 
Him,  who  is  "  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life." 

9.  The  meek  icill  he  guide  in  judgment ;  and  the  meek  tcill  he 
teach  his  way. 

Pride  and  anger  have  no  place  in  the  school  of  Christ.  The 
Master  himself  is  "  meek  and  lowly  of  heart ;-'  much  more,  surely, 
ought  the  scholars  to  be  so.  He,  who  hath  no  sense  of  his  igno- 
rance, can  have  no  desire,  or  capability  of  knowledge,  human  or 
divine. 

10.  All  the  paths  of  the  Lord  are  mercy  end  truth,  unto  such  as 
keep  his  covenant  and  his  testimonies. 

The  law  of  God  is  the  way  by  which  he  comclh  to  us,  as  well 
as  by  that  which  we  go  to  him  ;  and  all  the  different  dispensations 
of  that  law,  here  styled  "  the  paths  of  the  Lord,*'  are  composed  of 
•'  mercy  and  truth ;"  mercy  promising,  and  truth  performing,  meet 
together  in  Christ,  who  is  "  the  end  of  the  law  to  every  one  that 
beiieveth ;"  to  such  as  "  keep  his  covenant  and  his  testimonies." 

11.  For  thy  name's  sake,  0  Lord,  pardon  mine  iniquity ;  for  it 
is  great. 


144  A  COMMENlTARY  Psal.  XXV. 

The  pardon  of  sin  is  to  be  asked,  and  obtained,  throughout 
that  gracious  "  name,"  in  which  mercy  and  truth  are  met  to- 
gether j"'  and  so  "  great"  is  our  sin,  that  pardon  can  be  had  only 
througli  that  name. 

12.  W/iat  man  is  he  that  fearcth  the  Lord  ?  Him  shall  he 
teach  in  the  way  that  he  shall  choose. 

The  blessings  consequent  upon  the  "  fear  of  the  Lord,"  are  such 
as  will  fully  justify  the  earnestness  and  fervour  of  the  foregoing 
petitions  for  pardon  and  grace.  "  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  be- 
ginning of  wisdom."  He  who  hath  it  will  "  choose"  the  right  way, 
and  will  be  "  taught"  to  go  therein. 

13.  His  soul  shall  dwell  at  ease,  Heb.  lodge  in  goodness :  and 
his  seed  shall  inherit  the  earth. 

It  is  a  privilege  of  "  the  man  who  feareth  the  Lord,"  that  not 
only  in  this  present  life,  all  things  work  together  for  his  "  good," 
but  his  soul,  after  having  persevered  in  righteousness,  shall  take 
up  its  abode  in  the  mansions  of  felicity.  His  "  seed"  likewise 
shall  be  blessed  in  the  same  manner,  with  such  a  portion  of  the 
temporal  promise  made  to  Abraham,  as  God  seeth  best  for  them, 
and  certainly  with  an  abundant  share  in  the  spiritual  inheri- 
tance, the  NEW  earth,  wherein  dwell  righteousness,  joy,  and  glory. 
•■'  Blessed  are  the  meek,"  the  seed  of  Christ,  ''  for  they  shall  inherit 
the  earth,"  Matt.  v.  5. 

14.  The  secret,  Heb.  Jixed  counsel,  or,  design  of  the  Lord,  is 
with  them  that  fear  him  ;  and  he  will  shew  them  his  covenant, 
ileb.  and  his  covenant,  to  make  them  know  it. 

The  greatest  happiness  of  man  in  this  world  is,  to  know  the  fixed 
and  determinate  counsels  of  God  concerning  the  human  race,  and 
to  understand  the  covenant  of  redemption.  This  likewise  is  the 
the  reward  of*'  the  fear  of  the  Lord,"  which  humbles  the  soul,  and 
prepares  it  for  divine  illumination,  causing  it  to  place  all  its  com- 
fort in  meditation  on  the  wonders  of  heavenly  love.  "  All  things 
which  I  have  heard  of  my  Father  I  have  made  known  unto  you," 
saith  our  Lord  to  his  disciples,  John  xi.  15. 

IT).  Mine  eyes  are  ever  ioioard  the  Lord  ;  for  he  shall  pluck  my 
feet  Old  of  the  net. 

Encouraged  to  hope  for  the  blessings  above-mentioned,  the  lowly 
suppliant  still  continues  to  fix  the  eyes  of  his  understanding  on 
their  proper  object,  God  his  Saviour,  beholding  his  glory,  attend- 
ing to  his  will,  and  expecting  his  mercy.  An  unfortunate  dove, 
whose  feet  are  taken  in  the  snare  of  the  fowler,  is  a  fine  emblem 
of  the  soul,  entangled  in  the  cares  or  pleasures  of  the  world ;  from 


Day  V.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  140 

which  she  desires,  through  the  power  of  grace,  to  fly  away,  and 
to  be  at  rest,  with  their  glorified  Redeemer. 

IG,  2\im  thou  unto  me,  and  have  mercy  upon  me;  for  Jam 
desolate  and  afflicted. 

They  who  are  ever  looking  unto  the  Lord,  will  be  heard,  when 
they  beseech  him  to  turn  his  face,  and  to  look  upon  them.  When 
the  soul,  forsaking  and  forsaken  by  all  earthly  supports  and  com- 
forts, finds  herself  in  a  state  of  desolation,  and  is  experimentally 
convinced  of  her  being,  not  in  a  paradise  of  delights,  but  in  a  vale 
of  misery,  then  her  visitation  and  deliverance  arc  at  hand. 

17.  The  troubles  of  my  heart  are  enlarged:  O  bring  thou  me 
out  of  my  distresses. 

As  life  is  prolonged,  troubles  are  generally  enlarged,*  till  at 
length  they  take  up  what  room  there  is  in  the  heart.  The  last 
scene  of  the  tragedy  is  the  most  calamitous.  So  it  was  in  the 
life  of  our  dear  Master.  And  every  man  will  sooner  or  later  per- 
ceive that  God  alone  can  "  bring  him  out  of  his  distresses." 

18.  Look  upon  mine  ajftiction  and  my  pain  ;  and  forgive  all 
my  sins. 

Aflliction  and  pain,  whether  of  mind  or  body,  are  the  fruits  of 
sin  ;  and  the  pardon  of  sin  is  the  first  step  towards  the  removal  of 
sorrow.  The  latter  is  sent  to  beget  in  us  a  due  sense  of  the  for- 
mer, in  order  to  a  deliverance  from  both.  In  the  new  earth 
"  dwelleth  righteousness ;"  and,  for  that  reason,  "  there  is  no  more 
sorrow,  pain,  nor  crying,"  2  Pet.  iii.  13;  Rev.  xxi.  4. 

19.  Consider  mine  enemies,  for  they  are  many  ;  and  they  hate 
me  with  cruel  hatred. 

As  the  evils  we  suffer  are  great,  so  the  enemies  we  have  to  en- 
counter are  many.  Their  name  is  "  legion :"  and  to  their  envy, 
hatred,  and  malice,  there  are  no  bounds.  How  unequal  the  com- 
bat, unless  thou,  O  God,  goest  forth  with  us  by  thy  grace,  con- 
quering and  to  conquer !" 

20.  O  keep  my  soul,  and  deliver  me  :  let  me  not  be  ashamed ; 
for  I  put  my  trust  in  thee. 

Preservation  from  sin,  and  deliverance  from  death,  are  two 
great  gifts  of  God,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  For  the  latter 
clause,  see  ver.  2. 

*  Bishop  Lowth,  with  some  slight  aheralion  of  the  text,  thinks  the  rcn-- 
«lering  should  be, 

Coarctationes  cordis  mei  <lilata  ; 
Et  ex  angustiis  mcis  educ  me. 

I^cc  .Merrick's  MnQtatiom. 
19 


146  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXVI. 

21.  Let  integrity  and  uprightness  preserve  nie  ;  for  I  wait  on 
thee. 

How  many  wishes  do  our  hearts  send  forth  after  riches,  honours, 
and  pleasures :  how  few  after  "  integrity  and  uprightness :"  yet 
these  can  "  preserve"  us,  and  those  cannot.  Absolute  integrity 
and  uprightness  are  the  prerogatives  of  the  King  of  righteousness ; 
and  it  is  his  grace  which  makes  us  such  as  his  mercy  will  accept. 
On  him  therefore  let  us  "  wait." 

22.  Redeem  Israel,  O  God,  out  of  all  his  troubles. 

In  the  common  salvation  all  have  an  interest ;  and,  for  that  rea- 
son, all  should  pray  for  it.  The  earthly  David  petitioned  for  Israel; 
the  heavenly  David  ever  continueth  to  intercede  for  the  church  ; 
and  every  Christian  ought  to  become  a  suppliant  for  his  brethren, 
still  looking  and  longing  for  that  glorious  day,  when,  by  a  joyful 
resurrection  unto  life  eternal,  God  shall  indeed  "  redeem  Israel  out. 
of  all  his  troubles." 

PSALM  XXVI. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  partj  speaking  in  this  Psahn,  whether  wo  suppose  it  to  be  tlie  typical 
or  the  true  David,  the  church  or  any  member  thereof,  lying  under  the  false 
accusations  of  calumny,  1,2,  3.  appealeth  to  God  in  behalf  of  injured  in- 
nocence ;  4,  5.  disclaimeth  all  connexion  with  wicked  men  ;  6,  7,  8.  de- 
clareth  a  fixed  resolution  to  adhere  to  the  worship  of  God  in  the  church, 
9, 10.  prayeth  to  be  delivered  from  the  ungodly  ;  11.  again  protesteth  in- 
tegrity, and  12.  determineth  to  praise  the  Lord. 

1.  Judge  me,  0  Lord,  for  I  have  loalked  in  mine  integrity  ;  i 
have  trusted  also  in  the  Lord  ;  therefore  I  shall  not  slide. 

We  have  here  an  appeal  to  God,  in  behalf  of  injured  and  calum- 
niated innocence.  This  was  the  case  of  David,  with  regard  to  the 
accusations  of  Saul ;  of  Christ,  with  regard  to  those  of  tlie  Jews  ; 
and  it  is  often  the  case  of  the  church,  and  of  good  men  in  the 
world ;  for  whose  use  this  Psalm  seems  peculiarly  calculated. 

2.  Examine  me,  O  Lord,  and  prove  me;  try  my  reins  and  my 
heart. 

A  trial  of  this  sort  might  be  desired  by  David,  and  may  be  de- 
sired by  men,  like  him,  conscious  of  their  integrity,  as  to  the  par- 
ticular crimes  charged  upon  them  by  the  malice  of  their  enemies. 
Christ  alone  could  ask  such  a  trial  at  large,  as  being  equally  free 
from  every  kind  and  degree  of  sin ;  and  certain  of  receiving  addi- 
tional lustre  from  the  increasing  heat  of  the  furnace. 

3.  For  thy  loving-kindness  is  before  mine  eyes;  and  I  have 
walked  in  thy  truth. 


DayV.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  l-C 

They  who  study,  in  order  to  copy  the  "  Uiving-kindness"  nnd 
the  "  truth"  of  God,  may  have  confidence  towards  him,  whosr 
''truth"  will  not  suffer  him  to  be  false  to  the  promises  which  his 
•'  loving-kindness"  prompted  him  to  make, 

4.  I  have  not  sat.  wiih  vain  persons,  neither  ivill  I  go  in  with 
dissemblers.  5.  /  have  hated  the  congregation  of  evil  doers;  and 
will  not  sit  with  the  wicked. 

David,  driven  by  Saul  into  a  land  of  aliens,  yet  preserved  him- 
self from  the  contagion  of  idolatry.  And  happy  the  Christian  who 
can  say,  tliat  during  the  time  of  his  banishment  and  pilgrimage, 
lie  hath  escaped  the  pollutions  that  are  in  the  world,  namely,  vanity 
and  hypocrisy,  evil  practices,  and  wicked  principles.  Christ  alone, 
like  his  emblem  the  light,  passed  through  all  things  undefded. 

G.  I  will  laash  mine  hands  in  innocency  :  so  %oiU  I  compass  thine 
altar,  O  Lord  ;  7-  That  I  may  publish  with  the  voice  of  thanks- 
giving, and  tell  of  all  thy  wondrovs  7mrks. 

Instead  of  consorting  with  the  heathen,  David  comforts  himself 
with  the  future  prospect  of  restoration  to  Jerusalem  ;  of  attending 
the  service  of  God  in  the  tabernacle;  of  performing  the  legal  ablu- 
tions, in  token  of  innocency  thereby  signified ;  and  of  singing,  before 
the  holy  altar,  psalms  of  praise  for  his  deliverance.  The  believing 
soul,  in  like  manner,  may  find  perpetual  consolation,  while  she 
looks  forward  toward  her  return  home  from  her  exile  in  the  world, 
to  the  Jerusalem  above ;  her  access  to  the  fountain  of  life  and  purity ; 
her  employment  of  serving  God  in  the  eternal  temple,  and  chant- 
ing forth,  with  angels  and  archangels,  the  new  songs  of  the  celes- 
tial Sion,  for  so  great  salvation. 

8.  Lord,  /  have  loved  the  habitation  of  thy  house,  and  the  place 
where  thine  honour  dicelleth;  Heb.  the  place  of  the  tabernacle  of 
thy  glory. 

With  what  ardent  affection  the  banished  prophet  sighs  for  the 
beauty  of  holiness  in  the  church,  the  most  amiable  object  on  earth, 
because  the  nearest  resemblance  of  heaven,  where  is  the  true  "ha- 
bitation of  God's  house,  and  the  tabernacle  of  his  glory  ;"  since  of 
the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  St.  John  tells  us,  that  the  "  Lord  God 
Almighty  and  the  Lamb  are  the  temple,"  Rev.  xxi.  22. 

9.  Gather  not  my  soul  with  sinners,  nor  my  life  with  bloody 
men;  10.  In  tohose  hand  is  mischief,  and  their  right  hand  is  full 
of  bribes. 

In  consideration  of  his  integrity  and  piety,  David  beseeches  God 
i'.ot  to  deliver  him  over  into  the  hands  of  his  unjust  and  bloody  ene- 
mies, nor  to  reckon  him  in  their  number.  Let  our  lot,  O  Lord, 
be  among  thy  children  here,  that  it  may  be  among  them  herraftcr. 


t^ 


148  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.XXVU. 

11.  But  as  for  me,  I  will  walk  in  mine  integrity :  redeem  me, 
and  he  merciful  unto  me. 

The  Christian's  resokition,  like  that  of  the  prophet,  must  be,  to 
hold  fast  his  "  integrity"  in  the  miilst  of  his  enemies,  and  not  fol- 
low a  multitude  to  do  evil ;  as  knowing,  that  the  day  of  final  "  re- 
demption and  mercy"  will  come. 

12.  Ml/  foot  standeth  in  an  even  place;  in  the  congregations 
will  I  bless  the  Lord. 

The  law  of  God  is  that  "  even  place,"  that  plain  and  direct  path, 
in  which  the  affections,  which  are  the  "  feet"  of  the  soul,  must  be 
immoveably  fixed,  so  that  nothing  may  induce  her  to  swerve  from 
the  stability  of  her  purpose,  to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left.  Da- 
vid, upon  his  return  to  his  country,  "  blessed  the  Lord  in  the  congre- 
gation" of  Israel,  by  singing  Psalms  of  praise  and  thanksgiving, 
and  by  the  constant  use  of  those  very  Psalms,  the  Lord  is  daily 
"  blessed"  in  all  Christian  "  congregations"  throughout  the  world; 
yea,  and  he  shall  be  so  blessed  to  the  end  of  time. 

FIFTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XXVII. 

ARGUMENT. 
This  Psalm  containelh,  1 — 3.  a  declaration  of  trust  and  confidence  in  Jeho- 
vah, amidst  the  dangers  and  tumults  of  war:  4.  a  longing  desire  of  resto- 
ration to  tITe  city  and  house  of  God  :  5,  6.  a  triumphant  assurance  of  final 
victory  and  exaltation  ;  7 — 12.  earnest  prayer  for  support  and  protection; 

13.  a  profession  of  faith,  and  its  mighty  power  and  comfort  in  affliction  ; 

14.  an  exhortation  to  patience. 

1.  The  Lord  is  my  light  and  my  salvation  ;  whom  shall  I  fear  ? 
The  Lord  is  the  strength  of  my  life  ;  of  whom  shall  I  he  afraid? 

God  is  our  "light,"  as  he  showeth  us  the  state  we  are  in,  and  the 
enemies  we  have  to  encounter;  he  is  our  "  strength,"  as  \\e  ena- 
bleth  us  by  his  grace,  to  cope  with,  and  overcome  them;  and  he 
is  our  "  salvation,"  as  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  deliverance 
from  sin,  death,  and  Satan.  All  this  he  was  to  the  blessed  Person, 
whom  David  represented ;  and  all  this  he  will  be  to  his  faithful  ser- 
vants. "  If  God"  therefore  "  be  for  us,  who  can  be  against  us  ?" 
Rom.  viii.  31. 

2.  When  the  wicked,  even  mine  enemies  and  foes,  came  tipon  me 
to  eat  my  flesh,  they  stumhled  and  fell. 

The  past  time  is  often  used,  in  the  prophetical  language,  to  in- 
timate the  certainty  of  the  future.  Faith  sees  the  foe  already  van- 
quished, and  the  prey  snatched  from  the  jaws  of  the  devouring  lion. 


DayV.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  149 

3.  Tliough  a  host  should  encamp  against  me,  my  heart  shall  not 
fear:  tlunigh  war  should  rise  against  nir,  in  this  will  I  be  cuvfi- 
dctit. 

What  avails  it,  that  the  "  host"  of  darkness  is  in  arms,  and  the 
world  takine  the  field  against  us,  when  the  Lord  is  our  light,  and 
heaven  our  ally  ? 

4.  One  thing  have  I  desired  of  the  Lord,  that  will  I  seek  after  ; 
that  I  maif  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life, 
to  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Loud,  and  to  inquire  in  his  temple. 

The  victories  of  David  ended  in  his  restoration  to  Jerusalem, 
and  the  service  of  God  :  the  victories  of  Christ  terminated  in  iiis 
triumphant  return  to  a  better  Jerusalem  ;  and  this  ought  to  be  the 
"one  thing  desired"  by  the  Christian,  that  after  his  conquest  over 
the  body  of  sin,  he  may  pass  the  unnumbered  days  of  eternity  in 
the  courts  of  heaven,  contemplating  the  beauty  and  the  glory  of 
his  Redeemer. 

5.  For  in  the  time  of  trouble,  he  shall  hide  me  in  his  pavilion : 
in  the  secret  of  his  tabernacle  shall  he  hide  me;  he  shall  set  me 
upon  a  rock. 

The  protection  and  consolation,  experienced  by  believers  of  the 
church  militant,  give  them  a  taste  of  the  loving-kindness  of  the 
Lord,  and  make  them  impatiently  desirous  of  quenching  their  thirst 
at  the  fountain  of  divine  pleasures,  after  they  shall  have  been  ex- 
alted upon  the  Rock  of  ages,  from  whence  that  fountain  flows. 

6.  And  now  shall  mine  head  be  lifted  up  above  mine  enemies 
round  about  me  :  therefore  will  I  offer  in  his  tabernacle  sacrifices 
of  joy  ;  I  toill  sing,  yea,  I  irill  sing  jiraises  unto  the  Lord. 

These  words,  as  they  are  supposed  to  be  spoken  by  David,  by 
Christ,  or  by  the  church,  express  their  respective  assurances, 
through  faith,  of  final  victory  over  their  several  enemies,  with  their 
determined  resolution  of  singing  hallelujahs  to  Jehovah  for  thv 
same. 

7.  Hear,  O  Lord,  when  I  cry  tvifh  my  voice:  have  mercy  also 
7/pon  me,  and  ansicer  me. 

From  the  assurances  of  faith  it  is  always  good  to  descend  to  the 
humiliation  of  prayer  to  God,  who  alone  can  grant  unto  us  that  one 
thing  which  we  desire,  and  long  after,  while  in  the  land  of  our  cap- 
tivity, and  house  of  our  pilgrimage.     See  ver.  4. 

8.  Wlien  thou  saidst.  Seek  ye  my  face;  my  heart  said  unto 
thee,  Thy  face,  Lord,  loill  I  seek. 

The  voice  of  God  throughout  the  Scriptures  exhorteth  the  b*;- 
liever  to  turn  away  from  the  delusive  appearances  of  tin-  creature, 
and  to  seek  after  Him  jivho  is  "  altogether  lovely,''  until  he  behold 


150  A  COMMENTARY         Psal.  XXVII. 

"  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ."  To  this  voice  the 
believer  answers,  like  a  well-tuned  instioiment  to  the  master's 
touch,  declaring  his  resolution  so  to  do. 

9.  Hide,  not  thy  face  idv  from  me  ;  put  not  thy  servant  away  in 
anger:  thni  hast  been  my  help  ;  leave  me  not,  neither  forsake  me.) 
O  God  of  my  salvation. 

The  suppliant  having  determined  to  seek  the  face  of  God,  here 
prayeth,  that  he  would  permit  himself  to  be  found,  and  to  be  seen ; 
and  that  he  would  not,  by  "  hiding  his  face,"  cause  the  light  of 
knowledge  to  become  darkness,  and  the  fire  of  charity  to  go  out. 
The  church  dreadeth  nothing  so  much  as  an  eclipse  of  the  "  Sun 
of  righteousness." 

10.  When  my  father  and  my  mother  forsake  7ne,  then  the  Lord 
foill  take  me  zip. 

A  lime  will  come  when  the  dearest  earthly  friends  and  relations 
can  no  longer  be  of  any  assistance  to  us.*  The  case  of  the  church 
and  of  the  soul  is  oftentimes  compared  to  that  of  a  poor,  helpless, 
exposed  orphan.  Where  worldly  comforts  end,  heavenly  ones  be- 
gin.    See  Isa.  xlix.  15.  Matt,  xxiii.  37.  John  ix.  35. 

11.  Teach  me  thy  umy,  O  Lord,  and  lead  me  in  a  plain  path, 
hecause  of  mine  enemies. 

The  child  of  God,  learning  to  walk  in  the  law  of  his  heavenly 
Father,  prayeth  to  be  directed  and  strengthened  from  above,  that 
the  enemy  may  neither  pervert  his  steps,  nor  triumph  in  his  fall. 

12.  Deliver  me  not  over  unto  the  loill  of  mine  enemies :  for 
false  icitnesses  are  risen  up  against  me,  and  such  as  breathe  out 
cruelty. 

David  had  his  enemies  and  false  accusers;  Christ  also  had  his; 
and  every  child  of  God  hath  need  to  petition  for  deliverance  from 
the  great  enemy  of  his  salvation,  the  grand  accuser  of  the  brethren, 
who  is  ever  breathing  out  malice  and  cruelty  against  the  body  and 
members  of  Christ. 

13.  I  had  fainted,  unless  I  had  believed  to  see  the  goodness  of 
the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living. 

"  Faith"  in  the  comfortable  promises  of  God  is  the  only  sove- 
reign cordial  for  a  "  fainting"  spirit.  Earth  is  the  land  of  the 
dying:  we  must  extend  our  prospect  into  heaven,  which  is  the 
land  of  the  "  living,"  where  the  faithful  shall  "  see"  and  experi- 
ence evermore  "  the  goodness  of  the  Lord." 

*  As  there  seems  to  be  some  difficulty  in  supposing  tlie  Psalmist's  parents 
to  have  "  deserted"  him,  they  might  perhaps  be  said  to  have  "  forsaken" 
him  (as  Muis  conjectures);  that  is,  to  have  left  him  behind  them,  as  being; 
dead.     Merrick. 


DayV.  E.P.  OiN  THE  PSALMS.  151 

14.  Wait  on  the  Lord;  be  of  good  courage,  and  he  shall 
strengthen  thine  heart :  wait,  I  say,  on  the  Lord. 

Tlie  person  speaking  concludes  with  an  apostrophe  to  his  own 
soul,  resuhing  from  the  confidence  in  (Jod,  expressed,  ver.  1.  from 
the  desire  and  the  hope  of  heaven,  4 — 13.  and  from  the  manifold 
pledges  of  the  Divine  love  already  received  in  this  life;  5.  the  pro- 
per inference  from  all  which  considerations  is  this;  that  we  should 
patiently  "  wait  on  the  Lord,"  till  the  few  and  evil  days  of  our 
pilgrimage  pass  away,  and  wc  arrive  at  the  mansions  prepared  for 
us  in  the  house  of  our  heavenly  Father;  till  our  warfare  be  ac- 
complished, and  terminate  in  the  peace  of  God;  till  the  storms  and 
tempests  of  wintry  time  shall  give  place  to  the  unclouded  calm, 
and  the  over-blooming  pleasures  of  eternal  spring. 


PSALM  XXVUL 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalin,  like  the  xxiid.  and  many  others,  consisteth  of  two  parts.  Foe, 
1 — 5.  the  true  David  appeareth  in  his  state  of  humiliation  and  suflering  ; 
he  prayeth  for  deliverance,  and  prophesieth  the  destruction  of  his  ene- 
mies. 6 — 9.  he  singeth  a  sweet,  though  short  hymn  of  triumph,  and  in- 
lercedeth  for  his  church  and  people. 

1.  Unto  thee  will  I  cry,  0  Lord,  7ny  rock;  be  not  silent  to 
me :  lest,  if  thou  be  silent  to  mc,  I  become  like  them  that  go  down 
into  the  pit. 

The  true  David  here  maketh  supplication,  ''  with  strong  cry- 
ing," to  the  Father,  that  he  may  not  be  suflcred  to  continue,  like 
other  men,  under  the  dominion  of  the  "  grave."  The  Christian 
prayeth,  in  the  same  words,  to  be  delivered  from  the  "  pit"'  of 
corruption  ;  and  mightily  should  he  "  cry"  to  Jehovah,  the  "  rock" 
of  his  salvation,  until  his  prayer  be  heard  and  answered. 

2.  Hear  the  voice  of  my  supplications,  when  I  cry  unto  thee, 
when  I  lift  up  my  hand  totvard  thy  holy  oracle. 

Christ  frequently  interceded  for  his  people,  with  his  "  hands 
lifted  up  toward  heaven,"  in  fervent  prayer :  and — ''  I  will,"  saith 
the  Apostle,  "  that  men  pray  everywhere,  lifting  up  holy  hands," 
J  Tim.  ii.  8.  Shall  our  Redeemer  pray  for  us,  and  shall  we  not 
pray  for  ourselves  ? 

3.  Draio  me  not  away  with  the  wicked,  and  ivith  the  workers  of 
iniquity,  which  speak  peace  to  their  neighbours,  but  mischief  i.v 
in  their  hearts. 

Christ,  who  alone  is  without  sin,  petitioneth  that  he  may  not  be 
oppressed  by  sinners ;  he  who  is  truth  and  love,  prayeth  to  be  pro- 


132  A  COMMENTARY         Psal.  XXVIIT. 

served  from  the  ''  false  and  malicious."  Let  us  pray  to  be  made 
like  him;  and,  like  him,  to  be  delivered  from  evil,  especially  from 
the  evil  of  a  ''  lying  and  slandering"  tongue. 

4.  Give  them  according  to  their  deeds,  and  according  to  the 
wickedness  of  their  endeavours :  give  them  after  the  work  of  their 
hands;  render  to  them  their  desert.  5.  Because  they  regard  not 
the  icorks  of  the  Lord,  nor  the  operation  of  his  hand,  he  shall  de- 
stroy them,  and  not  build  them  up. 

In  these  verses,  as  indeed  in  most  of  the  imprecatory  passages, 
the  imperative  and  the  future  are  used  promiscuously;  "  Give 
them — render  them — he  shall  destroy  them."  If  therefore  the 
verbs,  in  all  such  passages,  were  uniformly  rendered  in  the  future, 
every  objection  against  the  scripture  imprecations  would  vanish  at 
once,  and  they  would  appear  clearly  to  be,  what  they  are,  namely, 
prophecies  of  the  Divine  judgments,  which  have  been  since  executed 
against  the  Jews,  and  which  will  be  executed  against  all  the  enemies 
of  Jehovah,  and  his  Christ,  whom  neither  the  "works"  of  creation, 
nor  those  of  redemption,  can  lead  to  repentance. 

6.  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  because  he  hath  heard  the  voice  of  my 
supplications.  7.  The  Lord  is  my  strength  and  my  shield;  my 
heart  trusted  in  him,  and  I  am  helped  :  therefore  jny  heart  greatly 
rejoiceth;  and  with  my  song  loill  I  praise  him. 

The  scene  now  changes  from  the  humiliation  and  sufferings,  to 
the  glory  and  triumph  of  Christ  our  Head,  who,  through  the  power 
of  the  Divinity,  having  overcome  his  enemies,  may  be  supposed 
at  his  resurrection  from  the  dead,  to  have  sung  this  strain ;  a  strain 
which  they  who  have  been  delivered  fjom  sin  and  sorrow,  will 
best  understand  by  using  it. 

8.  The  Lord  is  their  strength,  and  he  is  the  saving  strength  oj 
his  anointed,  or,  Christ. 

He  who  saved  and  exalted  the  Head,  will  also  save  and  exalt 
the  members ;  or,  as  St.  Paul  expresseth  it,  "  If  the  Spirit  of  him 
that  raised  up  Jesus  from  the  dead,  dwell  in  you  ;  he  that  raised  up 
Christ  from  the  dead  shall  also  quicken  your  mortal  bodies  by  his 
Spirit  that  dwelleth  in  you,"  Rom.  viii.  11.  And  for  the  accom- 
]jlishmont  of  this  glorious  salvation,  the  salvation  of  his  church, 
the  Redeemer  intercedeth  in  the  remaining  verse  of  this  Psalm. 

9.  Save  thy  people,  and  bless  thine  inheritance :  feed  them  also, 
and  lift  them  up  for  ever. 

Save  us,  O  Lord  Jesus,  from  our  sins ;  bless  us,  O  thou  Son  of 
Abraham,  with  the  blessing  of  righteousness;  feed  us,  O  thou  good 
Shepherd  of  the  sheep ;  and  lift  us  up  for  ever  from  the  dust,  O  thou 
the  resurrection  and  tiie  life ! 


DayV.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  j.-)^ 


PSALM  XXIX. 

ARGUMENT. 

Jn  this  Psalm,  the  prophet,  1,2.  calleth  the  kin^s  of  the  earth  to  give  glory  to 
Jehovah,  and  to  the  voice  or  wokd  of  his  power;  the  effects  of  which  in 
the  world  and  in  the  church  are  most  magnificently  described  ;  the  same 
things  being  true  of  thunder  and  lightning  in  the  former,  and  of  the  word 
of  God  in  the  latter  ;  as  each  of  them  is  styled  the  "  voice  of  the  LoRu  ;" 
and  both,  3,  4.  are  mighty  in  ojieration  ;  both,  5.  rend,  and,  6,  7.  shake, 
and,  8.  piece  and  melt,  and,  9.  make  manifest.  The  Psalm  concludes 
with,  10.  an  acknowledgment  of  the  extent  and  glory  of  Gods  kingdom, 
and,  11.  a  promise  of  victory  and  peace  through  him. 

1.  Give  vnto  the  Lord,  O  t/e  mighty,  give  unto  the  Lord  glonj 
and  strength.  2.  Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  due  unto  his  name  : 
worship  the  Lord  in  the  beauty  of  holiness. 

The  prophet  addresseth  himself  to  the  "  mighty"  ones  of  the 
earth,  exhorting  them  to  "  give"  God  the  "  glory,"  and  to  submit 
themselves  to  the  kingdom  of  Messiah;  to  honour  that  holy 
"  name"  by  which  they  must  be  saved;  to  bow  before  his  altars, 
"  by  whom  kings  reign;"  and  to  cast  down  their  crowns  at  the  foot 
of  the  eternal  throne. 

3.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  is  ujion  the  waters;  the  God  of  glory 
thundereth ;  the  Lord  is  upon  many  waters. 

The  reason  why  the  mighty  are  exhorted  to  serve  Jehovah,  is 
because  of  his  wondrous  works  in  the  world,  and  in  the  church. 
— By  the  "  voice"  or  '•  word"  of  God,  the  "  waters"  were 
driven  down  into  the  deep,  and  forbidden  to  overflow  the  earth  any 
more;  by  the  voice  of  God,  the  tumultuous  and  raging  nations  sub- 
sided, and  the  church  was  immoveably  fixed  upon  the  rock  of  her 
salvation;  and  by  the  Gospel  of  the  "God  of  glory"  all  those 
effects  were  produced  in  the  hearts  of  men,  which  are  wrought 
upon  terrestrial  substances,  by  its  well  known  and  most  significant 
emblem,  in  the  material  heavens. 

4.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  is  powerful;  the  voice  of  the  Lord  is 
full  of  majesty. 

Of  the  power  and  majesty  of  God's  voice  when  he  speaketh  from 
heaven  in  thunder,  itw  hearts  are  insensible ;  of  the  power  and 
majesty  of  his  voice,  when  he  spoke  from  heaven  by  his  apostles, 
those  "  sons  of"  the  spiritual  '^  thunder,"  the  world  wa.s  once  fully 
sensible.  O  may  the  evangelical  "  Boanerges"  so  cause  the  glorious 
sound  of  the  Gospel  to  be  heard,  under  the  whole  heaven,  that  the 
world  may  again  be  made  sensible  thereof;  before  that  voice  of  the 
20 


1 J4  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXIX. 

Son  of  man,  which  hath  so  often  called  sinners  to  repentance,  shall 
call  them  to  judgment ! 

5.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  hreaketh  the  cedars  ^  yea,  the  Lord 
breaketh  the  cedars  of  Lebanon,  or,  Libanus. 

The  force  of  lightning  is  known  to  rend  in  pieces  the  tallest  and 
strongest  trees,  in  a  moment ;  nor  is  the  word  of  God  less  effectual 
in  bringing  down  the  loftiest  pride,  and  rending  the  hardest  heart  of 
man,  by  the  Spirit  which  accompanieth  it.  Thus  was  the  perse- 
cuting Saul  humbled  and  converted  by  a  "  hght"  and  a  "  voice'' 
from  "  heaven ;"  so  that  instead  of  "  breathing  out  threatenings  and 
slaughter,"  he  asks,  like  a  meek  and  dutiful  child,  "  Lord,  what 
wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ?"  Acts  ix.  1,  6. 

6.  He  maketh  them  also  to  skip  like  a  calf;  Lebanon  and  Sirion 
like  a  young  unicorn. 

Thunder  not  only  demolisheth  the  cedars,  but  "  shaketh  the 
mountains"  on  which  they  grow.  Thus,  by  the  Gospel,  "  every 
mountain  and  hill  was  shaken,  and  made  low;  every  high  thing 
which  exalteth  itself  against  the  knowledge  of  Christ  was  cast 
down,  and  brought  into  subjection,"  Isa.  xl.  4.  2  Cor.  x.  5. 

7.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  divideth  the  flames  of  fire. 

By  the  power  of  God,  the  "  flames  of  fire"  are  '-  divided"  and 
sent  abroad  from  the  clouds  upon  the  earth,  in  the  terrible  form 
of  lightning,  that  sharp  and  glittering  sword  of  the  Almighty,  which 
no  substance  can  withstand.  The  same  power  of  God  goeth  forth 
by  his  word,  "  quick  and  powerful,  and  sharper  than  any  two-edged 
sword,"  penetrating,  melting,  enlightening,  and  inflaming  the 
hearts  of  men,  Acts  ii.  3.  Heb.  iv.  12. 

8.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  shaketh  the  wilderness;  the  Lord 
shaketh  the  unlderness  of  Kadesh. 

The  wilderness  of  Kadesh  was  a  part  of  that  wilderness  through 
which  the  Israelites  passed  in  their  way  to  Canaan.  See  Numb, 
xiii.  26.  Thunder  shaketh  those  wide-extended  deserts,  as  well  a*; 
Lebanon  and  Sirion,  mountains  of  Judea.  The  Gospel  was  first 
preached  in  Palestine,  but  from  thence  it  went  forth  into  the  Gen- 
tile world,  that  dry,  barren,  and  desolate  "  wilderness."  The  wil- 
derness is  yet  once  again  to  be  shaken  by  "  the  voice  of  God,"  and 
to  be  removed  for  ever,  that  paradise  may  succeed  in  its  place. 

9.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  maketh  the  hinds  to  calve,  or,  the  oaks 
to  tremble,*  and  discovereth  the  forests ;  and  in  his  temple  doth 
every  one  speak  of  his  glory. 

*  So  Bishop  Lowth  renders  the  clause  in  his  Lectures.  Aristotle,  Plu- 
tarch, and  Pliny,  as  cited  by  Mr.  Merrick,  mention  the  case  of  abortion 
beins,'-  sometimes  caused  among  cattle  by  thunder.    Whatever  terrifies  to  a»\ 


Day  VI.  M.  1'.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  155 

Storms  of  thunder  and  lightnins:,  attended  often  with  whirlwinds, 
strip  tlie  trees  of  their  leaves  and  bark,  and  disclose  the  recesses  of 
forests.  It  is  by  the  "  word  of  God/'  that  the  "  hidden  things  of 
darkness  are  manifested,"  and  the  "  counsels  of  all  hearts  re- 
vealed:" for  "  all  things  are  naked  and  opened  unto  the  eyes  of 
him  with  whom  we  have  to  do,"  1  Cor.  iv.  5.  Heb.  iv.  13.  For 
these  his  marvellous  works,  in  the  natural  and  spiritueil  world,  God 
is  daily  "  glorified"  in  the  '•  church." 

10.  Tlie  Lord  sittcth  upon  the  food;  yea,  the  Lord  sittcth 
Kinfffor  ever. 

The  Lord  Jesus  sitteth  on  his  throne,  having  all  power  in  the 
dispensations  of  nature  and  of  grace;  by  which,  as  he  checketh  at 
pleasure  the  rage  of  the  most  boisterous  elements  in  the  former,  so, 
with  the  same  ease,  he  controUeth  the  fury  of  the  enemy  and  op- 
pressor in  the  latter  J  saying,  with  equal  authority  in  both  cases, 
Peace !  be  still ! 

1 1 .  The  Lord  icill  give  strength  unto  his  jieoplc ;  the  Lord 
will  bless  his  people  tvith  peace. 

From  Jehovah,  whose  power  and  majesty  have  been  whh  so 
much  sublimity  displayed  in  this  whole  Psalm,  we  are  to  expect, 
through  faith  and  prayer,  ''strength"  to  overcome  our  enemies, 
whether  ghostly  or  bodily  ;  and  also  the  blessing  of  "  peace," 
which  must  be  the  fruit  of  victory.  Thou,  O  Christ,  art  the 
'•mighty  God;"  and  therefore  thou  art  the  "Prince  of  Peace," 
Isa.  ix.  6. 

SIXTH  DAY.— IMORMNG  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XXX. 

ARGUMENT. 

Ill  this  fsalm,  or  devout  hymn,  composed  probably  by  David,  on  his  revisit 
ing  the  sanctuary,  after  a  joyful  recovery  from  some  dangerous  sickness, 
he,  1 — 3.  returneth  thanks  for  that  event:  and,  4.  calk-th  the  church  to 
do  likewise,  5.  drawing  a  comparison  betwcen'temporary  sufferings,  and 
eternal  rewards.  6,  7.  He  describeth  his  former  prosperity,  succeeded 
by  affliction,  with,  8 — 10.  the  supplications  jjoured  forth  to  the  Almighty, 
in  the  day  of  his  distress:  and  then  returneth  again,  11.  to  celebrate  his 
deliverance,  and,  12.  to  glorify  God  for  the  same.  The  Psalm  is  finely 
adapted  to  the  case  of  the  true  David,-  and  of  Christians,  his  disciples  and 
followers. 

drgrco,  may  certainly  produce  such  an  effect.  But  the  Bishop's  interpre- 
tation is,  in  every  respect,  the  most  eligible.  The  evident  connexion  with 
the  words  that  follow, — "discovereth  the  forests," — forbids  us  to  doubt  of 
its  b«ing  ri^ht. 


156  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXX. 

1.  I  will  extol  tJiee,  O  Lord;  for  thou  hast  lifted  me  up,  Heb, 
drawn  me  out,  and  hast  not  made  my  foes  to  rejoice  over  me. 

These  words,  if  originally  composed  and  uttered  by  king  David, 
on  occasion  of  some  temporal  mercy,  apply  in  a  far  more  emphati- 
cal  and  beautiful  manner,  to  the  case  of  Messiah,  suffering  and  ris- 
ing again,  as  well  as  to  that  of  his  church  and  people  following  him, 
both  in  his  sufTerings  and  resurrection ;  when  we  shall  all  lift  up 
our  voices  and  sing  together, — "  I  will  magnify  thee,  O  Lord,  for 
thou  hast  lifted  me  up !  and  hast  not  made  my  foes  to  rejoice  over 
me!" 

2.  O  Lord,  mij  God,  I  cried  unto  thee,  and  thou  hast  healed  me. 
Deliverance  is  to  be  attained  by  "  prayer  ;"  for  so  David,  and 

so  the  Son  of  David  obtained  it ;  the  former  was  "  healed,"  at  his 
restoration  to  health  and  strength ;  the  latter,  at  the  resurrection ; 
the  soul  is  healed  at  its  repentance  and  conversion ;  and  the  body 
will  hereafter  be  repaired,  beautified,  and  glorified,  from  the  ruins 
of  the  grave. 

3.  0  Lord,  thou  hast  brought  up  my  soul,  or,  animal  frame, 
from  the  grave :  thou  hast  Jcept  me  alive,  that  I  should  not  go  down 
to  the  pit. 

The  resurrection  of  David  was  a  figurative  one;  that  of  Christ 
was  a  real  one,  as  that  of  his  saints  will  be ;  so  that  the  Psalm  is 
more  strictly  applicable  to  the  true,  than  it  ever  could  have  been 
to  the  typical  David.  The  latter  clause  may  be  rendered — "  Thou 
hast  quickened  me  from  among  them  that  go  down  to  the  pit ;" 
which  rendering  is  most  agreeable  to  the  former  part  of  the  verse, 
"  Thou  hast  brought  up  my  frame  from  the  grave." 

4.  Sing  unto  the  Lord,  O  ye  saints  of  his,  and  give  thanks  at 
the  remembrance  of  his  holiness,  or,  his  Holy  One. 

The  church  of  the  redeemed  is  called  upon  to  glorify  the  name 
of  God,  for  his  remembrance  of  the  "  King  of  saints,"  and  for  the 
accomplishment  of  the  promise,  in  raising  him  from  the  dead. 

5.  For  his  anger  endureth  but  a  moment;  in  his  favour  is  life: 
weeping  may  endure  for  a  night,  but  joy  cometh  in  the  morning. 

This  is  a  most  beautiful  and  affecting  image  of  the  sufferings  and 
exaltation  of  Christ ;  of  the  sorrows  and  joys  of  a  penitent;  of  the 
miseries  of  time,  and  the  glories  of  eternity ;  of  the  night  of  death, 
and  the  morning  of  the  resurrection. 

6.  And  in  my  prosperity  I  said,  I  shall  never  be  moved.  7- 
Lord,  by  thy  favour  thou  hast  made  my  mountain  to  stand  strong: 
thou  didst  hide  thy  face,  and  I  was  troubled. 

David,  after  his  success  against  Goliah,  and  Christ,  upon  his  tri- 
umphant entry  into  Jerusalem,  were  hailed  by  the  acclamations 


Day  VI.  I\I.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  15? 

and  hosannas  of  the  people,  as  the  Cliiistian  may  sometimes  meet 
with  the  applauses  of  the  world,  and  be  letl  to  think  himself  esta- 
blished in  prosperity.  But  other  troubles  awaited  David ;  and  tlu- 
blessed  Jesus  was  nailed  to  the  cross.  Let  not  the  discijjle  expect 
to  be  above  his  master;  nor  in  the  season  of  light  and  joy,  neglect 
to  prepare  lor  the  approaching  days  of  sorrow  and  darkness. 

8.  I  cried  unto  thoe,  O  Lord;  and  unto  the  Lord  /  made  sup- 
plication. 9-  What  profit  is  there  in  my  blood,  when  I  go  down 
to  the  pit?  Shall  the  dufit  praise  tlwe?  Shall  it  declare  thy  truth? 
10.  Hear,  0  Lord,  and  have  mercy  upon  me:  Lord,  he  thou  my 
helper. 

These  are  some  of ''the  strong  cryingsand  supplications,-'  which 
the  true  David  poured  Ibrth  while  under  tln^  clouil  of  his  passion; 
and  which  are  to  be  poured  forth  by  us  when  conformed  to  his  image 
in  suffering  affliction.  The  argument  here  used  is  a  very  powerful 
one,  namely,  the  necessity  of  a  resurrection  from  the  grave,  that 
man  may  be  saved  and  God  glorified.  The  dead  cannot  praise,  or 
serve  God.  They  must  live  again  for  this  purpose ;  and  for  this 
purpose  it  is,  that  we  should  desire  to  live,  whether  it  be  in  the 
present  world,  or  that  which  is  to  come. 

1 1 .  Thou  hast  turned  for  me  my  mourning  into  dancing :  thou 
hast  put  off  my  sackcloth,  and  girded  me  vnth  gladness. 

This  might  be  true  of  David,  delivered  from  his  calamity ;  it  was 
true  of  Christ,  arising  from  the  tomb,  to  die  no  more;  it  is  true  of 
the  penitent,  exchanging  his  sackcloth  for  the  garments  of  salvation; 
and  it  will  be  verified  in  us  all  at  the  last  day,  when  we  shall  put 
off  the  dishonours  of  the  grave,  to  shine  in  glory  everlajsting. 

12.  To  the  end  that  my  glory  may  sing  praise  to  thee,  and  not 
be  sile7it :  O  Lord  7ny  God,  I  will  give  thanks  unto  thee  for  ever. 

The  end  of  Christ's  resurrection,  of  the  salvation  of  the  ^ouls  of 
the  faithful,  and  the  resurrection  of  their  bodies,  is  one  and  the 
same,  namely,  the  glory  of  God,  who  is  the  author  of  every  kind  of 
deliverance ;  whose  praise  should,  therefore  be  resounded  by  the 
grateful  tongues  of  the  redeemed,  from  generation  to  generation  ;  as 
the  tongue  then  becometh  the  "  glory"  of  man  when  it  is  employed 
in  setting  forth  the  glory  of  God. 

PSALM  XXXI. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  this  Psalm,  ver.  5th  of  which  was  pronounced  hy  our  Lord  wlitn  expiring 
on  the  cross,  we  hear  the  true  David,  like  his  representative  of  old,  1 — 6. 
stipplicating  for  deliverance  ;  7,  8.  rejoicing  in  the  Divine  favour  and  as- 


158  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXXI. 

sistauce;  9 — 13.  describing  his  afflicted  and  forlorn  state;  14 — 18.  re- 
lurninsf  again  to  his  prayers;  19 — 22.  celebrating  tlie  mercies  of  God  to 
the  children  of  Adam:  and,  23.  24.  exhorting  his  saints  to  courage  and 
perseverance  under  their  troubles  in  the  world. 

1.  In  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  put  my  trust;  let  menever  he  ashamed: 
deliver  me  in  thy  righteousness. 

God  is  faithful  and  just,  to  save  those,  who,  in  time  of  trouble, 
renouncing  all  dependence  on  themselves  and  the  creature,  "  put 
their  trust"  only  in  his  mercy.  His  honour  is  engaged  by  his  pro- 
mise, not  to  let  such  be  "  ashamed"  of  their  confidence. 

2.  Bow  down  thine  ear  to  me,  deliver  me  speedily:  he  thou  my 
strong  7-ock,  for  an  house  of  defence  to  save  me. 

The  Christian,  like  his  blessed  Master,  is  "  besieged"  by  many 
and  powerful  enemies,  insomuch  that,  notwithstanding  all  human 
precautions,  "  unless  Jehovah  keep  the  city,  the  watchman  waketh 
in  vain."  Who,  in  such  circumstances,  would  not  pray  for  "  speedy" 
deliverance. 

3.  For  thou  art  my  rock  and  my  fortress:  therefore  for  thy 
name's  sake,  lead  me  and  guide  me. 

God  will  be  tlie  "  rock"  and  "  fortress"  of  those  who  esteem  him 
as  such;  and  after  having  been  so,  through  all  the  dangers  and  dif- 
ficulties of  life,  he  "  will  lead"  and  "  guide"  them  to  the  realms  of 
peace  and  rest,  for  the  sake  of  that  "  name"  which  implieth  sal- 
vation. 

4.  Pull  me  out  of  the  net  that  they  have  laid  privily  for  me : 
for  thou  art  my  strength. 

As  David  prayed  for  an  escape  from  the  secret  conspiracies  that 
•were  entered  into  against  him,  so  did  Christ  pray  for  deliverance 
from  the  snares  of  death;  and  so  doth  the  Christian  pray  to  be  ex- 
tricated from  the  toils  both  of  sin  and  death. 

5.  Into  thine  hand  I  commit  my  spirit;  thou  hast  redeemed  me, 
Lord  God  of  truth. 

David,  in  his  distresses,  might  by  these  words  express  his  resig- 
nation of  himself  and  his  affairs  into  the  hands  of  God ;  but  it  is 
certain  that  Christ  actually  did  expire  upon  the  cross,  with  the 
former  part  of  this  verse  in  his  mouth,  Luke  xxiii.  46.  Nor  is 
there  any  impropriety  in  the  application  of  the  latter  part  to  him, 
since,  as  man,  the  surety  and  representative  of  our  nature,  he 
"  was  redeemed"  from  the  power  of  the  enemy,  by  "  the  God  of 
truth"  accomplishing  his  promises. 

G.  I  have  hated  them  that  regard  lying  vanities:  hut  I  trust  in 
tlie  Lord. 

They  may  hope  for  redemption,  who  so  "  trust  in  God,"  as  to 


DayVI.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  159 

trust  in  nothing  beside  him;  for  all  else  is  "  vanity,"'  and  will  de- 
ceive. 

7,  /  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thy  mercy  ;  for  thou  hast  con- 
sidered my  troid)le;  thou  hast  knoirn  my  soul  in  adoersities  :  8. 
And  hast  not  shut  me  up  into  the  hand  of  the  enemy:  thou  hast 
set  my  feet  in  a  large  room. 

The  considerations  that  make  the  soul  "  cheerful"  in  the  hour  of 
affliction,  are,  that  Cod  is  merciful ;  that  as  he  Is  not  ic;norant,  so 
neither  is  he  unmindful  of  our  troubles;  that  he  is  a  friend,  who 
"  knows"  us  in  adversity  no  less  than  in  prosperity ;  that  he  hath 
not  subjected  us  to  the  necessity  of  being  overcome  by  our  spiri- 
tual enemies;  but  hath,  "  with  the  temptation,  made  a  way  for  us 
to  escape." 

9.  Have  nm-cy  upon  me,  O  Lord,  for  I  am  in  trouble:  mine 
eye  is  consumed  with  gnef  yea,  my  soul,  or,  animal  frame,  and 
my  belly. 

Upon  the  strength  of  the  foregoing  considerations,  supplication 
is  here  made  for  deliverance  from  troubles,  which  wasted  the  eyes 
with  weeping,  and  exhausted  the  strength  and  vigour  of  the  frame. 
Such  were  the  troubles  of  David,  and,  more  emphatically,  those  of 
Christ :  and  sickness  and  sorrow  will  one  day  teach  us  all  to  use 
the  same  expressions. 

10.  For  my  life  is  spent  with  grief,  and  my  years  witJi  sighing  : 
my  strength  failcth  because  of  mine  iniquity,  and  my  bones  arc 
consumed. 

Do  we  not,  in  these  words,  hear  the  voice  of  the  '•  man  of  sor- 
rows, suffering,  not  indeed  for  his  own  iniquity,"  but  for  ours,  of 
which  he  frequently,  in  the  Psalms,  speaks  as  if  it  were  his  own  ? 
If  sin  was  punished  in  the  innocent  Lamb  of  God,  let  us  not  expect 
that  it  should  be  unpunished  in  us,  unless  we  repent ;  and  let  our 
punishment  never  fail  to  remind  us  of  our  guilt. 

11.  I  was  a  reproach  among  all  mine  enemies,  but  especially 
among  my  neighbours,  and  a  fear  to  mine  acquaintance :  they 
that  did  see  me  without,  jled  from  me. 

These  particulars  were  never  more  applicable  to  David,  than 
they  were  to  the  Son  of  David,  when  his  acquaintance,  at  behold- 
ing him  reviled  by  his  enemies,  were  terrified  from  attemiing  him, 
and  when  "  all  the  disciples  forsook  him,  and  fled."  The  same 
things  are  often  too  true  of  the  faith  and  the  church.  They  are 
true  likewise  of  every  man,  when  he  suffers  the  dishonours  of  the 
last  enemy,  death ;  when  he  is  "  a  fear"  to  his  dearest  friends,  and 
they  are  obliged  to  forsake  him. 


160  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXXI. 

12.  I  am  forgotten  as  a  dead  man  out  of  mind;  lam  like  a 
broken  vessel. 

This  was  literally  the  case  of  Christ,  when  laid  in  the  sepulchre, 
and  esteemed  no  longer  the  object  of  hope  by  his  friends,  or  of  fear 
by  his  enemies.  That  he  should  be  so  "  forgotten,"  while  dead, 
is  less  wonderful,  than  that  this  should  have  happened  since  his 
glorious  resurrection,  and  ascension  into  heaven. 

13.  For  I  have  heard  the  slander  of  many :  fear  was  on  every 
side  ;  while  they  took  counsel  together  againt  me,  they  devised  to 
take  aivay  my  life. 

The  slander  of  Shimei,  and  the  counsel  of  Ahitophel  against 
king  David,  direct  us  to  the  slanders  of  the  Jews,  and  the  counsels 
of  Judas  and  the  Sanhedrim  against  the  beloved  Son  of  God,  who, 
in  his  church,  will  be  persecuted  in  like  manner  by  the  ungodly  to 
the  world's  end. 

14.  But  I  trusted  in  thee,  O  Lono ;  I  said,  Thou  art  my  God. 
15.  My  times  are  in  thy  hand ;  deliver  me  from  the  hand  of  mine 
enemies,  and  from  them  that  persecute  me.  l6.  Make  thy  face 
to  shine  upon  thy  servant :  save  me  for  thy  mercies'  sake. 

In  all  our  afllictions,  after  the  example  of  the  typical,  and  of  the 
true  David,  we  are  to  have  recourse  to  the  prayer  of  faith ;  we  are 
to  consider,  that  Jehovah  is  our  God  and  Saviour;  that  the  times 
and  the  seasons  of  prosperity  and  adversity,  of  life  and  death,  are 
in  his  hand ;  and  therefore  on  him  we  are  to  wait,  till  the  day  of 
mercy  shall  dawn,  and  the  shadows  fly  away. 

17.  Let  me  not  he  ashamed,  O  Lord,  for  I  have  called  upon 
thee :  let  the  tvicked  be  ashamed,  and  let  them  be  silent  in  the  grave. 
18.  Let  the  lying  lips  be  put  to  silence;  which  speak  grievous 
things  proudly  and  contemptuously  against  the  righteous. 

Ahitophel,  for  his  treason  against  David;  and  Judas,  for  his  trea- 
chery  against  Christ,  felt  the  force  of  this  prophetical  imprecation, 
or  prediction,  which  will  also,  one  day,  take  its  full  effect,  in  the 
confusion  of  all  impenitent  calumniators  and  traitors. 

19.  O  how  great  is  thy  goodness,  which  thou  hast  laid  up  for 
them  that  fear  thee;  which  thou  hast  wrought  for  them  that  trust 
in  thee,  before  the  sons  of  men! 

Peace  of  conscience,  the  comforts  of  the  Spirit,  and  the  hope  of 
future  glory,  will  teach  the  soul,  even  in  the  darkest  night  of  af- 
fliction, to  break  forth  into  this  exulting  strain  of  gratitude  and 
praise,  for  the  blessings  experienced  by  those  who  confess  their  Sa- 
viour before  men. 

20.  Thou  shalt  hide  them  in  the  secret  of  thy  presence  from 


Day  VI.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  iGl 

the  pride,  Heb.  conspiracies,  of  man:  thou  shall  keep  thevi  secretly 
in  a  pavilion  from  the  strife  of  tongues. 

In  times  of  contention  and  persecution,  there  is  a  refuge  for  the 
faithful  in  "  the  tabernacle  of  David,"  which  is  the  mystical  body 
of  Christ,  inhabited  by  the  presence  of  God.  In  this  sacred  "pa- 
vilion," they  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  contemplation  and  devotion, 
regardless  of  the  distant  tumult  and  confusion  of  the  world. 

2 1 .  Blessed  be  the  Lord  ;  for  he  hath  shcired  me  his  marvellous 
kindness  in  a  strong  citi/. 

The  man  Christ,  and  the  church  with  him,  like  David  of  old, 
here  rejoice  in  the  protection  and  saving  power  of  God,  in  the  same 
manner  as  in  Isa.  xxvi,  1.  "We  have  a  strong  city;  salvation 
will  God  appoint  for  walls  and  bulwarks." 

22.  For  I  said  in  my  haste,  I  am  cut  off  from  before  thine  eycss 
nevertheless,  thou  heardest  the  voice  of  my  supplications,  when  I 
cried  unto  thee. 

Whoever  shall  consider  the  troubles  of  the  beloved  Son  of  God, 
bereaved  for  a  season  of  the  light  of  heaven,  only  that  it  might  af- 
terwards arise  upon  him  with  a  greater  lustre,  will  be  taught  never 
to  faint  under  the  chastisement  of  the  Lord;  since  the  darkness  of 
the  night  argues  the  approaching  dawn  of  the  day. 

23.  O  love  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  saints:  for  the  Lord  preserveth 
the  faithful,  and  plentifully  rewardeth  the  proud  doer.  24.  Be 
of  good  courage,  and  he  shall  strengthen  your  heart,  all  ye  that 
hope  in  the  Lord. 

The  exiiortation  is  raised  from  the  consideration  of  the  deliver- 
ance of  Christ,  with  the  destruction  of  his  enemies;  which  ought  to 
strengthen  and  comfort  the  hearts  of  believers  under  all  their  af- 
flictions here  below;  that  so,  after  having  suffered  courageously 
with  their  Master,  they  may  triumphantly  enter  into  his  joy  and 
irlory. 

SIXTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XXXII. 

ARGUMENT. 

fn  this  Psalm,  Which  is  the  second  of  tliose  styled  penitential,  David,  as  a 
model  of  true  repentance,  1,  2.  extolletii  the  blessedness  of  those  whose 
sins  are  forgiven  them;  3,  4.  dcscribeth  the  torment  endured  by  him,  be- 
fore he  confessed  his  sin  ;  and,  5.  the  goodness  of  God  in  pardoning  it, 
when  confessed;  6.  he  foretelleth  that  others,  after  his  example,  should 
obtain  the  like  mercy;  7.  declarcth  his  hope  and  confidence  in  his  God; 
"ho,  8.  is  introduced,  promising  wisdom  and  grace  to  the  penitent ;  9,  10. 
21 


162  A  COMiMENTARY         Psal.  XXXIL 

sinners  are  warned  ag^ainst  obstinacy;  and,  11.  t)ie  righteous  exhorted  to 
rejoice  in  God  their  Saviour. 

1.  Blessed  h  he  whose  transgression  is  forgiven,  whose  sin  is 
covered.  2.  Blessed  is  the  man  unto  whom  the  Lord  imputeth  not 
ijiiqiiiti/,  and  in  whose  spirit  there  is  «o  guile. 

As  the  sick  man  is  eloquent  in  the  praise  of  heahh,  so  the  sin- 
ner beginneth  this  liis  confession  of  sin  with  an  encomium  on  righ- 
teousness, longing  earnestly  to  be  made  a  partaker  of  the  evangeli- 
cal "  blessedness;"  to  be  delivered  from  tlie  guilt  and  the  power  of 
sin ;  to  be  pardoned  and  sanctified,  through  faith  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus.     See  Rom.  iv.  6. 

3.  Whe7i  I  kept  silence  my  hones  waxed  old,  through  my  roar- 
ing all  the  day  long. 

In  opposition  to  the  blessedness  above-mentioned,  the  penitent 
now  proceeds  to  declare  his  own  wretched  estate,  occasioned  by 
his  "  keeping  silence,"  or  not  confessing  his  sin,  which  therefore 
rankled  and  festered  inwardly,  occasioning  torment  inexpressible. 
The  disorders  of  the  mind,  as  well  as  those  of  the  body,  should  be 
communicated  to  persons  skilful  in  assuaging  and  removing  them. 
Many  might  thereby  be  saved  from  the  horrible  crime  of  self-mur- 
der, which  is  generally  committed  in  agonies  of  solitary  remorse 
and  despair. 

4.  For  day  and  night  thy  hand  was  heavy  upon  me :  my  mois- 
ture is  turned  into  the  drought  of  summer. 

Outward  calamities,  and  inward  pangs  of  conscience,  are  the 
strokes  of  God's  hand,  designed  to  humble  the  sinner,  and  lead  him 
to  confession;  and  in  the  infliction  of  these,  such  severity  is  some- 
times necessary,  that  the  patient  is  brought  to  death's  door,  before 
a  turn  can  be  given  to  the  disease;  but  the  pain  of  a  blow  upon  an 
ulcerated  part,  however  exquisite,  is  well  compensated  for,  if,  by 
promoting  a  discharge,  it  effect  a  cure. 

5.  I  acknowledged  my  sin  unto  thee,  and  mine  iniquity  have  1 
not  hid.  I  said,  I  will  confess  my  transgressions  unto  the  Lord  ; 
and  thou  forgavest  the  iniquity  of  my  sin. 

What  is  this,  but  the  Gospel  itself — "  If  we  confess  our  sins,  he 
is  faithful  and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,"  1  John  i.  9.  And  thus 
it  happened,  in  one  case,  to  David,  who  had  no  sooner  confessed 
liis  sin  to  the  prophet  Nathan,  but  an  answer  of  peace  was  in- 
stantly vouchsafed — "  The  Lord  hath  put  away  thy  sin,"  2  Sam. 
xii.  13.  Were  angels  to  descend  from  heaven,  to  comfort  the  de- 
jected spirit  of  a  sinner,  they  could  say  nothing  more  effectual  for 
the  purpose,  than  what  is  said  in  this  verse  of  our  Psalm.  But 
practice  will  be  the  best  comment  upon  it. 


Day  VI.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  i(>3 

G.  For  this  shall  every  one  that  is  godly  pray  unto  thee  in  a 
time  when  thou  inayrat  he  found:  surely  in  the  floods  of  ^rent 
waters  they  shall  not  eome  ni^h  unto  him. 

Encouraged  by  this  example  and  declaration  of  David,  to  hope 
fitr  mercy,  on  confession  of  sin,  it  is  here  foretold,  that  humble  })e- 
nitents  shall  be  led  to  make  their  prayer  unto  God  in  the  accepta- 
ble time,  and  in  the  day  of  salvation,  while  he  "  may  be  found  ;'' 
that  so  they  may  be  forgiven,  and  preserved  from  great  and  over- 
whelming calamities :  from  the  fears  of  death,  and  the  terrors  ol 
judgment. 

~.  Thou  art  my  hiding  plaee  ;  thou  shult  preserve  me  from  trou- 
ble:  thou  shalt  compass  me  about  with  songs  of  deliverance. 

The  penitent,  happily  returned  to  the  house  of  his  heavenly  Fa- 
ther, now  estecmeth  himself  safe  under  his  protection:  and  restetli 
in  full  assurance  that  all  his  sorrows  shall  one  day  be  turned  into 
joy,  through  the  redemption  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 

8.  Izvill  instruct  thee,  and  teach  thee  in  the  tcuy  in  which  thou 
shalt  go :  I  will  guide  thee  with  mine  eye. 

The  Redeemer  is  here  introduced,  returning  an  answer  to  the 
penitent's  declarations  of  his  humility  and  faith;  promising  "  in- 
struction"" in  that  wisdom  which  every  man  wants,  who  continues 
in  sin,  together  with  the  direction  of  the  Spirit  in  the  way  of  righ- 
teousness, and  the  superintendence  of  his  watchful  care.  Man 
cannot  prevent  evils,  because  he  cannot  foresee  them,  "  Next 
tlierefore  to  the  protecting  power  of  God's  Wing,  is  the  securing 
prospect  of  his  Eye,"'  saith  Dr.  South. 

9.  Be  ye  not  as  the  horse,  or  as  the  mule,  which  have  7io  under- 
standing; tvhose  7nouth  must  he  held  in  with  bit  and  bridle,  lest 
they  come  near  unto  thee. 

The  person  speaking  in  the  former  verse,  or  the  })rophet  him- 
self, exhorts  sinners  to  repent  at  the  invitation  and  encouragement 
afforded  them ;  and  not  to  continue,  like  Inutes,  fierce,  obstinate, 
and  senseless,  until,  like  them,  they  must  be  tamed  and  managed  by 
force,  and  the  severity  of  discipline. 

10.  Many  sorrows  shall  be  to  the  wicked:  hut  he  that  trustcth 
in  the  Loud,  mercy  shall  compass  him  about. 

They  who  are  not  to  be  reformed  by  gentler  methods,  must 
learn  righteousness  under  the  rod  of  aflliction,  in  the  school  of  the 
cross ;  and  happy  are  they,  if  their  "  sorrows"  may  so  turn  to  their 
advantage.  But  happier  are  those,  who,  led  by  the  goodness  of 
(iod  to  repentance  and  faith,  enjoy  the  light  and  protection  of 


164  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXXIIL 

11.  Be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and  rejoice,  ye  righteous:  and  shout 
for  joy,  all  ye  that  are  upright  in  heart.* 

In  the  beginning  of  the  Psahn,  the  penitent,  smitten  with  a  sense 
of  his  wretchedness  on  account  of  his  sins,  extolleth  the  blessedness 
of  the  righteous;  he  now  again  doth  the  same,  through  a  joyful 
sense  of  his  j)ardon,  and  restoration  to  that  haj)i)y  state.  Let  us 
"  rejoice,"  O  Lord  Jesus ;  but  let  us  "  rejoice  in  thee"  and  in  thy 


PSALM  XXXIIL 


la  this  Psalm,  the  prophet,  1 — 3.  exhorteth  the  faithful  to  a  spiritual  and 
\io\y  joy  in  their  God,  whom  they  are  to  praise,  4,  5.  for  his  truth,  righ- 
teousness, and  mercy ;  6 — 9.  for  his  power,  displayed  in  the  works  of 
creation  ;  10 — 19.  for  the  wisdom  of  his  providence,  and  the  care  he  hath 
of  his  people.  20,  21.  The  righteous,  in  answer  to  the  exhortation,  de- 
clare their  joy  and  confidence  in  God  their  Saviour,  and,  22.  prefer  a 
petition  for  his  manifestation. 

1 .  Rejoice  in  the  Lord,  O  ye  righteous  ;  for  praise  is  comely 
for  the  upright. 

God,  and  not  the  world,  is  the  fountain  of  "joy ;"  which  sinners 
talk  of,  but  the  righteous  only  possess.  "  Rejoice  in  the  Lord  al- 
ways ;  and  again  I  say,  rejoice,"  Phil.  iv.  4. 

2.  Praise  the  Lord  with  harp:  sing  unto  him  with  the  psaltery, 
and  an  instrument  of  ten  strings. 

Music,  both  vocal  and  instrumental,  is  of  eminent  use  in  setting 
forth  the  praises  of  God :  but  there  is  no  instrument  like  the  ra- 
tional soul,  and  no  melody  like  that  of  well-tuned  afi'ections. 
When  this  music  accompanies  the  other,  the  sacred  harmony  of 
the  church  is  complete. 

3.  Sing  unto  him  a  new  song;  play  shilfuUy  ivith  a  loud  noise. 
"  Old  things  are  passed  away,"  and  the  ideas  of  a  Christian  are 

to  be  transferred  from  the  old  world,  and  the  old  dispensation,  to 
the  "  new;"  since,  under  the  Gospel,  "  all  things  are  become  new," 
and  all  men  ought  to  become  so.  Rev.  x.xi.  1.  5.  Abilities  of  every 
kind  are  never  so  well  employed,  as  in  the  service  of  him  who 
giveth  them. 

*  Bishop  Lowtliis  of  opinion,  this  verse  should  be  the  first  of  the  ensuing 
Psalm,  the  repetition  being  in  the  very  style  and  manner  of  the  Hebrews, 
and  the  words  repeated  and  varied  "with  the  greatest  art  and  elegance. 
"  Be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and  rejoice,  ye  righteous  :  and  shout  for  joy,  all  ye 
that  are  upright  in  heart— Rejoice  in  the  Lord,  O  ye  righteous  ;  foV  praise 
IS  comely  for  the  ujmght."     Sec  Merrick's  Jlnnolalions. 


DayVI.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  loj 

4.  For  the  tvord  of  the  Lord  is  right,  and  all  hi.s  icorLa  ar.^ 
done  in  truth. 

God  is  to  be  praised  for  his  word,  and  his  works ;  lor  his  recti- 
tude in  the  one,  and  his  tnitli  in  the  other;  for  his  faithfuhiess  in 
accomphshing  by  the  hitter,  what  his  goodness  hail  promised  in  thi; 
former.  The  sense  will  be  the  same,  if  we  suppose  that  by  the 
"  word  of  the  Lord"  is  meant  the  personal  Word,  or  the  Son  of 
God,  all  whose  "  works,''  wrought  for  the  salvation  of  men,  "  are 
done  in  truth,"  as  witnessed  by  the  law  and  the  prophets. 

5.  He  lovefh  I'ighfcousness  and  judgmeiU :  the  earth  is  full  of 
the  goodness,  Ileb.  merry,  of  the  Lord. 

**  Justice"  is  an  attribute  inseparable  from  God :  and  what  de- 
serves the  praises  of  men,  as  it  excites  the  admiration  of  angels,  is, 
that,  without  sacrificing  this  formidable  attribute,  he  hath  contrived 
to  fdl  and  overflow  the  earth  with  his  "  mercy." 

(i.  Bi/  the  word  of  the  Lord  loerc  the  heavens  made :  and  all 
the  host  of  them  by  the  breath,  or,  spirit,  of  his  mouth. 

It  is  true,  that  the  world  was  created  by  the  "  word"  or  fat  of 
God,  which  may  be  here  described,  after  the  manner  of  men,  as 
formed  by  "  the  breath  of  his  mouth."  It  is  also  true,  that  by  the 
instrumentality  of  the  eternal  Word,  and  the  eternal  Spirit,  the 
whole  heavens  and  earth  were  made ;  as  also  the  new  heavens  and 
earth,  which  shall  succeed  them.  Glory  is  due  from  man  to  God, 
the  Father,  the  Word,  and  the  Holy  Spirit. 

7.  He  gathercth  the  waters  of  the  sea  together  as  an  heap:  he 
layeih  up  the  depth  in  store-houses. 

The  next  instance  of  divine  power  and  goodness,  foi-  which  wc 
are  here  excited  to  be  thankful,  is  that  of  laying  up  the  waters, 
which  originally  covered  the  face  of  the  earth,  in  the  great  deep 
beneath.  And  let  us  reflect,  that,  by  the  same  divine  power  and 
goodness,  a  deluge  of  wickedness  and  violence  is  prevented  from 
overwhelming  the  faith  and  the  church. 

8,  Let  all  the  earth  fear  the  Lord  :  let  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
world  stand  in  awe  of  him :  0.  For  he  spake^  and  it  was  done;  he 
commanded,  and  it  stood  fast. 

He  who  made  all  things,  who  preserves  all  things,  and  can  in 
a  moment  destroy  all  things,  is  the  proper  object  of  our  "fear;" 
and  that  we  fear  him  so  little,  is  a  most  convincing  proof  of  th<; 
corruption  and  blindness  of  our  hearts. 

10.  The  Lord  bringeth  the  counsel  of  the  heathen  to  nought: 
he  maketh  the  devices  of  the  people  of  none  effect.  1 1 .  The 
counsel  of  the  Lord  standeth  fur  ever,  the  thoughts  of  his  heart  ta 
all  generations. 


IGG  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXXIII. 

The  wisdom  of  God's  providence  is  not  less  worthy  of  adora- 
tion than  the  power  of  his  might.  By  this  wisdom,  the  "  coun- 
sels" of  states  and  empires  are  either  directed  to  the  accomplish- 
ment of  the  great  counsel  of  heaven ;  or,  if  they  attempt  to  thwart 
it,  are  blasted,  and  "  brought  to  nothing."  History  will  force  all 
who  read  it  with  this  view,  to  acknowledge  thus  much.  And  with 
this  view,  indeed,  it  should  always  be  read. 

12.  Blessed  is  the  nation  tv/tose  God  is  the  Lord  ;  and  the  people 
whom  he  hath  chosen,  for  his  onm  inheritance. 

The  foregoing  considerations  of  the  righteousness,  truth,  mercy, 
power,  and  wisdom  of  Jehovah,  naturally  suggest  a  reflection  on 
the  "  blessedness"  of  the  church,  in  whose  cause  all  those  attributes 
are,  by  the  covenant  of  grace,  engaged  and  exercised.  But  who 
now  esteems  this  blessedness  as  it  deserves? 

13.  The  Lord  looketh  from  heaven:  he  heholdeth  cdl  the  sons 
of  men.  14.  From  the  place  of  his  hrdtitation  he  looketh  upon  all 
the  inhabitants  of  the  earth.  1.5.  He  fashioncfh  their  hearts 
alike  ;  he  considereth  all  their  toorks. 

How  great  must  be  the  advantage  of  living  in  his  favour,  and 
under  his  protection,  who,  from  the  watch-tower  of  his  eternal 
throne,  beholdeth,  directeth,  and  controlleth  at  pleasure,  not  only 
the  actions  and  the  words,  but  the  very  thoughts  and  imaginations 
of  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth !  For,  this  being  the  case,  it  is 
most  certain  that, 

16.  There  is  no  king  saved  by  the  multitude  of  an  host:  a 
might ij  man  is  not  delivered  by  much  strength.  17.  An  horse  is 
a  vain  thing  for  safety:  neither  shall  he  deliver  any  by  his  great 
strength. 

All  the  power  in  the  world  is  less  than  nothing,  if  brought  into  the 
field  against  that  of  God ;  so  that  the  fate  of  every  battle  will  de- 
pend upon  the  side  which  he  shall  please  to  take,  who  is  equally 
able  to  confound  the  many  and  the  mighty,  and  to  give  victory  to 
the  weak  and  the  iew.  The  same  is  true  of  that  spiritual  warfare, 
in  which  we  are  all  engaged. 

18.  Behold  the  eye  of  the  Lord  is  vpon  them  that  fear  him; 
7ipon  them  that  hope  in  his  mercy :  19.  To  deliver  their  soul  from 
death,  and  to  keep  them  alive  in  famine. 

The  ever-waking  eye  of  Providence,  which  looketh  on  all,  look- 
eth with  favour  and  loving-kindness  on  such  "  as  fear"  God  without 
despondency,  and  "  hope"  in  him  without  presumption :  their 
bodies  are  often  wonderfully  preserved  in  times  of  danger  and  want; 
but,  what  is  of  far  greater  consequence,  their  souls  are  saved  from 


Day  VI.  E.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  107 

spiritual  and  everlasting  death,  and  nourislied  in  the  wilderness 
with  the  bread  of  heaven, 

20.  Our  soul  wuiteth  for  the  Lord  :  he  is  our  help  and  our 
shield.  21.  For  our  heart  shcdl  rrjuice  in  him;  because  we  have 
trusted  in  his  holy  name. 

In  answer  to  the  foregoing  exhortation,  the  '•'  righteous''  are 
liere  introduced,  declaring  their  fixed  resolution  to  persevere  in 
faith  and  patience,  "  waiting"  for  the  coming  of  their  Lord  and 
Saviour,  in  whom  they  "  rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of 
glory,"  by  reason  of  that  humble  and  holy  confidence  which  they 
have  in  him. 

22.  Let  thy  mercy,  0  Lord,  be  upon  71s,  according  as  ice  hope 
in  tliee. 

The  "  iiope"  of  the  church  was  always  in  Messiah.  Of  old 
she  prayed  for  the  "  mercy"  of  his  first  advent;  now  she  cxpec- 
tetli  his  second.  Grant  us,  O  Lord,  hope,  of  which  we  may  never 
be  disappointed. 

PSALM  XXXIV. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  prophet,  esraped  out  of  the  hands  of  liis  enemies,  uttereth  a  song  of 
praise,  in  words  which  the  Christian  now  einployelh  to  celebrate  the  far 
greater  deliverance  of  his  Saviour,  and  himself  by  him,  trom  the  power 
of  more  formidable  adversaries.  I — 7.  He  calleth  his  brethren  to  rejoice 
with  him,  and  to  magnify  God  for  the  favour  and  protection  vouchsafed 
to  his  servant,  in  a  time  of  danger  ;  8 — 10.  he  exhorteth  others  to  taste 
and  experience  the  goodness  of  Jehovah  to  such  as  fear  him ;  and  for  that 
purpose,  1 1 — 14.  instructeth  them  in  the  nature  and  effects  of  divine  fear; 
after  which,  15 — 22.  he  sweetly  descanteth  on  the  certainty  of  redemp- 
tion from  all  the  tribulations  endured  by  the  faithful  in  this  mortal  life. 

1.  I  will  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times:  his  praise  shall  continu- 
ally be  in  my  mouth. 

The  Christian,  delivered  from  many  perils,  yet  continually  lia- 
ble to  more,  finds  cause,  at  all  seasons,  and  in  all  situations,  to  bless 
God.  "  In  all  things  he  gives  thanks,  and  rejoices  even  in  tribu- 
lation," which  cannot  deprive  him  of  the  true  ground  of  all  joy, 
the  salvation  of  Christ. 

2.  My  soul  shall  make  her  boast  in  the  Lord  :  the  humble  shall 
hear  thereof,  and  be  glad. 

The  glory  of  every  action  is  to  be  ascribed  to  God,  whose  in- 
terpositions, in  behalf  of  his  people  of  old  time,  aflbrd  consolation 
and  joy  to  the  humble  and  afllicted.  But  chiefly  are  the  members 
of  the  church  bound  to  give  thanks  for  the  resurrection  and  triumpli 


168  A  COMMENTARY         Fsal.  XXXIV. 

of  Christ,  their  head.     "  The  humble''  can  never  '•  hear"  of  this 
without  being  "  gUid." 

3.  0  magnify  the  Lord  tcith  me,  and  let  tis  exalt  his  name  to- 
gether. 

The  Christian  not  only  himself  magnifies  God,  but  exhorts 
others  to  do  likewise ;  and  longs  for  that  day  to  come,  when  all 
nations  and  languages,  laying  aside  their  contentions  and  animosi- 
ties, their  prejudices  and  their  errors,  their  unbelief,  their  heresies, 
and  their  schisms,  shall  make  their  sound  to  be  heard  as  one,  in 
magnifying  and  exalting  their  great  Redeemer's  name. 

4.  I  sought  the  Lord,  and  he  heard  me,  and  delivered  me  from 
all  my  fears. 

The  ground  of  this  rejoicing  to  the  typical  David,  might  be  his 
deljverance  from  his  enemies ;  to  the  true  David,  it  was  his  rescue 
from  the  powers  of  darkness ;  to  the  believing  soul,  it  is  her  salva- 
tion from  sin  ;  and  to  the  bod}-^,  it  will  be  redemption  from  the 
grave.  Then  the  Lord  will  deliver  us  "  from  all  our  fears ;"  and 
this  he  will  do,  if  we  seek  him,  in  his  scriptures,  and  in  his  ordi- 
nances. 

5.  They  looked  unto  him,  and  were  lightened;  and  their  faces 
were  not  ashamed. 

Faith  is  the  eye,  sin  the  blindness,  and  Christ  the  light  of  the 
soul.  The  blindness  must  be  removed,  and  the  eye  must  be  di- 
rected to  the  light,  which  will  then  illuminate  the  whole  man,  and 
guide  him  in  the  way  of  salvation.  He  who  thus  looketh  unto  the 
Sun  of  righteousness,  for  light  and  direction,  shall  never  be  con- 
founded. 

6.  This  poor  man  cried,  and  the  hoRD  heard  him,  and  saved 
him  out  of  all  his  troubles. 

David,  when  he  escaped  from  his  enemies,  migiit  be  '•  poor"  and 
destitute.  But  he  was  emphatically  '"'  the  poor  man,"  who  be- 
came so  for  our  sakes ;  who  not  only  possessed  nothing,  but  de- 
sired nothing  in  this  woild.  He  "  cried,  and  Jehovah  heard  him, 
and  delivered  him  out  of  all  his  troubles ;"  as  he  will  hear  and  de- 
liver the  "  poor  in  spirit,"  who  pray  unto  him.     For, 

7.  The  angel  of  the  Lord  encampeth  round  about  them  that 
fear  him,  and  delivereth  them. 

The  Divine  protection  and  salvation,  vouchsafed  to  the  fuitiiful, 
is  here  signified,  whether  we  suppose  that  by  "the  angel  of  Jeho- 
vah," is  meant  the  presence  of  Christ  in  the  church  militant,  as 
of  old  in  the  cump  of  Israel ;  or  the  ministration  of  created  spirits 
to  the  heirs  of  salvation,  as  in  the  case  of  Elislui;  2  Kings  vi. 
1 7.     Let  the  consideration  of  these  invisible  guardians,  who  are 


Day  VI.  E.  P,  ON  THE  PSALMS.  l69 

also  spectators  of  our  actions,  at  once  restrain  us  from  evil,  and  in- 
cite us  to  good. 

8.  O  taste  and  see  that  the  Loud  is  good:  blessed  is  the  man 
that  tnistcth  in  him. 

David  saw  and  tasted  the  goodness  of  Jehovah,  when  delivered 
from  his  adversaries;  the  Son  of  David,  when  raised  from  the  dead. 
Both  invite  us,  by  '•  trusting"  in  God,  to  behold  and  experience,  in 
our  own  persons,  the  mercies  and  consolations  of  heaven. 

9.  Ofear  the  Lord,  i/e  his  saints  :  for  there  is  no  want  to  them 
that  fear  him.  10.  The  ijoung  lions  do  lack,  and  suffer  hunger  ^ 
but  they  that  seek  the  Lord  shall  not  icanf  any  good  thing. 

He  who  seeketh  the  Lord,  siiall  fmd  him;  and  he  who  hath 
found  him,  can  want  nothing.  Faith,  hope,  charity,  temperance, 
purity,  patience,  and  contentment,  are  the  true  riches;  and  the  lack 
of  them,  the  poverty  to  be  most  dreaded;  since  to  a  Christian,  per- 
secution, loss,  sickness,  nay  death  itself,  is  gain.  In  the  mean  time, 
God  is  never  wanting  to  provide  for  his  servants  what  he  seeth 
needful  and  best,  in  matters  temporal ;  while  tyrants  and  oppressors, 
who  are  in  the  world  what  "  lions"  are  in  a  forest,  are  often,  by 
the  just  judgment  of  heaven,  reduced  to  want  that  which  they  have 
ravished  from  others. 

11.  Come,  ye  children,  hearken  unto  me:  I  toil!  teach  you  the 
fear  of  the  Lord. 

They  who,  by  contemplating  the  advantages  described  above, 
which  attend  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  are  become  desirous  of  obtaining 
that  fear,  must  hearken  to  their  heavenly  Father,  who  by  his  pro- 
phet "  speakcth  unto  them  as  unto  cliildren,"  oflering  to  teach  thera 
the  good  and  the  right  way. 

12.  fFhat  man  is  he  that  dcsireth  life,  and  loveth  many  days, 
that  he  may  see  good? 

Every  Christian  professeth  to  "desire,"  not  only  an  animal,  but 
a  spiritual  "  life;"  to  love,  not  an  old  age  in  time,  but  an  eternal 
duration;  that  he  may  "  see  those  good  things"  which  God  hath 
prepan^d,  not  upon  earth,  but  in  heaven,  for  them  that  love  him. 
Let  us  observe,  therefore,  upon  what  terms  such  blessings  are  offered. 

1 3 .  Keep  thy  tongue  from  evil,  and  thy  lips  from  speaking  guile. 
The  tongue  is  an  instrument  of  much  good,  or  much  evil.     Life 

and  death  are  in  its  power;  he  that  keepeth  it,  keepeth  his  soul; 
and  he  who  oflendpth  not  therewith  is  a  perfect  man;  it  is  an  un- 
ruly member,  and  the  first  work  of  the  fear  of  God  must  be  to 
bridle  it,  that  no  profane,  unclean,  slanderous,  deceitful,  or  idle 
words,  proceed  out  of  the  mouth.  And  as  the  heart  is  to  the  tongue 
what  the  fountain  is  to  the  stream,  that  must  first  be  purified. 


170  A  COiMMENTARY         Psal.  XXX H. 

14.  Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good;  seek  peace  and  pursue  it. 
Not  the  tongue  only,  but  the  whole  man,  is  to  be  corrected  and 

regulated  by  the  fear  of  God,  operating  unto  repentance  from  dead 
works,  and,  through  faith,  unto  obedience  of  life.  And  he  who 
hath  thus  obtained  peace  with  God,  must  ever  remember  to  follow 
peace  with  men,  reconciling  his  brethren,  if  at  variance ;  himself, 
if  it  be  possible,  being  at  variance  with  no  one. 

15.  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  the  righteous,  and  his  ears 
are  open  unto  their  cry.  l6.  The  face  of  the  Lord  is  against 
them  that  do  evil,  to  cut  off  the  remembrance  of  them  from  the 
earth. 

The  righteous  may  be  afflicted,  like  David,  and  like  a  greater 
than  David;  and  their  oppressors  may  for  a  time  be  triumphant; 
but  in  the  end,  the  former  will  be  delivered  and  exalted ;  the  latter 
will  cither  cease  to  be  remembered,  or  they  will  be  remembered 
with  infamy. 

17.  The  righteous  cry,  and  the  Lord  heareth,  and  delivereth 
them  out  of  all  their  troubles. 

This  great  and  comforting  truth,  is  attested  by  the  history  of  the 
deliverances  of  Israel  from  Egypt,  Babylon,  &c.  of  Jonah  from 
the  whale ;  of  the  three  children  from  the  flames,  &c.  wrought  at 
the  supphcations  of  the  respective  parties  in  distress ;  but  above 
all,  by  the  salvation  of  the  world,  through  the  intercession  of  Jesus 
Christ.  The  death  of  martyrs  is  their  deliverance ;  and  the  greatest 
of  all  deliverances. 

18.  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  them  that  are  of  a  b/'oken  heart,  and. 
saveth  such  as  be  of  a  contrite  spirit. 

We  are  apt  to  overlook  men,  in  proportion  as  they  are  humbled 
beneath  us ;  God  regards  them  in  that  proportion.  Vessels  of  ho- 
noin-  are  made  of  that  clay,  which  is  "  broken'"  into  the  smallest 
parts. 

19.  Many  are  the  afflictions  of  the  righteous :  but  the  Lord  de- 
livereth him  out  of  them  all. 

Afflictions  all  must  sufler;  but  those  of  the  righteous  end  in 
victory  and  glory.  What  soldier  would  not  cheerfully  undergo  the 
hardships  of  a  campaign  upon  this  condition?  "  In  the  world," 
saith  the  Captain  of  our  salvation,  "  ye  shall  have  tribulation ;  but 
be  of  good  cheer,  I  have  overcome  the  world;"  John  xvi.  33. 

20.  He  keepeth  all  his  bones  ;  not  one  of  them  is  broken. 

It  is  God  who  preserveth  to  man  the  strength  of  his  body, 
which  lieth  in  the  bones ;  and  that  vigour  of  his  s})irit,  which 
consisteth  in  firm  and  well-established  principles  of  faith  and  holi- 
ness.     The  bones  of  the  true  Paschal  Lamb  continued   whole 


Day  VII.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALIMS.  171 

during  the  passion,  and  those  of  the  saints  shall  be  raised  whole  at 
the  last  day,  when  the  mystical  body  of  Christ  shall  come  out  of  its 
suflerinj^s,  no  less  perfect  and  entire  than  did  the  natural. 

21.  Evil  shall  slay  the  wicked;  and  they  that  hate  the  righ- 
teous shall  be  desolate. 

The  evil  of  punishment  springs  from  the  evil  of  sin  ;  and  no  sin 
works  such  "  desolation,"  as  a  malicious  "  hatred"  and  persecu- 
tion of  the  true  sons  and  servants  of  (Jod.  VVlioso  doubts  the 
truth  of  this,  let  him  only  survey  and  consider  attentively  the  de- 
solation of  the  once  highly  favoured  nation,  for  their  enmity  against 
the  King  of  righteousness,  and  his  faithful  subjects. 

22.  The  Lord  redeemeth  the  soul  of  his  serva7its  ;  and  7ione  of 
them  that  trust  in  him  shall  be  desolate. 

The  frequent  prosperity  of  the  wicked,  and  the  troubles  of  the 
righteous  in  this  world,  strike  powerfully  .upon  the  sense,  and  are 
for  that  reason  too  apt  to  efl'ace  from  our  minds  the  notices  given 
us  by  faith,  of  that  future  inversion  of  circumstances,  which  is  to 
take  place  after  death.  To  renew,  therefore,  the  impression  of 
such  an  interesting  truth,  the  redemption  of  the  alBicted  righteous 
is  so  often  insisted  on  in  the  course  of  this  Psalm.  Enable  us,  O 
Lord,  to  "  walk  by  faith,  and  not  by  sight,"  until  we  come  to  the 
heavenly  kingdom ;  where,  with  all  thy  saints,  made  perfect  through 
sufferings,  we  shall  "  bless  and  magnify  thee  at  all  times,"  and  thy 
"  praise  will  continually  be  in  our  mouth,"  for  evermore. 

SEVENTH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XXXV. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  prophet  in  this  Psalm,  as  in  the  xxiid.  which  it  resembles,  personating 
Messiah  in  his  state  of  humiliation  and  suffering,  1 — 3.  beseecheth  Jelio- 
vah  to  interpose  in  his  belialf;  4 — 8.  predictcth  the  confusion  of  his  ene- 
mies, and,  9,  10.  his  own  trium|)h;  11 — 10.  describcth  the  malice  of  his 
persecutors  against  him,  and  his  love  towards' them  ;  17 — 25.  repeatelh 
his  supplications  for  deliverance,  and  en'.argeth  upon  the  cruel  insults  he 
met  with;  26.  he  again  foretelleth  the  dcstniction  of  the  adversary,  and, 
27,  28.  the  exultation  of  the  faithful. 

1.  Plead  my  cause,  0  Lord,  iciih  them  that  strive  with  inr ; 
fight  against  them  that  fight  against  me. 

David  in  his  afflictions,  Christ  in  his  passion,  the  church  under 
{)ersccution,  and  the  Christian  in  the  hoiu-  of  temptation,  supplicate 
(lie  Almighty  to  appear  in  their  behalf,  and  to  vindicate  their  cause. 

2.  TaJ:e  hold  of  shield  and  bucfder,  and  stand  up  for  mine  help. 


172  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXXV. 

3.  Draw  out  also  the  spear,  and  stop  the  way  against  them  that 
persecute  me:  saij  unto  vuj  soul,  I  am  thi/  salvation. 

Jehovah  is  here  described  as  a  "  man  of  war,"  going  forth  to  the 
battle  against  the  enemies  of  Messiah  and  his  church :  the  protection 
afforded  by  his  mercy  is  prefigured  by  the  shield  of  the  warrior, 
covering  his  body  from  the  darts  of  the  enemy:  and  the  vengeance 
of  his  uphfted  arm  is  represented  by  the  offensive  weapons  used 
among  men,  such  as  the  spear  and  the  sword.  "  If  God  be  for  us, 
who  can  be  against  us?"  If  he  speaketh  salvation,  who  shall 
threaten  destruction?  See  Deut.  xxxii.  41.     Wisdom  v.  20. 

4.  Let  them  be  confounded,  or,  they  shall  be  confounded,  and 
put  to  shame,  that  seek  after  my  soul:  let  them  be,  or,  they  shall 
be,  turned  back  and  brought  to  confusion,  that  devise  my  hurt. 

The  consequence  of  the  Omnipotent  appearing  in  arras  against 
his  adversaries  is  here- foretold.  And  the  prediction  has  long  since 
been  verified  in  the  "  confusion"  of  Saul,  and  of  the  Jews,  as  it 
will  be  finally  fulfilled  in  that  of  Satan  and  all  his  adherents  at  the 
last  day ;  for  the  manifestation  of  which  day  the  church  now  waiteth 
in  faith  and  patience. 

5.  Let  them  be,  or,  tJiey  shall  be,  as  chaff  before  the  wind:  and 
let  the  aiigel  of  the  Lord,  or,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  shall,  chase 
them. 

The  Jews,  separated  fi-om  the  church  and  people  of  Christ,  be- 
come useless  and  unprofitable  to  any  good  work,  possessing  only 
the  empty  ceremonies  and  husks  of  their  religion,  and  by  the  breath 
of  the  Divine  displeasure  dispersed  over  the  face  of  the  earth,  afford 
a  striking  comment  on  this  verse,  and  as  striking  an  admonition  to 
every  opposer  of  the  holy  Jesus.     See  Psalm  i.  4. 

6.  Let  their  way,  or,  their  loay  shall,  be  dark  and  slippery :  and 
let  the  angel  of  the  Lord,  or,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  shall,  per- 
secute them. 

A  traveller,  benighted  in  a  bad  road,  is  an  expressive  emblem  of 
a  sinner  walking  in  the  slippery  and  dangerous  ways  of  temptation, 
without  knowledge  to  direct  his  steps,  to  show  him  his  danger,  or 
to  extricate  him  from  it ;  while  an  enemy  is  in  pursuit  of  him, 
whom  he  can  nehher  resist  nor  avoid.  Deliver  us,  O  Lord,  from 
all  blindness,  but  above  all,  from  that  which  is  judicial! 

7.  For  unthout  cause  have  they  hid  for  me  their  net  in  a  pit, 
which  without  cause  they  have  digged  for  my  soul.  8.  Let  de- 
struction, or,  destr'uction  shcdl,  come  upon  him,  at  unawares  /  and 
let  his  net  that  he  hath  hid,  or,  his  net  that  he  hath  hid  shall,  catch 
himself:  into  that  very  destruction  let  him,  or,  he  shall,  fall. 

The  causeless  persecution  raised  against  David  by  Saul,  and 


Day  VII.  IM.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  173 

against  our  Lord  by  the  Jews,  reverted  through  the  risjliteous 
judgment  of  God,  on  the  head  of  the  persecutors.  The  innocent 
birds  esca])ed ;  and  ihey  wiio  set  the  toils,  were  themselves  taken 
therein.  Saul  lost  the  kingdom  which  he  thought  to  have  secured, 
and  his  life  also ;  and  the  Jews,  who  crucified  Christ  lest  "  tiie 
Romans  should  take  away  their  place  and  nation,"  had  their  place 
and  nation  taken  away  by  those  Romans  for  that  very  reason. 
In  these  histories,  all  impenitent  persecutors  of  the  faith,  the 
church,  and  the  servants  of  God,  may  reatl  their  doom. 

9.  ylnd  my  soul  shall  be  jo  tjf  11 1  in  the  Lord  :  it  shall  rejoice  in 
his  salvation.  10.  All  nit/  boms  shall  say,  Lord,  icho  is  like  un- 
to thee,  which  delii^crest  the  poor  from  him  that  is  too  strong  for 
him,  yea,  the  poor  and  the  needy  from  him  that  spoileth  him'/ 

These  verses,  as  they  describe  the  joy  which  the  soul  and  body 
of  Christ  were  to  experience  after  the  resurrection,  so  shall  they 
one  day  be  sung  by  the  mystical  body  of  the  Lord,  when  delivered 
from  the  power  of  the  spoiler,  and  raised  entire  from  the  dust.  In 
the  mean  time,  they  may  express  our  gratitude  for  any  temporal 
preservation  from  enemies,  from  sad  casualties,  and  dangerous 
temptations. 

11.  False  icitnesses  did  rise  iq) ;  they  laid  to  my  charge,  Ileb. 
asked  me,  things  that  I  knew  not.  12.  They  reicarded  me  evil 
for  good,  to  the  spoiling  of  my  soul. 

This  was  never  more  literally  true  of  David,  than  it  was  of 
the  holy  Jesus;  when  standing  before  Pontius  Pilate,  he  received 
no  other  return  from  the  Jews,  for  all  the  gracious  words  which 
he  had  spoken,  and  all  the  merciful  works  which  he  had  done 
among  them,  than  that  of  being  slandered  and  put  to  death. 

13.  But  as  for  me,  when  they  toere  sick,  my  clothing  was  sack- 
cloth: I  humbled,  or,  afiicted,  my  soul  tvith  fmting ;  and  my 
prayer  returned  into  mine  own  bosom. 

If  David  prayed,  fasting  in  sackcloth,  for  Saul  and  his  asso- 
ciates, the  Son  of  David,  to  heal  the  souls  of  men,  put  on  the  veil 
of  mortal  flesh,  and  appeared  in  the  form  apd  habit  of  a  penitent, 
fasting  forty  days  and  forty  nights,  making  continual  intcTcession 
for  transgressors,  and  grieving  to  think  that  aiiy  men,  by  their  ob- 
stinacy, should  deprive  themselves  of  the  benefits  thereof. 

14.  /  behaved  myself]  Ileb.  I  walked,  as  though  he  had  been 
my  friend  or  brother :  I  bowed  down  heavily,  as  one  that  nujurn- 
eth  for  his  ?nother,  or,  as  a  mother  that  mourneth. 

He  who  so  passionately  lamented  the  natural  death  of  Saul, 
doubtless  bewailed  greatly  his  spiritual  death  of  sin :  and  he  who 
took  a  comprehensive  view  of  the  sins  and  sorrows  of  Jerusalem. 


174  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXXV. 

wept  over  that  wretched  city,  with  the  tender  affection  of  a  "  friend,''' 
a  "  brother,"  and  a  "  mother'' — "  O  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  how 
often  would  I  have  gathered  thy  children  together,  even  as  a  hen 
gathereth  her  chickens  under  her  wings  !" 

15.  But  in  mine  adversitij  they  rejoiced,  and  gathered  them- 
selves together :  yea,  the  objects,  or,  smiters,  gathered  themselves 
together  against  me,  and  I  knew  li  not;  they  did  tear  me,  and 
ceased  not. 

When  the  blessed  Jesus  was  suffering  for  the  sins  of  men,  he  was 
insulted  by  those  men  for  whose  sins  he  suffered.  He  gave  not  on- 
ly his  reputation  to  the  revilers,  but  also  his  back  to  the  "  smiters," 
though  not  conscious  of  the  crimes  for  which  they  pretended  to 
punish  him. 

16.  With  hypocritical  mockers  in  feasts,  or,  among  the  profit' 
gates,  the  makers  of  mock,  they  gnashed  upon  me  with  their  teeth. 

However  this  might  be  true  in  the  case  of  David,  it  certainl}'' 
had  a  literal  accomplishment  in  the  scoffs  and  taunts  of  the  chief 
priests  and  others,  when  Christ  was  hanging  on  the  cross,  "  Ah, 
thou  that  destroyest  the  temple,"  &c.  "  He  trusted  in  God,"  &c. 
"  Let  him  come  down  from  the  cross,"  &c.  &c.  nay,  one  of  the 
thieves,  crucified  with  him,  "cast  the  same  in  his  teeth."  Who- 
soever considers  these  things,  will  not  be  sui'prised  at  the  expostu- 
lation in  the  following  verse. 

17.  Lord,  hoiD  long  wilt  thou  look  on?  Rescue  my  soul  from 
/heir  destructions,  my  darling  from  the  lions. 

Christ  prayeth,  like  David  of  old,  for  the  manifestation  of  the 
promised  mercy;  for  the  deliverance  of  the  nature  which  he  had 
assumed,  and  which  he  delighted  in.  Who  does  not  behold  in  him, 
surrounded  by  his  enraged  and  implacable  enemies,  a  second  Da- 
niel, praying  in  the  den  of  "  lions  ?" 

18.  I toill  give  thee  thanks  in  the  great  congregation:  I  will 
praise  thee  among  much  people,  or,  the  strong  people. 

This  verse  is  exactly  parallel  to  Psalm  xxii.  25.  wherein,  after 
an  enumeration  of  his  sufferings,  our  Lord  predicteth  the  praise  and 
glory  that  should  accrue  to  God  in  the  church,  after  his  resurrec- 
tion, from  the  preaching  of  the  apostles ;  which  passage  see  and 
compare;  as  also  Isa.  xxv.  3.  and  Rev.  vii.  9. 

li).  Let  not  them  that  arc  mine  enemies  wrongfully  rejoice  over 
me :  neither  let  them  ivink  with  the  eye  that  hate  me  without  a  cause. 

The  prophet,  in  the  person  of  Christ,  returneth  again  to  make 
supplication  that  an  end  may  be  put  to  the  insults,  the  scoffs,  and 
the  sneers  of  the  reprobate.  O  come,  that  day,  when  they  shall 
cease  for  evermore  ! 


Day  VII.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  175 

20.  For  the ij  speak  not  peace :  hut  they  devise  deceitful  matters 
against  tliem  that  are  quiet  in  the  land.  21.  Yea,  they  opened  their 
mouth  wide  against  me  and  said,  Aha,  aha  !  our  eye  hath  seen  it. 

David  would  have  Uved  "  quietly"  under  the  government  of  Saul ; 
our  Lord  did  not  aim  at  temporal  sovereignty  over  the  Jews ;  nor 
(hd  tlie  primitive  Christians  desire  to  intermeddle  with  the  politics 
of  the  world :  yet  all  were  betrayed,  mocked,  and  persecuted  as 
rebels,  and  usurpers,  and  the  pests  of  society. 

22.  This  thou  hast  seen,  O  Lord  :  keep  not  silence:  0  Lord,  be 
not  far  from  me.  23.  Stir  up  thyself,  and  awake  to  7ny  Judgment, 
even  unto  my  cause,  my  God,  and  my  Lord.  24.  Judge  vie,  O 
Lord  7ny  God,  according  to  thy  righteousness ;  ami  let  them  not 
rejoice  over  me. 

God  "  seeth-'  and  knoweth  all  things ;  yet  he  permitteth  those, 
who  love  him  best,  to  be  often  and  long  afflicted  and  oppressed, 
seeming  as  one  at  a  <•  distance,"'  or  "  silent,"  or  "  asleep,"  that  is, 
regardless  of  what  passes.  At  such  times,  we  are  not  to  remit,  but 
to  double  our  diligence  in  prayer,  reiterating  our  cries — "  Lord, 
save  us !  we  perish  !"  Then  will  he  ''  awake  and  arise,  and  re- 
buke the  winds  and  the  seas,  and  there  shall  be  a  calm." 

25.  Let  them  not  say  in  their  hearts,  yih,  so  would  loe  have  it  .- 
let  them  not  say,  We  have  swalloived  him  up. 

Messiah  prayed  for  an  end  of  his  sufferings ;  that  the  eneinies  of 
mankind  might  not  triumph  in  his  destruction ;  that  death  rn'mUi 
not  finally  "  swallow  him  up,"  but  be  itself  "  swallowed  up  in  vic- 
tory."    The  church  daily  maketh  the  same  request. 

26.  Let  them,  or,  they  shall,  be  ashamed  and  brought  to  confu- 
sion together,  that  rejoice  at  mine  hurt:  let  them,  or,  they  shall, 
he  clothed  with  shame  and  dishonour,  that  ?nagnify  themselves 
against  me. 

The  accomplishment  of  this  prediction,  by  the  resurrection  of 
Jesus,  and  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  is  well  known.  There  are 
two  events  to  come,  parallel  to  these  two  which  are  past,  vh.  the 
resurrection  of  the  faithful,  and  the  destruction  of  the  world  j  when 
all  who,  like  the  Jews,  have  "  rejoiced  in  the  hurt"  of  Messiah, 
and  have  '*  magnified  themselves  against  him,"  will,  like  thi;  Jews, 
be  covered  with  everlasting  "  confusion." 

27.  Let  them,  or,  they  shall,  shout  for  joy,  and  be  glad,  thai 
favour  my  righteous  cause :  yea,  let  them,  or,  they  shall,  say 

continually.  Let  the  Lord  be  magnifed,  which  hath  pleasure  in 
the  prosperity  of  his  servant.  28.  And  my  tongue  shall  speak  of 
thy  righteousness,  and  of  thy  praise,  all  the  day  long. 

As  the  preceding  verse  foretold  the  sorrow  of  the  enemies,  so 


176  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXXVL 

these  two  describe  the  joy  of  the  friends  to  Messiah,  upon  his  vic- 
tory and  exaltation,  which  have  been,  and  shall  continue  to  be,  ce- 
lebrated by  the  church  in  these  divine  hymns,  indited  by  the  Holy 
Spirit  for  that  purpose,  until  the  songs  of  time  shall  end  in  the  hal- 
lelujahs of  eternity. 

PSALM  XXXVl. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  the  four  first  verses  of  this  Psalm,  the  prophet  describeth  the  principles, 
the  actions,  the  conversation,  and  the  imaginations  of  his  wicked  perse- 
cutors ;  and  from  thence  raising  his  thoughts  to  heaven,  5 — 9.  cele- 
brateth  the  mercy  and  loving-kindness  of  .Tcliovah ;  for  a  continuation  of 
which  to  himself  and  the  church,  he  fervently  prayeth,  10,  11,  and  12. 
Ibresecth  the  downial  of  the  ungodly. 

1.  Tlie  transgression  of  the  tvicJced  saith  loitliin  ynij  heart,  That 
there  is  no  fear  of  God  before  his  eyes. 

If  the  present  reading  in  the  original  be  the  true  one,  the  mean- 
ing must  be  this — The  trangressions  of  a  bad  man  show  plainly, 
in  the  apprehension  of  a  good  one,  that  the  former  is  destitute  of  a 
true  fear  of  God.  Bishop  Lowth,  by  a  slight  alteration  or  two  in 
the  text,  renders  it  to  this  effect — "  The  wicked  man,  according  to 
the  wickedness  in  his  heart,  saith,  There  is  no  fear  of  God  before 
mine  eyes."*  The  great  truth  which  the  prophet  here  declareth 
himself  to  be  convinced  of,  is,  that  all  wickedness  proceedeth  from 
the  absence  of  "  the  fear  of  God"  in  the  person  who  committeth 
it ;  that  fear  being  a  principle,  which,  while  it  is  predominant  in 
the  man,  will  restrain  him  from  transgression.  Our  laws  suppose 
as  much,  when  in  the  form  of  indicting  a  criminal,  they  attribute 
the  commission  of  the  offence  to  his  '•  not  having  the  feai-  of  God 
before  his  eyes." 

2.  For  he  fattereth  himself  in  his  own  eyes,  until  his  imquity 
he  found  to  be  hateful:  or,  when  his  sin  is  ready  to  be  found  out 
and  to  be  hated. 

He  who  hath  lost  '•  the  fear  of  God"  is  first  led  into  sin,  and  then 
detained  in  it;  because,  having  forgotten  the  great  witness  and 
judge  of  his  actions,  he  vainly  thinks  his  crimes  may  be  concealed 
or  disguised ;  till  a  discovery  breaks  the  charm,  and  disperses  the 
delusion.     The  last  day  will  show  strange  instances  of  this  fully. 

3.  The  words  of  his  mouth  are  iniquity  and  deceit :  he  hath  left 
off  to  be  wise,  and  to  do  good,  or,  to  understand  that  he  may  do 
good, 

"  See  .Merrick's  Jhmolalions. 


Day  VII.  M.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  177 

If  the  fear  of  God  be  not  in  the  heart,  "  iniquity  and  deceit"  will 
be  under  the  tongue;  and,  then,  an  apostacy  from  wisdom  and 
goodness,  or  tiie  wisdom  of  goodness,  which  is  the  only  true  wis- 
dom, cannot  be  far  off. 

4.  He  deciseth  mischief  upon  his  bed;  he  seftcth  himself  in  a 
way  that  is  not  good;  he  abhorreth  not  evil. 

From  the  actions  and  the  words  of  him  who  hath  not  the  fear  of 
God  before  his  eyes,  the  pro|jliet  goeth  back  to  the  thoughts  and 
imaginations  of  his  heart,  which  even  in  retirement  and  solitude, 
are  busily  employed  upon  evil,  as  those  of  the  righteous  are,  at 
those  seasons,  upon  God  and  goodness,  A  man  may  know  the 
state  of  his  mind,  in  some  measure,  from  his  morning  and  evening 
thoughts  "  upon  his  bed.''  He  who  doth  not  give  diligence  to  "  set 
himself  iii  a  good  way,"  will  soon  be  set  in  one  that  is  not  good ; 
and  he  who  doth  not  "  abhor"  sin,  will  ere  long  delight  in  it. 

5.  Thy  mercy,  0  Lord,  is  in  the  heavens  ;  and  thy  faithfulness 
reacheth  unto  the  clouds,  or,  skies.  6.  Thy  righteousness  is  like 
the  great  mountains;  thy  judgments  are  a  great  deep. 

From  the  wickedness  of  the  world,  in  which  we  live,  we  must  lift 
up  our  eyes  for  help  and  comfort  to  the  mercy  and  truth  of  God, 
boundless,  pure,  and  beneficial,  as  the  heavens  over  our  heads;  to 
his  righteousness,  fixed  and  permanent,  as  the  everlasting  hills; 
and  to  his  judgments,  stupendous  and  unfathomable  as  the  waters 
of  the  great  deep.  Truth  will  engage  mercy  to  accomplish  the 
promised  salvation  of  the  elect ;  and  righteousness  will  employ 
judgment  in  executing  upon  the  reprobate  the  vengeance  that  is  due. 

O  Lord,  thou  prescrvest  inan  and  beast.  7-  How  excellent  is 
thy  loving-kindness,  O  God  !  therefore  the  children  of  men  put 
their  trust  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings. 

The  good  providence  of  God  extendeth  over  all  creatures,  nou- 
rishing and  preserving  them,  as  well  as  man,  for  whose  use  they 
were  made.  We  can  never  enough  value  and  ''  extol  the  loving- 
kindness"  of  him,  whose  overshadowing  "  wings"  protect  and  clie- 
rish  us  on  earth,  in  order  to  bear  us  from  thence  to  heaven.  See 
Matt.  xxi.  37.  Deut.  xxxiii.  11. 

8.  Tliey  shall  be  abundantly  satisfied  with  the  fatness  of  thy 
house;  and  thou  shall  make  them  drink  of  the  river  of  thy  plea- 
sures. 

In  heaven  alone  the  thirst  of  an  innnortal  soul  after  happiness 
can  be  satisfied.  There  the  streams  of  Eden  will  flow  again.  They 
who  drink  of  them  shall  ibrget  their  earthly  poverty,  and  remem- 
ber the  miseries  of  the  world  no  more.  Some  drops  from  tiie  ce- 
lestial cup  arc  suflicient  for  a  time  to  make  us  forget  our  sorrows, 
23 


178  A  COMI\lEi\TARY  Psal.  XXXVII. 

even  while  we  are  in  the  midst  of  them :  what  then  may  we  not 
expect  from  full  draughts  of  those  pleasures,  which  are  at  thy  right 
hand,  O  Lord,  for  evermore? 

9.  Fo7'  with  thee  is  the  fountain  of  life:  in  thy  light  shall  we 
see  light. 

The  rivers  before  mentioned  flow  from  a  "  fountain,"  which 
fetcheth  not  supplies  from  without,  but  whose  spring  is  within  it- 
self, and  therefore  can  never  be  exhausted.  The  '•  water  of  life" 
proceeds  from  "  the  throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb,"  Rev.  xxii.  1. 
"  This  is  life  eternal,  to  know  thee  the  only  true  God,  and  JesusT 
Christ  whom  thou  hast  sent,"  John  xvii.  3.  God,  like  the  sun, 
cannot  be  seen,  but  by  the  light  which  himself  emits. 

10.  O  continue  thy  loving-kindness  unto  them  that  hioiothee; 
and  thy  righteousness  to  the  upright  in  heart. 

The  prophet,  groaning  under  the  oppression  of  the  wicked,  who 
are  described  in  the  first  part  of  the  Psalm,  prayeth  for  a  continua- 
tion of  the  mercies  of  God,  which  he  has  celebrated  in  the  second 
part.  Give  us,  O  God,  the  knowledge  of  thee,  and  make  us  up- 
right in  heart,  that  thy  loving-kindness  and  thy  righteousness  may 
be  our  portion  for  ever. 

11.  Let  not  the  foot  of  pride  come  against  me;  and  let  not  the- 
hand  of  the  icicked  remove  me. 

The  Christian  has  reason  enough  to  join  with  the  prophet  in  this 
petition,  whether  we  suppose  it  to  deprecate  destruction  from  proud 
men  and  sinners,  without  us,  or  from  pride  and  sin,  within  us. 

12.  There  are  the  workers  of  iniquity  fallen:  they  are  cast 
down,  and  shall  not  be  able  to  rise. 

Faith  calleth  things  that  be  not  as  though  they  were ;  it  carries 
us  forward  to  the  end  of  time,  it  shows  us  the  Lord  sitting  on  his 
throne  of  judgment;  the  righteous  caught  up  to  meet  him  in  the  air ; 
the  world  in  llames  under  his  feet ;  and  the  empire  of  sin  fallen,  to 
rise  no  more. 


SEVENTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XXXVII, 

ARGUMENT. 

From  the  beginning  to  the  end  of  this  Psalm,  the  Holy  Spirit,  by  the  pro- 
phet, administereth  iuhice  and  consolation  to  the  church  and  people  of 
the  Lord,  oppressed  and  afflicted  in  the  world,  by  i)rosperous  and 
triumphant  wickedness.  Faith  and  patience  are  therefore  recommended 
upon  the  double  consideration  of  that  sure  reward  which  awaitcth  the 


Day  VII.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  179 

ri<;hteouR,  and  that  certain  punishment  which  shall  be  inflicted  on  the 
wicked.  These  two  events  are  set  before  us  in  a  variety  of  expressions, 
and  under  many  lively  and  affecting  images.  As  the  Psalm  is  rather  a 
(ollection  of  divine  a])horisins  on  the  sajne  subject,  than  a  continued  and 
connected  discourse,  it  adniittclh  of  nothing  fartlicr  in  the  way  of  arpu- 
luent. 

1.  Fret  not  thyself  because  of  evil  doers,  neither  be  thou  cari- 
ous against  the  workers  of  iniquity :  2.  For  they  shall  soon  be 
cut  down  like  the  grass,  and  wither  as  the  green  herb. 

The  Holy  Si)irit  here  pre.<:crib<?th  a  remedy  to  a  very  commonj 
and  no  less  dangerous  disorder  of  the  mind,  namely,  a  distrust  of 
God's  providence,  occasioned  by  frequently  beholding  the  prospe- 
rity of  the  wicked,  in  this  present  world.  He  who  alloweth  him- 
self time  to  consider  how  soon  the  fairest  spring  must  give  place  to 
a  burning  summer,  a  blighting  autumn,  and  a  killing  winter,  will 
no  longer  envy,  but  pity  the  fading  verdure  of  the  grass,  and  the 
still  more  transient  glories  of  the  flowers  of  the  field.  Herbs  and 
plants  are  medicinal  in  more  senses  than  one.* 

3.  Trust  in  the  Lokd,  and  do  good;  so  shalt  thou  dioell  in  the 
land,  and  verily  thou  shcdt  be  fed ;  or,  dwell  in  the  land,  and  feed 
on  truth,  or,  faithfulness. 

The  consideration  of  the  speedy  and  tragical  end  of  sinners  af- 
fordeth  a  powerful  argument  for  perseverance  in  faith  and  holi- 
ness; for  continuing  in  the  church,  and  making  our  abode  in  the 
pastures  of  truth ;  until  in  the  strength  of  that  sacred  viand,  we 
come  to  the  heavenly  land  of  jnomise,  and  dwell  therein  for  ever. 

4.  Delight  thyself  also  in  the  Lord  ;  and  he  shall  give  thee 
the  desires  of  thine  heart. 

He  who  delightcth  in  the  creature,  hath  not  always  the  "  de- 
sires of  his  heart"  granted,  nor  is  it  fit  that  he  should  have  them ; 
but  he  who  delighteth  in  God,  will  desire  what  he  delighteth  in, 
and  obtain  what  he  desireth. 

5.  Commit  thy  ivay  unto  the  Lord  :  trust  also  in  him  ;  and  he 
shall  bring  it  to  2>ass.  6.  And  he  shall  bring  forth  thy  righteouS'' 
ness  as  the  light,  and  thy  judgment  as  the  noon-day. 

Malice  and  calumny  may,  for  a  timo ,  overshadow  the  splendour 
of  a  holy  character;  but  the  sun  will  come  forth,  and  the  clouds 
will  fly  away.  This  was  most  eminently  true  of  the  blessed  Je- 
sus at  his  resurrection,  and  will  be  verified  in  his  saints  at  the  last 
day.     The  history  of  Susannah  aflbrdeth  a  remarkable  instance  of 


'  See  an  elofirant  and  beautiful  discoiu'se  on  ''the  lilies  of  the  field," 
published  amon^  the  Sermons  of  the  late  learned,  ingenious,  and  worthy 
Dr.  Till  lie. 


180  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXXVII. 

it  in  this  life.  ''  Her  heart  trusted  in  the  Lord,  and  he  brought 
forth  her  righteousness  as  the  hglit ;  insomuch  that  all  the  assem- 
bly cried  out  with  a  loud  voice,  and  praised  God,  who  saveth  them 
that  trust  in  him,"  ver.  35.  60. 

7.  Rest  in,  or,  be  silent  to,  the  Lord,  a7id  wait  patiently  for 
Tiim :  fret  not  thyself  because  of  him  toho  jjrospercth  in  his  way^ 
because  of  the  man  who  bringeth  wicked  devices  to  jJdss. 

If  the  spotless  Lamb  of  God  was  dumb,  before  those  who  were 
divesting  him  of  his  honours,  and  robbing  him  of  his  life,  "  silent" 
resignation  cannot  but  become  one  who  suffers  for  his  sins.  Israel 
was  commanded  to  "stand  still,  and  see  the  salvation  of  God;" 
but  the  people  gazed  upon  the  pomp  and  power  of  Pharaoh,  who 
was  in  pursuit  of  them,  till  their  faith  failed,  and  they  began  to 
murmur  and  despond.  How  often  is  this  our  case  before  we  per- 
ceive it. 

8.  Cease  from  anger,  and  forsake  icrath:  fret  not  thyself  in 
any  wise  to  do  evil.  9.  For  evil  doers  shall  be  cut  off;  but  those 
that  ivait  upon  the  Lord,  they  shall  inherit  the  earth. 

At  the  day  of  judgment,  when  "  evil  doers  shall  be  cut  off,"  by 
the  flaming  sword  of  eternal  vengeance,  and  when  the  saints  of  the 
Most  High  shall  "  inherit  the  new  earth,"  the  latter  will  have  no 
emotions  of  anger  or  envy  against  the  former.  Let  them  so  jnedi- 
tate  on  that  day,  as  to  make  it  present  to  their  minds,  and  they 
will  have  no  such  emotions  now. 

10.  For  yet  a  little  tvhile,  and  the  wicked  shall  7iot  be :  yea, 
thou  shah  diligently  consider  his  place,  and  it  shall  not  be. 

The  whole  duration  of  the  world  itself  is  but  a  "  little  while," 
in  the  sight  of  him,  whose  hope  is  full  of  immortality.  But  the 
calamities  and  deaths  of  princes;  the  tragical  fate  of  empires, 
swept  with  the  besom  of  destruction ;  the  overthrow  of  cities,  whose 
dimensions,  towers,  and  palaces,  once  astonished  the  eartli,  but 
whose  "  place"  is  now  no  where  to  be  found  by  the  most  curious 
and  diligent  inquirer;  and  the  desolations  of  the  chosen  city  Jeru- 
salem ;  all  these  are  even  now  sufficient  to  draw  forth  the  tear  of 
commiseration,  and  to  extinguish  the  kindling  spark  of  envy  in 
every  considerate  mind. 

11.  But  the  meek  shall  inherit  the  earth;  and  shall  delight 
themselves  in  the  abundance  of  peace. 

The  "  meek"  are  they  who  bear  their  own  adversities  and  the 
prosperity  of  their  enemies  without  envy,  anger,  or  complaint. 
For  these  there  is  a  possession  in  the  kingdom  and  city  of  the 
Prince  of  "peace,"  which  "the  Lord  the  righteous  judge  shall 
give  them  at  that  day."     "  Blessed  are  the  meek,"  saith  that  Lord 


Day  VII.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  181 

and  Judge  himself,  "  for  they  shall  inherit  the  earth,"  IMatt.  v.  5. 
"  In  the  mean  time,  they,  and  they  only,  possess  the  present  earth, 
as  they  go  towards  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  by  being  humble,  and 
cheerful,  and  content  with  what  their  good  God  has  allotted  them. 
They  have  no  turbulent,  repining,  vexatious  thoughts  that  they  de- 
serve better;  nor  are  vexed,  when  they  see  others  possessed  of 
more  honour,  or  more  riches,  than  their  wise  God  has  allotted  for 
theiji-  share.  But  they  possess  what  they  have  with  a  meek  and 
contented  quietness  :  such  a  quietness  as  makes  their  very  dreams 
pleasing,  both  to  God  and  themselves."  Walioiis  Complete  An- 
gler, p.  29r). 

12.  The  imclccd  pluttcth  against  the  just,  and  gnashth  upon 
him  irith  his  teeth.  13.  The  Lord  shall  laugh  at  him :  for  he 
seeth  that  his  day  is  coming. 

The  original  enmity  between  the  wicked  one  and  tlie  Just  One 
will  always  subsist  between  the  wicked  and  the  just.  The  rage  of 
the  former  against  the  latter  is  compared  to  that  of  mad  dogs, 
or  wild  beasts ;  but  a  day  is  coming,  when  all  that  rage  must  be 
turned  and  employed  against  themselves.  God,  who  knoweth  this, 
contemneth  their  vain  efforts ;  and  Christians,  who  know  it,  and 
are  under  the  protection  of  God,  should  do  the  same. 

14.  The  icicAed  have  drawn  out  the  sword,  and  have  bent  their 
boip,  to  cast  doicn  the  poor  and  needy,  and  to  slay  such  as  be  of 
upright  conversation,  or,  upright  of  way.  15.  Their  sword  shall 
enter  into  their  own  heart,  and  their  bow  shall  be  broken. 

The  tongue  is  a  "  sword,"  and  a  "  bow"  which  shooteth  its  ar- 
rows, even  bitter  words,  against  the  humble  and  upright,  Jesus, 
and  his  disciples.  But  these  are  not  the  only  weapons  that  have 
been  drawn  against  them.  How  the  malice  of  the  Jews  returned 
upon  their  own  heads,  no  one  is  ignorant ;  though  few  lay  it  to 
heart,  and  consider  them  as  set  forth  for  an  example. 

IG.  ^  little  that  a  righteous  man  hath,  is  better  than  the  riches 
of  many  icicked.  \J.  For  the  arms  of  the  tcicked  shall  be  broken  : 
but  the  Lord  vpholdeth  the  righteous. 

A  little,  with  the  blessing  of  God  upon  it,  is  better  than  a  great 
deal,  with  the  encumbrance  of  his  curse.  His  blessing  can  mul- 
tiply a  mite  into  a  talent,  but  his  curse  will  shrink  a  talent  to  a 
mite.  By  him  "  the  arms  of  the  wicked  are  broken,"  and  by  him 
"  the  righteous  are  upholden ;"  so  that  the  great  question  is,  whe- 
ther HE  be  with  us,  or  against  us;  and  the  great  misfortune  is,  that 
this  question  is  seldom  asked. 

18.   The  Lord  knoweth  the  days  of  the  upright;  and  their  in- 


182  ,  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXXVII. 

heritance  shall  he  for  ever.     19.  They  shall  not  he  asliamedin 
the  evil  time:  and  in  the  days  of  famine  they  shall  be  satisfied. 

The  favour  of  God  is,  to  them  that  obtain  it,  a  better  and  an 
enduring  substance,  which,  Hke  the  widow's  barrel  and  cruse, 
wasted  not  in  the  evil  days  of  famine,  nor  will  fail  in  that  evil  day 
of  eternal  want,  when  the  foolish  virgins  shall  be  calling  in  vain 
for  oil,  and  the  rich  glutton  as  vainly  imploring  a  drop  of  water 
to  cool  his  tongue. 

20.  But  the  wicked  shall  perish,  and  the  enemies  of  the  Lord 
shall  be  as  the  fat  of  lambs:  they  shall  consume;  into  smoke  shall 
they  consume  aicay. 

The  destruction  of  the  wicked  is  here  again  set  before  us,  but 
under  a  different  image,  namely,  that  of  a  sacrifice.  Senseless,  as 
cattle,  they  are  fatted  for  the  altar,  they  wanton  in  their  prosperity, 
and  nourish  their  hearts  against  the  lay  of  slaughter.  In  the  mean 
time,  the  Almighty  is  whetting  that  sword,  which  nothing  can 
withstand  5  and  those  fires  are  kindling,  which  shall  never  be 
extinguished.     See  Isa.  xxxiv.  6 — 10. 

21.  The  wicked  borroioeth,  and payeth  not  again;  but  the  righ- 
teous sheweth  mercy,  and  giveth. 

The  wicked  man,  like  his  leader,  the  "  wicked  one,"  payeth 
not  those  whose  money  or  abilities  he  hath  occasion  to  borrow, 
and  to  employ  in  his  service;  whereas  the  disciple  of  Christ,  in 
imitation  of  his  Master,  not  only  punctually  observeth  the  rules 
of  justice  and  equit}'^,  but  thinketh  it  "more  blessed  to  give  than 
to  receive."  In  like  manner,  though  both  are  indebted  for  every 
thing  to  the  bounty  of  God,  the  latter  maketh  all  the  acknowledg- 
ments and  returns  in  his  power ;  while  the  former  never  thinketh 
of  making  any. 

22.  For,  or,  therefore,  such  as  be  blessed  of  him  shall  inherit 
the  earth;  and  they  that  be  cursed  of  him  shall  be  cut  off. 

They  who  are  like  their  merciful  and  gracious  Lord,  and  who 
by  their  devotion  and  charily,  bless  him,  are  blessed  of  him; 
they  who  are  like  their  cruel  and  iniquitous  master,  and  who,  by 
their  ungodliness,  injustice,  and  hard-heartedness,  dishonour  their 
Maker  and  Redeemer,  are  cursed  of  him.  To  the  former  there- 
fore it  will  be  saidj  at  the  last  day,  "  Come,  ye  blessed,  inherit 
the  kingdom  ;"  to  the  latter,  "  Go,  ye  cursed,  into  the  fire." 

23.  The  steps  of  a  good  man  are  ordered,  Heb.  established,  by 
the  Lord;  and  he  delighteth  in  his  way.  24.  Though  he  fall,  he 
shall  not  be  utterly  cast  down :  for  the  Lord  upholdvth  him  with 
/*/6'  hand. 


DayVII.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  183 

This  was  emphatically  tri-.s  of  the  man  Christ,  wliosc-  steps  Je- 
hovah established,  and  in  whose  way  he  delighted;  who,  '•  ihouyU 
he  fell"'  by  death,  yet  was  raised  again  by  his  mighty  hand,  and 
outstretched  arm.  It  is  true  likewise  of  Christians,  whom  it  should 
support  and  comfort  in  all  dangers  and  temptations.  See,  for  a 
parallel,  Psalm  xci. 

25.  I  have  been  young,  and  now  am  old;  yet  have  I  not  seen 
the  righteous  forsaken,  nor  his  seed  begging  bread.  2o.  He  is 
ever  merciful,  ami  lendeth  ;  and  his  seed  is  blessed. 

So  far  is  c'narity  from  cmpoverishing,  that  what  is  given  away, 
like  vapours  emitted  by  the  earth,  returns  in  showers  of  blessings 
into  the  bosom  of  the  person  who  gave  it ;  and  his  olTspring  is  not 
the  worse,  but  infinitely  the  better  for  it.  "  The  liberal  soul  shall 
be  made  fat,  and  he  that  watereth  shall  be  watered  also  himself,'' 
Prov.  xi.  25.  The  bread  which  endureth,  as  well  as  that  which 
perisheth,  is  his ;  and  the  blessings  of  time  are  crowned  with  those 
of  eternity. 

27.  Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good ;  amldwell  for  evermore.  28. 
For  the  Lord  lovcth  judgment,  andforsaketh  not  his  saints  ;  they 
are  preserved  for  ever:  but  the  seed  of  the  wicked  shall  be  cut  ojf. 
29.  The  righteous  shall  inlierit  the  land,  anddwdl  therein  for  ever. 

The  justice  and  mercy  of  God,  the  rewards  which  await  the 
righteous,  and  the  punishments  that  will,  sooner  or  later,  be  in- 
flicted on  the  wicked,  are  subjects  on  which,  whoever  shcdl  fre- 
quently meditate,  "  will  depart  from  evil,  and  do  good."  "  What- 
soever thou  takest  in  hand,*'  saitli  the  wise  son  of  Sirach,  "  remem- 
ber the  END,  and  thou  shalt  never  do  amiss,"  Eccles,  vii,  36. 

30.  The  mouth  of  the  righteous  speaketh  wisdom,  and  his  tongue 
talketh  of  judgment.  31.  The  laio  of  God  is  in  his  heart ;  none 
of  his  steps  shall  slide. 

The  word  which  is  here,  as  in  other  places  innumerable,  trans- 
lated "  the  righteous,"  is  in  the  singular  number,  and  might  there- 
fore be  translated  "  the  Righteous  One,"  or,  '•  the  Just  One,"  for 
it  is  often  designed  to  point  him  out  to  us,  who  is  emphatically  so 
styled;  whose  '•'  mouth" always  "  spake  wisdom,"  m  whose  '•  heart 
was  the  law  of  God,"  and  whose  "  steps"  never  declined  to  evil. 
Lord,  put  thy  laws  into  our  hearts,  that  out  of  the  abundance  of 
the  heart  the  mouth  may  speak ;  and  as  the  mouth  speaks,  the 
hands  may  act,  and  the  feet  may  walk. 

32.  The  wicked  tvatcheth  the  righteous,  and  seeketh  to  slay  him. 
33.  The  Lord  will  not  leave  him  in  his  hand,  nor  condemn  him 
when  he  is  judged. 

The  Jews  "watched"  that  Just  One,  daily  and  hourly;  they 


184  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXXVIl. 

"  souglitto  slay  him,"  and  did  so;  but  "  Jehovah  left  him  not  in 
their  hands,"  but  vindicated  liis  innocence,  by  raising  him  from  the 
dead.  And  the  day  is  coming,  when  he  who  hath  stood  tamely  at 
the  bar  of  men,  and  hath  suflered  for  truth  and  righteousness,  shall 
be  advanced  to  a  throne  among  the  saints  and  martyrs,  to  assist  at 
the  trial  of  his  once  insulting  judges. 

34.  Wait  on  the  Lord,  and  keep  his  way,  and  he  shall  exalt  thee 
to  inherit  the  land:  lohen  the  wicked  are  cut  off,  thou  shalt  see  it. 

The  apostle,  writing  to  the  Hebrew  converts,  under  aflliction 
and  persecution,  thus  expresseth  the  sentiment  contained  in  this 
verse.  "  Cast  not  away  your  confidence,  which  hath  great  recom- 
pense of  reward.  For  ye  have  need  of  patience,  that  after  ye  have 
done  the  will  of  God,  ye  might  receive  the  promise.  For  yet  a 
little  while,  and  he  that  shall  come  will  come,  and  will  not  tarry," 
Heb.  X.  35. 

35.  J  have  seen  the  ivicked  in  great  power,  and  spreading  him- 
self like  a  green  hay  tree  ;  ox,  a  native  tree,  lohich  has  groivn  from 
the  seed  tvithout  transplantation,  in  the  same  spot.  SG.  Yet  he 
passed  axoay,  and,  lo,  he  was  7iot ;  yea,  I  sought  him,  hut  he 
could  not  he  found. 

The  great  Babylonian  monarch  had  his  own  exaltation,  and  sub- 
sequent degradation,  portrayed  to  him  in  a  vision  under  this  very 
image,  which  conveyeth  to  the  mind  a  most  striking  and  affecting 
idea  of  the  rise  and  fall  of  men  and  empires,  which  have  now  no 
existence  but  in  history.  "  I  saw,  and  behold  a  tree  in  the  midst 
of  the  earth,  and  the  height  thereof  was  great.  The  tree  grew, 
and  was  strong,  and  the  height  thereof  reached  unto  heaven,  and 
the  siglit  thereof  to  the  end  of  the  earth.  The  leaves  thereof  were 
fair,  and  the  fruit  thereof  much,  and  in  it  was  meat  for  all ;  the 
beast  of  the  field  had  shadow  under  it,  and  the  fowls  of  the  heaven 
dwelt  in  the  boughs  thereof,  and  all  flesh  was  fed  of  it.  I  saw  in  the 
visions  of  my  head  upon  my  bed,  and  behold,  a  watcher  and  an 
holy  one  came  down  from  heaven.  He  cried  aloud,  and  said  thus ; 
Hew  down  the  tree,  and  cut  off  his  branches,  shake  off  his  leaves, 
and  scatter  his  fruit;  let  the  beasts  get  away  from  under  it,  and  the 
fowls  from  his  branches,"  Dan.  iv.  10,  11,  &:c.  See  the  prophet's 
exposition,  20,  21,  &c.  and  what  is  said  above,  on  ver.  10.  of  this 
Psalm. 

37.  Mark  the  fcrfect  man,  and  hehold  the  itpright:  for  the 
end  of  that  7uan  is  peace.  38.  But  the  transgressors  shall  he  de- 
stroyed together:  the  end  of  the  wicked  shall  be  cut  off. 

After  taking  a  view  of  those  short-lived  honours,  which  the 
world  settelh  upon  the  heads  of  its  most  favoured  votaries,  let  us 


Day  VIII.  I\I.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  185 

turn  our  eyes  to  the  "  Perfect  and  Upright  One;"  let  us  behold  the 
permanent  greatness  and  the  unfading  glory  of  the  tree  of  life, 
wliich  is  in  the  midst  of  ihe  paradise  of  God;  whose  leaves  are  for 
the  liealing  of  the  nations,  and  whose  fniit  is  tlie  fruit  of"  peace." 

39.  But  the  salration  of  the  righteous  is  of  the  Lord:  he  is 
their  strength  in  the  time  of  trouble.  40,  And  ihe  Lord  shall 
help  them,  and  deli cer  them  ;  he  shall  deli rer  them  from  the  icieked, 
and  save  them,  heeause  they  trust  in  him. 

Of  thee,  O  Lord  Jesus,  is  our  salvation  ;  be  thou  our  strength  in 
this  mortal  life,  which  is  a  time  of  trouble  ;  help  us  against  our  spi- 
ritual enemies,  and  deliver  us  from  them;  deliver  us  from  the 
wicked  one,  and  from  all  evil;  and  save  us  from  the  guilt  and  pu- 
nishment tiiereof;  because  we  jnit  our  trust  in  thee,  and  in  tliee 
alone. 


EIGPITil  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XXXVIIL 

ARGUMENT. 

fn  this  Psalm,  whicli  is  the  third  of  those  stj-led  Penitential,  the  sinner,  vcr. 
1.  praycth  to  be  chastened  only,  and  not  destroyed  ;  2 — 10.  desrribeth 
the  state  of  his  soul  under  various  images,  chiefly  borrowed  from  bodily 
diseases  and  pains;  11,  12.  complaiueth  of  his  friends  forsaking,  and  his 
enemies  persecuting  him;  but,  13 — 1.5.  continueth  patient  and  resigned, 
committing  his  cause  to  God,  whom,  1(5 — 22.  he  beseechcth  to  help  him,  on 
his  confession  and  repentance.  As  our  Lord  took  upon  him  the  guilt,  and 
suffered  the  punishment  of  sin ;  as  there  are  some  passages  in  the  latter 
part  of  the  Psalm,  literally  predictive  of  liis  passion,  and  so  understood  by 
the  best  ancient  expositors ;  and  as  the  sinner  should  be  led  by  his  own 
sorrows  to  reflect  on  those  of  his  Redeemer;  the  meditations  of  the  reader 
are,  therefore,  under  eacii  particular,  directed  by  the  ensuing  comment, 
into  that  channel. 

1.  0  hoTiD,  rebuke  me  not  in  thy  wrath;  7ieither  chasten  me  in 
thy  hot  displeasure. 

The  petition  here  preferred,  as  in  the  sixth  Psalm,  is  that  Jeho- 
vah would  not  condemn,  as  a  Judge,  but  chasten,  as  a  Father,  for 
the  amendment  and  preservation  of  the  oftender.  The  same 
prayer,  which  we  sinners  make  for  ourselves,  Christ,  who  bore  our 
sins,  once  made  for  us. 

2.  For  thine  arroics  stick  fast  in  me,  and  thy  hand  jjresseth  mc 
sore. 

The  "arrows,"  and  the  "hand"  of  God,  are  his  judgments  on 
^in ;  those  internal  pangs  and  terrors  which  pierce  the  soul,  and 


186  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXXVIIf. 

those  external  afllictions  and  calamities  which  sink  and  weigh 
down  the  spirits.  The  holy  Jesus,  at  the  time  of  his  passion,  re- 
ceived these  arrows,  and  sustained  this  weight,  for  the  sins  of  the 
whole  world. 

3.  There  is  no  soundness  in  my  flesh,  because  of  thine  anger  }. 
neither  is  there  any  rest,  or,  peace,  or,  health,  in  my  bones,  because 
of  my  sin. 

The  expressions  in  this  verse  are  applicable  to  the  disorders  and 
diseases  which  sin  hath  introduced  both  into  the  soul  and  into  the 
body,  as  the  terms,  "  health"  and  "  sickness,"  are  in  Scripture  no 
less  frequently  employed  to  describe  the  state  of  the  former,  than 
that  of  the  latter.  If  a  single  sinner  thus  coraplaineth  of  his 
grief  and  pain,  what  must  have  been  the  agony  and  passion  of  him 
who  suffered  for  all,  mercifully  and  lovingly  submitting  to  be  "  made 
sin  for  us!" 

4.  For  mine  iniquities  are  gone  over  mine  head:  as  an  heavy 
burden  they  are  too  heavy  for  me. 

Sins  and  sorrows  are  here,  as  in  many  other  places,  represented 
under  the  image  of  mighty  \vaters  rolling  incessantly  over  the  head 
of  the  person  sunk  into  them,  and  by  their  accumulated  weight  de- 
pressing him,  so  that  he  can  no  more  rise  above  them.  Let  us 
meditate  on  that  deep  and  tempestuous  ocean,  into  which  we  were 
the  means  of  plunging  the  innocent  Jesus. 

5.  My  ivounds  stink,  and  are  corrupt,  because  of  my  foolishness. 
Sin  is  the  wound  of  the  soul,  which  must  be  washed  with  the 

tears  of  repentance,  cleansed  by  the  blood  of  Christ,  and  healed 
by  the  Spirit  of  the  Holy  One.  It  requires  great  care  and  atten- 
tion, until  the  cure  be  completed.  Otherwise,  mortification  and 
death  ensue,  as  in  the  case  of  outward  wounds,  if  neglected,  or  ill 
managed.  See  Isa.  i.  G.  Luke  x.  34.  All  the  sores  and  puins  of 
the  body  mystical  are  lamented  by  hira  who  is  the  Head  of  that 
body,  and  who  felt  the  sad  effects  of  these  corruptions  of  our  nature 
in  the  day  of  his  sufferings. 

6.  I  am  troubled,  Heb.  winthed,  or,  distorted;  I  am  bowed 
down  greatly  ;  I  go  mourning  all  the  day  long. 

As  the  body  by  pain,  so  the  soul  by  guilt,  is  "  distorted"  from 
its  original  uprightness;  it  is  "  bowed  down"  to  the  earth,  through 
shame  and  fear,  being  no  longer  able  to  look  up  towards  heaven 
with  its  accustomed  holy  confidence,  and  instead  of  rejoicing  in  a 
good  conscience,  and  the  hope  of  glory,  sorrow  is  its  portion,  and 
grief  its  familiar  acquaintance.  And  what  wonder,  tliat  we  should 
be  humbleil  and  afllicted  for  our  own  sins,  when  the  Son  of  God 
was  so  humbled  and  afflicted  for  sins  not  his  own  ? 


«AY  Mil.  M.  p.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  18? 

7.  For  mi/  loins  are  filled  icith  a  loathsome  disease,  or,  inflanr- 
jnation;  and  \ht:re  is  no  aonndness  in  my  jicsh. 

The  '•  disease,''  or  "  inflammation,"  complained  of,  in  tiiese  mo- 
tapliorical  terms,  seems  to  be  thedistemperatin-eolour  fallen  nature, 
whereby  it  cometh  to  pass,  that  '•  the  flesh  lusteth  against  the  spi- 
rit :"  it  is  that '"  other  law  in  our  members,  warring  against  the  law 
in  our  minds,  bringing  us  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  sin,"  and 
forcing  every  son  of  Adam  to  cry  out — '■"  O  wretched  man  that  1 
am,  who  shall  deliver  me  from  this  body  of  death  !"  Happy  is  it 
for  us,  that  we  are  enabled  to  go  on  with  the  Apostle,  and  to  "  thank 
God,"  that  we  are  delivered,  '-through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,"  on 
whom  were  "  laid  the  iniquities  of  us  all," 

8.  I  am  feeble  and  sore  broken:  I  have  roared  by  reason  oj 
the  diaquietness  of  my  heart. 

The  vigour  of  a  man  is  broken  in  pieces,  and  wasted  away,  by 
ziain  and  the  disquietude  from  thence  arising,  which  cause  piercing 
cries,  and  loud  lamentations.  When  sin  in  the  soul  is  felt,  like  sick- 
ness in  the  body,  it  will  produce  effects  in  some  degree  similar.  Let 
us  reflect  on  the  sufferings,  the  cries,  and  the  tears  of  our  Redeemer. 

<).  Lord,  all  my  desire  is  before  thee:  and  my  groaning  is  not 
it  id  from  thee. 

The  '•  desires"  and  "  groans"  of  the  penitent  are  known  to  God, 
and  marked  down  in  his  book :  and  there  is  no  small  comfort  in 
thinking  and  acknowledging  that  they  are  so  ;  but  much  more  cotn- 
fort  is  there  in  the  remembrance  of  those  inconceivable  "  desires," 
and  those  unutterable  "  groanings,"  which  the  holy  Jesus  poured 
Jorth  for  us  in  the  days  of  his  flesh,  and  which  prevail  for  the  ac- 
ceptance o(  our  own. 

10.  My  heart  panteth,  my  strength  faileth  me:  as  for  the  light 
nf  7nine  eyes,  it  also  is  gone  from  me. 

In  bodily  sickness,  these  are  three  symptoms  of  approaching 
dissolution  ;  and  the  soul  is  in  great  extremity,  when  the  three  cor- 
responding symptoms  appear  upon  her;  namely,  when  she  hath 
neither  resolution  to  will,  power  to  perform,  nor  knowledge  to  dis- 
cern, the  things  that  belong  unto  her  heahh  and  peace. 

1 1 .  My  lovers  and  my  friends  stand  aloof  from  my  sore,  or, 
plague,  or,  affiiction  ;  and  my  kinsmen,  or,  my  neighbours.,  stand 
afar  off. 

A  body  afllicted  with  a  noisome  distemper,  and  a  soul  troubled  on 
account  of  sin,  find  but  few  friends,  who  have  charity  enough  to 
stay  with,  and  to  minister  to  them.  Let  us  not  be  surprised  or  of- 
fended at  this,  when  we  see  the  righteous  Jesus,  at  his  passion, 
destitute  and  forsaken  by  all;  as  it  is  written,  "  Then  all  the  disci- 


18S  A  COMMENTARY         Psal.  XXXVIII. 

pies  forsook  him,  and  fled,"  Matt.  xxvi.  56.  and  all  his  acquain- 
tance, "  and  the  women  that  followed  him  from  Galilee,  stood  afar 
off,  beholding  tliese  things,"'  Luke  xxiii.  49. 

12.  Thtij  also  that  seek  after  my  life,  lay  snares  for  me  :  and 
they  that  seek  my  Imrt,  speak  inischievoiis  thhigs,  and  imagine  de- 
ceits all  the  day  long.  13.  But  I,  as  a  deaf  man,  heard  not ;  and 
I  was  as  a  dumb  man,  thnt  openeth  not  his  mouth.  14.  Thus  I 
was  as  a  man  that  heareth  not,  and  in  whose  mouth  are  no  re- 
proofs, or,  altei'cations. 

These  verses  describe  and  recommend  to  our  imitation  the  beha- 
viour of  David,  and  of  a  greater  than  David,  when  under  persecu- 
tion; the  former  from  Absalom,  AJiitophel,  Shimei,  &rc.  the  latter 
from  the  chief  priests  and  elders,  Judas,  and  the  Jews. 

15.  For  in  thee,  0  Lord,  do  I  hope,  or,  thee  do  I  wait  for :  thou 
wilt  hear,  or,  answer,  O  Lord  my  God. 

This  verse  assigns  the  reason  why  the  ill  usage,  which  we  re- 
ceive at  the  hands  of  men,  should  be  borne  with  patience  and  re- 
signation ;  namely,  because,  as  it  is  not  without  the  permission,  so 
nehher  will  it  be  without  the  notice,  of  the  Almighty;  who  will  one 
day  take  the  matter  into  his  own  hands.  Christ,  saith  St.  Peter, 
"  who  did  no  sin,  neither  was  guile  found  in  his  mouth ;  yet, 
when  he  was  reviled,  reviled  not  again;  when  he  suffered,  he 
threatened  not :  but  commhted  himself  to  him  that  judgeth  righ- 
teously," 1  Pet.  ii.  21. 

16.  For  I  said,  Hear  me,  lest  otherwise  they  should  rejoice  over 
me:  tchen  my  foot  sUppeth,  they  magnify  themselves  against  me. 

As  the  glory  of  God  may  be  said,  in  some  measure,  to  depend  on 
the  behaviour  and  fate  of  his  servants;  on  that  account,  besides  the 
stings  of  conscience,  temporal  punishments,  and  the  danger  of  eter- 
nal torments,  good  men  shoukl  ever  have  before  their  eyes  the  dis- 
honour which  is  brought  on  tlie  name  of  God,  and  the  stop  which 
is  put  to  the  progress  of  his  Gospel,  by  the  fall  of  any  eminently 
righteous  and  holy  person  into  sin. 

17.  For  I  am  ready  to  halt,  and  my  sorroio  is  continually  be- 
fore me.     18.  For  I  will  declare  mine  iniquity :  I  loill  be  sorry 

for  my  sin. 

The  surest  way  to  liave  our  weakness  strengthened,  and  our 
sin  forgiven,  is  to  acknowledge  and  confess  both;  and  this  we 
need  not  be  ashamed  to  do,  when  we  consider,  that  he,  who  is 
the  Lord,  strong  and  mighty,  took  our  infirmities ;  and  the  King 
of  righteousness  bare  our  sins,  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree. 

19.  But  mine  enemies  cive lively,  and  they  are  strong;  and  they 
that  hate  me  tvrongfully  are  multiplied.     20.  They  also  that  rcn- 


DayVIII.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  is[) 

der  einl  for  good  arc  mine  adcersarics ;  because  I  follow  the 
thing  that  good  is. 

These  words  joined  with  the  preceding,  are  applicable  to  the 
distress  of  David,  and  the  prosperity  of  his  adversaries;  to  the  suf- 
ferings of  Christ  and  the  triumph  of  the  Jews;  to  the  alHictions  of 
the  ciuirch,  and  the  gayety  of  the  world;  to  the  weakness  of  faith, 
and  the  strength  of  nature.  The  result  of  all  is  tliis,  that  salvation 
Cometh  of  God  only,  and  is  to  be  implored  in  the  following  words, 
which  conclude  the  Psalm. 

21.  Forsake  me  not,  OLord;  0  my  God,  he  not  far  from 
mc.     22.  Make  haste  to  help  me,  O  Lord  [God  of]  my  salvation. 


PSALIVI  XXXIX. 

ARGUMENT. 

Tlio  prophet  in  a  state  of  distress  and  persecution,  determineth,  1 — 8.  to  bi- 
watciifiil  and  silent,  as  our  blessed  Lord  also  was,  before  his  enemies. 
He  prayeth  for  a  duo  sense  of  the  shortness  of  human  life ;  and  after 
meditating,  5,  6.  on  that  subject,  fixcth  all  his  faith  and  hope  in  God,  7. 
whom  he  cntreateth,  but  with  submission  to  his  will,  8 — 10.  for  remission 
of  sin,  and  alleviation  of  misery.  11.  From  a  view  of  the  human  body 
wcarinc:  away  by  sickness,  he  breaketh  out,  12,  13.  into  a  most  fei-vent 
and  atlectionate  prayer,  which  ought  to  be  continual!}-  in  the  mouth  of 
the  Chri.stian  upon  earth.  This  P.sahn  is  with  the  utmost  propriety  aj)- 
jiointed  by  the  church  to  be  used  at  the  burial  of  the  dead,  as  a  funeral  is 
indeed  the  best  comment  upon  it. 

1.  I  said,  I  will  take  heed  to  my  ways,  that  I  sin  not  with  my 
tongue  ;  I  will  keep  my  month  loith  a  bridle,  ivhile  the  wicked  is 
before  me. 

The  Psalm  begins  abniptly  with  the  result  of  a  meditation  on  the 
narrow,  slippery,  and  dangerous  paths  of  life ;  and  more  especially, 
on  the  extreme  difficulty  of  restraining  the  tongue  amidst  the  con- 
tinual temptations  and  provocations  of  the  adversary.  In  these 
circumstances,  "  watchfulness"  and  "  silence"  are  resolved  on  as 
the  only  means  of  security.  Let  us  behold  tiie  Lamb  of  God,  as 
our  great  pattern  and  example  herein. 

2.  /  ivas  dumb  with  silence;  I  held  my  peace  even  frojn  good; 
and  my  sorrow  was  stirred. 

There  is  a  time  to  keep  silence,  because  there  are  men  who 
will  not  hear ;  there  are  tempers,  savage  and  sensual,  as  those  of 
swine,  before  whom,  evangelical  pearls,  or  the  treasures  of  hea- 
venly wisdom,  are  not  to  be  cast.  This  consideration  stirreth  up 
fresh  grief  and  trouble  in  a  pious  and  charitable  heart.     How 


199  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XXXIX. 

much  more  must  it  have  done  so,  in  the  soul  of  Ilim,  who  lived 
and  died  only  for  the  salvation  of  sinners. 

3.  My  heart  teas  hot  within  me ;  while  I  was  musing  the  Jire 
burned:  then  spake  I  loith  my  tongue. 

The  fire  of  divine  charity,  thus  prevented  from  diffusing  itself, 
for  the  illumination  and  warmth  of  those  around  it,  and,  like  other 
fire,  rendered  more  intense  by  its  confinement,  presently  ascended 
in  the  flame  of  devotion  toward  heaven;  while  it  continued  to  be 
fed,  and  preserved  in  brightness  and  vigour,  by  meditation  on  the 
goodness  of  God,  and  the  ingratitude  of  man;  the  transient  mise- 
Ties  of  time,  and  the  durable  glories  of  eternity. 

4.  Lord,  make  me  to  knoio  mine  end,  and  the  measure  of  my 
days,  what  it  is  ;  that  /  may  knoto  how  frail  I  am. 

Wearied  with  the  contradiction  of  sinners,  and  sickening  at 
the  prospect  of  so  much  wretchedness  in  the  valley  of  weeping,  the 
soul  looks  forward  to  her  departure  from  hence,  praying  for  such  a 
sense  of  the  shortness  of  human  life,  as  may  enable  her  to  bear  the 
sorrows  of  this  world,  and  excite  her  to  prepare  for  the  joys  of  a  bet- 
ter. "  O  faithless  and  perverse  generation,"  saith  even  the  meek 
and  patient  Jesus  himself,  "  how  long  shall  I  be  with  you?  how 
long  shall  I  suffer  you?"  Matt.  xvii.  1/. 

5.  Behold,  thou  hast  made  my  days  as  an  hand-hrcadtli,  and 
mine  age  is  as  nothing  before  thee:  verily  every  man  at  his  best, 
Heb.  settled  estate,  is  altogether  vanity. 

The  age  of  man,  or  that  of  the  world,  is  but  a  "  span"  in  dimen- 
sion, a  moment  in  duration ;  nay,  it  is  less  than  both  ;  it  is  "  no- 
thing," if  compared  with  the  unmeasurable  extent;  and  the  un- 
numbered days  of  eternity :  every  hour,  from  that  of  our  birth, 
brings  us  so  much  nearer  to  our  death ;  nor  can  we  continue,  for 
a  second  of  time,  in  one  stay.  "  Behold,"  then,  O  Lord,  the  "  va- 
nity" of  man;  and  be  so  merciful  unto  him,  as  to  open  his  eyes, 
that  he  may  behold  it  himself! 

6.  Surely,  every  man  walketh  in  a  vain  shew,  or,  in  a  shadowy 
image  ;  surely  they  are  disquieted  in  vain :  he  hcapeth  up  riches, 
and  knoweth  not  who  shall  gather  them. 

This  world  is,  to  the  other,  as  a  "shadow"  to  the  substance; 
nay,  temporal  life,  health,  riches,  honours,  and  pleasures,  can 
hardly  be  called  shadows  of  those  which  are  eternal  in  point  of 
resemblance ;  though  for  their  illusive  and  fleeting  nature,  they 
are  shadows  indeed.  "The  mortal  state  of  man  is  compounded 
of  light  and  darkness ;  seeming  to  be  something,  when  really  it 
is  nothing;  always  altering  and  ending  on  a  sudden;  nearest  to 
disappearing,  when  at  full  length;  sure  to  continue  no  longer  than 


DayVIII.  M.P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  191 

while  the  sun  is  above  the  horizon ;  but  liable  to  vanish  at  the 
interposition  of  a  cloud  ;  and,  when  it  is  gone,  leaving  no  track  bo- 
hind  it.''  The  fate  of  riches,  heaped  up  by  miseries,  witJi  unutter- 
able care  and  anxiety,  may  convince  us  how  "  vainly"  men  are 
■*  disquieted !" 

7.  And  norr^  Lord,  what  wait  I  for?  My  hope  is  in  thee. 
The  soul,  that  hath  a  true  sense  of  the  vanity  of  the  creature,  will 

at  once  fix  her  thoughts  and  aflections  on  the  Creator.  A  cele- 
brated writer,  describing  a  man  of  the  world  on  his  death-bed,  hath 
expressed  this  sentiment  with  wonderful  sublimity  and  elegance — 
''  Whoever  would  know  how  much  piety  and  virtue  surpass  all  ex- 
ternal goods,  might  here  have  seen  them  weighed  against  each 
other,  where  all  tliat  gives  motion  to  the  active,  and  elevation  to 
the  eminent ;  all  that  sparkles  in  the  eye  of  hope,  and  pants  in  the 
bosom  of  suspicion,  at  once  became  dust  in  the  balance,  without 
weight  and  without  regard.  Riches,  authority,  and  praise,  lose  all 
their  influence,  when  they  are  considered  as  riches,  which  to-morrow 
shall  be  bestowed  upon  another:  authority,  which  shall  this  night 
expire  for  ever;  and  praise,  which,  however  merited,  or  however 
sincere,  shall,  after  a  few  moments,  be  heard  no  more.'"* 

8.  Deliver  me  from  all  my  transgressions  ;  make  me  not  the  re- 
proach of  the  foolish. 

Aftliction  hath  then  had  its  proper  effect,  when  the  sufferer  is 
thereby  convinced  of  sin,  and  therefore  prayeth  for  a  removal  of  the 
latter,  as  the  oiUy  way  to  be  delivered  from  the  former.  The  "  re- 
proaches" of  the  foolish  make  no  inconsiderable  article  in  the  ac- 
count of  a  Christian's  sufferings;  and  our  Lord  frequently  com- 
plaineth  of  them  in  the  Psalms,  as  one  of  the  bitter  ingredients  of 
his  own  cup. 

9.  I  was  dumh,  I  opened  not  my  moidh  ;  because  thou  didst  it. 

Whatever  materials  compose  tlie  rod  of  affliction,  and  from  what- 
soever quarter  the  stroke  cometh,  let  us  remember,  that  the  rod  i» 
grasped,  and  the  stroke  is  inflicted,  by  the  hand  of  our  heavenly 
Father.  To  revenge  ourselves  on  the  instrument  is  folly;  to 
raurnmr  against  the  agent  is  something  worse. 

10.  Remove  thy  stroke  away  from  me:  lean  consumed  by  the 
blow  of  thine  hand. 

The  Christian,  who  knows  from  whence  his  troubles  proceed, 
knows  where  to  apply  for  relief;  and  having  first  "  petitioned"  for 
remission  of  sin,  ver.  8.  he  then  humbly  supplicates  for  a  mitigation 
of  his  sorrow.  "Father,"  saith  the  beloved  Son  of  God,  "if  thou 
be  willin?,  remove  this  cup  from  me,"  Luke  xxii.  4?. 

"  Rambler,  Vol.  II    No.  54 


192  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XL. 

11.  When  thou  with  rebukes  dost  correct  man  for  iniquity,  thou 
maJcest  his  beauty,  or,  all  that  is  delightful,  or,  desirable  in  him, 
to  consume  away  like  a  7noth :  surely,  every  man  is  vanity. 

The  body  of  man  is  as  a  "garment"  to  the  soul ;  in  this  garment 
sin  hath  lodged  a  "moth,"  which,  by  degrees,  fretteth  and  weareth 
away,  first  the  beauty,  then  the  strength,  and  finally  the  contexture 
of  its  jiarts.  Whoever'has  watched  the  progress  of  a  consumption, 
or  any  other  lingering  distemper,  nay,  the  slow  and  silent  devasta- 
tions of  time  alone,  in  the  human  frame,  will  need  no  farther  illus- 
tration of  this  just  and  affecting  similitude ;  but  will  discern  at 
once  the  propriety  of  the  reflection  which  follows  upon  it — "  Surely, 
every  man  is  vanity!" 

12.  Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord,  and  give  ear  unto  iny  cry  ;  hold 
not  thy  peace  at  my  tears :  for  I  am  a  stranger  with  thee,  and  a 
sojourner,  as  all  my  fathers  were. 

Meditation  should  terminate  in  devotion;  and  meditation  on 
human  vanity  and  misery,  if  indulged  as  it  deserves  to  be,  certainly 
will  do  so;  it  will  bring  us  to  our  "prayers,"  our  "  cries,"  and  our 
"tears;"  and  teach  us  to  address  the  throne  of  grace,  as  poor  pil- 
grims in  a  strange  land,  who  have  here  no  abiding  city,  but  are  soon 
to  strike  our  tents,  and  be  gone  for  ever.  Such  was  David,  though 
king  of  Israel ;  and  such  was  the  Son  of  David,  in  the  body  of  his 
flesh,  though  Lord  of  all  things :  both  were  "  strangers  and  sojourners, 
as  all  their  fathers,"  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  were  before  them, 
and  as  all  their  children  have  been,  and  shall  be,  after  them  upon 
the  earth. 

13.  O  spare  me,  that  I  may  recover  strength,  before  I  go  hence, 
and  be  no  more. 

Most  fervently  and  affectionately,  therefore,  ought  the  Christian 
pilgrim  to  pray,  that  God  would  spare  his  life,  and  respite  the  fatal 
sentence,  until  all  that  hatli  been  decayed  through  the  frailty  of  na- 
ture, be  renewed  by  the  power  of  grace ;  that  his  perfect  reconcilia- 
tion with  the  Almighty  may  be  accomplished,  and  his  plenary  par- 
don sealed  in  heaven,  before  he  taketh  his  last  farewell  of  the 
world,  and  ceasetli  to' have  an  existence  in  these  regions  of  vanity 
and  sorrow, 

PSALM  XL. 

ARGUMENT. 

U  is  pluiii,  IVom  v<-r.  6 — 8.  of  this  Psalm,  compared  willi  Hcb.  x.  5.  tliat  tlie 
prophet  is  speaking  in  the  person  of  Christ,  who,  1 — 5.  cclcbiateth  the 
deliverance  wrought  for  his  mystical  body,  the  church,  by  his  rcsurrectiou 
from  the  grave,  effoctinjr  tliat  of  his  member*  from  the  guilt  and  dominion 


Day  VIII.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  193 

of  sin  ;  for  the  abolition  of  which  he  cicclareth,  6 — 8.  the  incfficacy  of  the 
lea^al  sacrifices,  and  mcntioncth  liis  own  incai nation,  to  do  the  will  of  his 
Father,  and,  9,  Id.  to  preach  righteousness  to  the  world.  11 — 18.  He 
rcprescntcth  himself  as  prayings,  while  under  his  sufferings,  for  his  own 
and  his  people's  salvation  ;  he  foretellcth,  14,  15.  the  confusion  and  deso- 
lation of  his  enemies,  and,  16.  the  joy  and  thankfulness  of  his  disciples 
and  servants  ;  for  the  speedy  accomplishment  of  which,  17.  he  preferretli 
a  petition. 

1.  I  waited  patiently  fur  the  Lonn,  and  he  inclined  xinto  me, 
and  heard  my  cry. 

In  this  verse  we  hear  the  voice  of  the  meek  Lamb  of  God,  who, 
thoiijrii  never  sorrow  was  like  unto  his  sorrow,  "  waited  patiently," 
till  the  time  appointed  by  the  Father  came,  when  that  sorrow  should 
be  turned  into  joy.  Let  not  his  disciples  expect  to  "  inherit  the 
promises,"-  otherwise  than  "  through  faith  and  patience."  Four 
thousand  years,  the  church,  under  the  patriarchs,  the  law,  and  the 
prophets,  waited  for  the  first  advent  of  Messiah ;  and,  seventeen 
hundred  years,  the  church,  under  the  CJospel,  hath  awaited  for  the 
second,  Jehovah,  who  inclined  himself  to  the  prayers  of  the  for- 
mer, will  also  hear  the  cries  of  the  latter. 

2.  He  brought  me  up  also  out  of  an  horrible  pit ,  Heb.  a  pit  of 
confused  tumultuous  noise,  out  of  the  miry  clay,  and  set  myfeet- 
upon  a  rock,  and  established  my  goings. 

The  sufferings  from  which  our  Redeemer  was  delivered,  are  here 
described  under  the  image  of  a  dark  subterraneous  cavern,  from 
which  there  was  no  emerging,  and  where  roaring  cataracts  of  water 
broke  in  upon  him,  overwhelming  him  on  every  side ;  till,  as  it  is 
expressed  in  the  xviiith  Psalm,  '•  God  sent  from  above,  and  took 
him,  and  drew  him  out  of  many  waters."  Let  us  celebrate  the 
deliverance  of  Christ,  as  a  pledge  and  earnest  of  our  own  rescue 
from  the  troubles  and  temptations  of  life  ;  from  the  power  of  death 
and  the  grave ;  from  the  "  horrible  pit,  and  the  miry  clay ;"  when 
we  shall  be  exalted  on  "  the  rock"  of  our  salvation,  and  our  "  go- 
ings" shall  be  "  established"  for  ever. 

3.  And  he  hath  put  a  new  song  in  my  mouth,  even  praise  unto 
our  God  :  many  shall  see  it,  and  fear,  and  shall  trust  in  the  Lord. 

Every  new  deliverance  requires  "  a  new  song."  Christians 
sing  their  wonderful  redemption  from  sin  and  death  in  these  holy 
hymns,  which  God,  by  his  Spirit,  hath  put  into  their  mouths,  and 
which,  by  their  application  to  matters  evangelical,  are  become 
"  new"  songs,  setting  forth  the  praise  and  glory  of  God,  through 
Jesus  Christ.  And  who  can  hear  the  church  singing  the  victory 
and  triumph  of  her  mighty  and  merciful  Saviour,  without  being 
incited  to  "  fear"  and  to  "  believe." 

2r> 


194  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XL. 

4.  Blessed  is  that  man  that  viaketh  the  Lord  his  ti'ust,  and  rc- 
specteth  not  the  proud,  nor  such  as  turn  aside  to  lies. 

He  who  is  sensible  how  much  God  hath  done,  and  how  httle  the 
world  can  do  for  him,  will  earnestly  and  heartily  pronounce  the 
blessedness  of  the  man  who  relies  upon  the  real  power  and  good- 
ness of  the  former,  instead  of  suffering  himself  to  be  deceived  by 
the  empty  parade  and  fallacious  promises  of  the  latter. 

5.  Many,  O  Lord  mij  God,  are  thij  wonderful  works  which  thou 
hast  done,  and  thy  thoughts  which  are  to  us-ward;  they  cannot  be 
reckoned  up  in  order  unto  thee:  if  I  would  declare  and  speak  of 
them,  they  are  more  than  can  he  numbered. 

The  counsels  and  works  of  the  ever-blessed  Trinity,  planned 
and  executed  for  the  benefit  of  man,  in  his  creation  and  preserva- 
tion, his  redemption  and  sanctification,  in  order  to  his  resurrection 
and  glorification,  through  Christ,  already  risen  and  glorified,  are 
subjects  which  can  never  be  exhausted  by  the  intellectual  powers 
of  men  or  angels;  but  will,  to  both,  afford  matter  of  incessant  me- 
ditation and  endless  praise.  Yet,  how  little  do  we  meditate  on 
ihem;  how  seldom,  and  how  coldly,  do  we  praise  God  for  them! 

6.  Sacrifice  and  offering  thou  didst  not  desire  ;  mine  ears  hast 
thou  opened:  hurnt-offeriiig  and  sin-offering  hast  thou  not  re- 
quired. 7-  Then  said  I,  Lo,  I  come :  in  the  volume  of  the  book 
it  is  written  of  me.  8.  I  delight  to  do  thy  will,  O  my  God:  yea, 
thy  law  is  tcithin  my  heart. 

These  words,  as  the  Apostle  informeth  us,  Heb.  x.  5.  are  spoken 
by  Christ,  in  his  own  person.  In  them  he  proclaims  the  inefficacy 
of  the  legal  sacrifices  to  take  away  sin,  and  the  Divine  disapproba- 
tion of  such  sacrifices,  when  relied  on  for  that  purpose.  He  sets 
forth  his  own  readiness  to  do,  and  to  suffer,  the  will  of  the  Father, 
implied  in  the  Psalm,  by  the  words — "  mine  ears  hast  thou  opened  ;" 
but  more  plainly  expressed  in  the  Apostle's  citation,  by  the  para- 
phrase, "  a  body  hast  thou  prepared  me."*     He  refers  to  the  pre- 

*  For  the  expression,  "  Mine  ears  hast  tliou  opened,"  seems  equivalent 
to,  "  Thou  iiast  made  me  obedient."  Thus,  Isa.  1.  5.  "  The  Lord  hath  opened 
mine  cars,  and  I  was  not  rebellious,  neither  turned  away  back.  I  g^ave  nr, 
back  to  the  smiter,"  k.c.  The  LXX.  perhaps,  meant  to  interpret  this  syni- 
bolical  impression,  when  they  rendered  it  by  (raifAa.  nurifp'Tia-u  fxci,  '•  Thou 
hast  prepared,"  or,  <'  fitted  my  body,"  that  is,  to  be  "  obedient,"  and  to  "  do 
thy  will."  See  Dr.  Jackson,  Vol.  II.  p.  882.  This  seems  to  be  the  best  sense 
of  the  present  reading,  and  is  well  expressed  by  Mr.  Merrick,  in  his  poetical 
version : 

Nor  sacrifice  thy  love  can  win, 
Nor  offerings  fi-oni  the  stain  of  sin 

Obnoxious  man  shall  clear : 
Tliy  hand  my  mortal  frame  prepare^, 
(Thy  hand,  whose  siffnaturo  it  bivirs. 

.\n<X  opes  my  Willing  enr. 


Way  Mil.  iM.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  i^j 

•  lictions  concerning  Messiah,  in  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, whicli  is  here  styled — "  the  volume,  or,  roll  of  the  book." 
JIc  declares  the  pleasure  he  had  in  doing^  the  Father's  will,  or  in 
accomplishing  the  law;  which  had  taken  possession  of  all  his 
powers  and  faculties ;  having  been  admitted  by  the  understanding, 
retained  in  the  memory,  and  rendered  operative  in  the  will.  "  I  de- 
light to  do  thy  will,  O  my  Cod ;  yea,  thy  law  is  within  my  heart.'- 

[)■  I  have  preached  )-ighteoiisne.ss  in  the  great  congregation : 
A>,  I  have  not  refrained  my  lips,  O  Lord,  thou  knottiest.  10.  J 
have  not  hid  thtj  righteousness  vithin  my  heart;  I  have  declared 
thy  faithftilness  and  thy  salvation :  I  have  not  concealed  thy 
loving-kindness  and  thy  truth  from  the  great  congregation. 

As  the  preceding  verses  described  the  priestly  oflice  of  our  Lord ; 
in  the  execution  of  which  he  oflered  himself,  and  his  all-perfect 
obedience,  for  us  ;  so,  in  the  passage  now  before  us,  he  declares 
himself  to  have  acted  up  to  the  prophetical  part  of  his  character,  by 
"  preaching"'  the  doctrines  of  truth,  righteousness  and  salvation  to 
the  people,  without  concealing  aught,  through  negligence,  fear,  or 
favour.  Happy  the  minister  of  Christ,  who,  on  his  death-bed,  is 
able  to  say  the  same  ! 

11.  Withhold  not  thou  thy  tender  mercies  from  mc,  O  Lord: 
let  thy  loving-kindness  and  thy  truth  cotitinually  preserve  me. 

The  beloved  Son  of  God  here  prayeth  for  the  continuation  of 
that  mercy,  and  the  accomplishment  of  those  gracious  promises,  to 
his  body  the  church,  which  made  the  subjects  of  his  heavenly  dis- 
courses in  the  days  of  his  flesh.  Such  ought  to  be  the  subjects  of 
our  discourses  and  of  our  prayers. 

12.  For  innumerable  evils  have  compassed  me  about :  mine  ini- 
quities have  taken  hold  upon  me,  so  that  I  am  not  able  to  look  up : 

Mr.  Pierce,  of  Exeler,  proposed  a  conjectural  alteration  of  the  word  Q'JTN 
'•ears,"  into  the  two  words  pjU  TX  "  tlien  a  body,"  &ic.  in  which  cnsc  u 
learned  friend  suggests,  fm3  must  likewise  be  altered  to  H'Sd  "  hast  thou 
(uepared,  or  finished. '  Bishop  Lowth  wishes  to  adopt  Mr.  Pierce's  emen- 
dation, in  order  to  render  the  original  conformable  to  St.  Paid's  citation  from 
the  LXX.  And  I  must  confess,  if  the  Apostles  argiunent  turned  on  the  word 
Tte/u-tt,  such  an  emendation  might  seem  necessary.  It  is  true,  tra/xoL  Xf/s-« 
occurs  in  the  succeeding  verse  ;  but  I  ihii»k  it  not  essential  to  the  argument, 
which  seems  to  stand  clear  and  full,  whatever  be  the  meaning  of  s-afxu. 
H.xrHfrta-a>  (^oi — "  When  he  said,  Sacrifice,  &,c.  thou  wouldst  not — then  he 
said,  Lo,  I  come  to  do  thy  will,  O  (Jod.  He  taketli  away  the  first,  that  he 
may  establish  the  second. '  The  author  of  tlie  Anonymous  Notes  in  Mr 
Merrick's  Annotations,  I  find,  is  of  this  opinion  :  "  It  is  not  certain  that  the 
\postle  argues  from  the  word  s-ai^at  at  all.  He  quotes  the  translation  o( 
the  LXX,  as  he  found  it  in  his  copy  ;  lays  a  stress  on  what  is  in  the  Hebrew, 
Ijiit  none  on  the  rest;  either  knowing  it  not  to  be  there,  or  being  restrained 
by  (he  Spirit  of  God,  from  making  use  of  it."  See  Jippcndii:  lo  .Mirrick'a 
.iiinolatwiis,  ]).  i!<H 


196  A  COMxMENTARY  Psal.  XL. 

they  are  more  than  the  hairs  of  mine  head ;  therefore  my  heart 
faileth  me. 

If  these  words,  as  well  as  the  foregoing,  are  supposed  to  be  spoken 
by  our  Lord,  (and  indeed  there  doth  not  appear  to  be  any  change 
of  person)  they  must  be  uttered  by  him,  considering  himself  (for 
so  the  primitive  writers  suppose  him  in  the  Psalms  frequently  to 
consider  himself)  as  still  suffering  in  his  body  mystical,  the  church; 
and  lamenting,  as  head,  both  the  transgressions  and  the  afflictions  of 
the  members,  accomjalishing  their  warfare  in  the  world.  Thus 
much  at  least  we  know,  that  after  his  ascension,  when  the  members 
were  persecuted  on  earth,  the  head  complained  from  heaven,  as 
sensible  of  the  pain.  "  Saul,  Saul,  why  persecutest  thou  Me  r" 
Some  critics  think  the  word  'jij'?  in  the  text,  may  be  translated, 
"  my  punishment."  But  the  author  of  the  Anonymous  Notes, 
mentioned  below,  observes,  that  "all  punishments, properly  speak- 
ing, presuppose  sin;  and  especially,  when  they  are  represented,  as 
here,  to  overtake  and  seize  a  person.  Therefore,  to  understand 
this  of  Christ,  it  must  be  interpreted  of  imputed  sins,  or  punishments 
for  thera."     Merrick^s  Annotations,  p.  295. 

13.  Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  deliver  me:  0  Lord,  make  haste 
to  help  me. 

This  short,  but  forcible  prayer,  for  help  and  deliverance  in  God's 
good  time,  and  according  to  his  good  pleasure,  continues,  and  must 
continue,  to  be  the  prayer  of  the  church,  and  of  all  her  children, 
until  the  day  of  final  redemption. 

14.  Let  them,  or,  they  shall,  he  ashamed  and  confounded  toge- 
ther that  seek  after  my  soul  to  destroy  it;  let  them,  or,  they  shall, 
he  driven  hackwurd,  and  put  to  shame,  that  wish  tne  evil.  15.  Let 
them,  or,  they  shall,  he  desolate  for  a  reward  of  their  shaine,  that 
say  unto  me,  Aha,  aha. 

The  shame,  confusion,  and  desolation  to  be  brought  on  the  Jews, 
by  the  resurrection,  exaltation,  and  power  of  liim,  whose  blood  they 
thirsted  after,  and  whom  they  mocked  and  insulted,  when  in  his  last 
agonies  on  the  cross,  are  here  foretold ;  and  the  prophecy  hath 
been  punctually  fulfilled.  But  a  more  horrible  confusion  and  deso- 
lation awaiteth  them,  and  all  other  impenitent  sinners,  at  the  future 
revelation  of  tlie  righteous  judgment  of  God ;  when  vengeance  must 
destroy  those  whom  mercy  cannot  reclaim.  And,  to  this  ultimate 
issue  of  things,  the  church  directeth  her  views. 

IG.  Let  all  those  that  seek  thee,  or,  all  those  that  seek  thee  shall, 
rejoice  and  be  glad  in  thee :  let  such  as  love  thy  salvation,  or,  such 
as  love  thy  salvation  shall,  say  continualh/.  The  Lord  he  magni- 
fied. 


Day  VIII.  E.  P.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  lO? 

As  the  last  verses  predicted  the  calamities  which  should  befall 
the  enemies  of  Messiah,  this  describeth  the  unfeigned  joy  and 
gladness,  springing  up  in  the  hearts  of  such  as  love  the  salvation 
of  Jesus,  and  evermore  magnify  his  holy  name  in  the  church,  for 
the  blessing  of  redemption,  "  eating  their  meat,"  as  the  fust  Chris- 
tians are  said  to  have  done,  "  with  gladness  and  singleness  of  heart, 
praising  God,"  Acts  ii.  46. 

17.  But  I  am  poor  and  needy  ;  yet  the  Lord  thinketh  upon  me  : 
thou  art  mij  help  and  my  deliverer  ;  make  710  tarrying,  O  my  God. 

The  church,  like  her  Redeemer,  is  often  poor  and  afllicted  in  this 
world,  but  Jehovah  thinketh  upon  her,  and  is  solicitous  for  her  sup- 
port ;  she  is  weak  and  defenceless,  but  Jehovah  is  her  help  and  her 
deliverer.  With  such  a  Father,  and  such  a  Friend,  poverty  be- 
cometh  rich,  and  weakness  itself  is  strong.  In  the  mean  time,  let 
us  remember  that  he  who  once  came  in  great  humility,  shall  come 
again  in  glorious  majesty.  "  Make  no  tarrying,  O  our  God ;"  but 
''  Come,  Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly,"  Rev.  xxii.  20. 


EIGHTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XLI. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  application  made  of  the  9th  verse  of  this  Psahii,  John  xili.  18.  showctli 
that  the  prophet  is  speaking  in  the  person  of  Messiah.  1 — 3.  He  declareth 
the  blessedness  of  the  man  that  considereth  the  poor;  he  prayeth  for 
mercy  and  favour;  5 — 9.  described!  the  behaviour  of  his  adversaries,  and 
of  one  person  in  particular;  10.  petitioncth  for  deliverance;  11,  12.  re- 
Joiceth  in  hope;  and,  13.  brealieth  out  into  thanksgiving. 

1.  Blessed  ]s  he  that  considereth  the  poor;  the  honu  toill  de- 
liver in  time  of  trouble,  Heb.  in  the  day  of  evil. 

As  Christ  considered  us  in  our  state  of  poverty,  so  ought  we 
most  attentively  to  consider  him  in  his;  to  consider  what  he  suf- 
fered in  his  own  person ;  to  discern  him  su/lering  in  liis  poor  af- 
flicted members;  and  to  extend  to  them  the  mercy  which  he  ex- 
tended to  us.  He  who  was  "  blessed"  of  Jehovah,  and  "  deUvered 
«in  the  evil  day,"  by  a  glorious  resurrection,  will  "  bless"  and  "  de- 
liver," in  like  manner,  such  as,  for  his  sake,  love  and  relieve  their 
brethren. 

2.  The  Lord  ivill  preserve  him  and  keep  him  alive,  or,  7-evice 
him;  and  he  shall  be  blessed  upon  the  earth:  and  thou  wilt  not 
deliver  him  unto  the  ivill  of  his  enemies. 

The  compassionate  and  charitable  disciple  of  the  holy  Jesua  is 


198  A  COxMMENTARY  Psal.  XLI. 

often  wonderfully  "  preserved,"  and  rendered  prosperous  even  in 
this  world ;  but  his  greatest  comfort  is,  that,  like  his  Master,  he 
shall  one  day  be  "•  revived,"  to  inherit  the  "  blessing,"  in  a  better 
country,  where  no  "  enemy"  can  approach  to  hurt  or  molest  him. 

3.  The  Lord  2vill  strengthen  him  upon  tite  bed  of  languishing  ', 
thou  wilt  make  all  his  bed  in  his  sickness. 

An  exemption  from  sorrow  and  sickness  is  not  promised  to  the 
children  of  God;  but  strength  and  comfort  are  given  unto  them 
from  above,  to  support  and  carry  them  through  their  trials ;  and 
they  who,  in  the  days  of  their  health,  have,  by  their  alms,  given 
rest  to  the  bodies,  or,  by  their  counsels,  restored  peace  to  the  con- 
sciences of  others,  shall  have  the  bed  of  pain  made  easy  under  them 
by  the  hand  of  their  heavenly  Father. 

4.  I  said,  Lord,  be  merciful  unto  me:  heal  my  soul:  for  I  have 
sinned  against  thee. 

Every  son  of  Adam  may,  and  ought,  in  these  words,  to  ac- 
knowledge his  sin,  and  to  entreat  for  mercy  and  grace  to  heal  the 
disorders  of  his  nature.  If  we  suppose  Messiah  ever  to  have  uttered 
this  verse  in  his  devotions,  as  we  know  he  applied  the  9th  verse  to 
his  own  case,  it  is  obvious  that  he  must  be  understood  to  confess 
the  sins,  not  of  his  own  righteous  person,  but  of  the  nature  he  had 
assumed,  in  order  to  cleanse  and  purify  it,  by  his  suHerings.  See 
above,  Psalm  xl.  12. 

5.  Mine  enemies  speak  evil  of  me  ;  When  shall  he  die,  and  his 
name  perish? 

Here  we  may  undoubtedly  consider  the  poor  and  lowly  Jesus 
in  the  day  of  his  humiliation,  when  he  was  daily  and  hourly  ca- 
lumniated by  his  adversaries:  when,  restless  and  impatient  at  be- 
holding him  still  alive,  they  said — "  What  do  we,  for  this  man 
doth  many  miracles  ?  If  we  let  him  thus  alone,  all  men  will  be- 
lieve on  him:  Perceive  yc  how  ye  prevail  nothing?  behold,  the 
world  is  gone  after  him,"  John  xi.  Aj.  xii.  19-  and  when  grown 
more  furious  and  clamorous,  they  cried,  "  Away  with  him,  away 
with  him,  cnicify  him,  crucify  him."  How  many,  with  the  same 
bitterness  of  spirit,  "  speak  evil"  continually  of  his  doctrines,  his 
church,  his  ordinances,  and  his  ministers;  in  effect  saying,  "  When 
shall  he  die,  and  his  name  perish  ?" 

6.  And  if  he  come  to  see  me,  he  speaketh  vanity :  his  heart  ga- 
fhereth  iniquity  to  itself;  when  he  gocth  abroad,  he  tclleth  it. 

Thus  the  enemies  of  Christ  "  sent  out  spies,  who  should  feign 
themselves  just  men,  that  they  might  take  hold  of  his  words,  that 
so  they  might  deliver  him  unto  the  power  and  authority  of  the  go- 
vernor "  Luke  XX.  20.    Thus  Judas  sat  down  at  the  last  supper, 


Day  VIII.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS. 


199 


all  the  while  meditating  the  destruction  of  his  Master;  till  at  length, 
rising  from  table,  and  going  abroad,  he  put  his  design  into  execu- 
tion :  and  thus  the  mystical  body  of  Christ  frequently  suffers,  as 
his  natural  body  once  did,  by  means  of  hypocrites  and  traitors. 

T.  All  that  hate  me  irhitper  together  against  7ne :  against  me 
do  they  dense  my  hurt.  8.  /In  evil  disease,  say  they,  Heb.  a 
irord,  or  matter  of  Belial,  namely,  the  crime  charged  upon  him, 
cleavethfast  unto  him:  and  now  that  he  lieth,  he  shall  rise  up  no 
more. 

The  whispers  of  the  Pharisees,  the  counsels  of  the  Sanhedrim 
and  their  taunts  and  scofls  at  the  blessed  Jesus,  when  on  the  cross 
"numbered  with  the  transgressors,"  nor  ever  expected  to  "arise" 
again  from  the  dead,  are  here  most  significantly  and  plainly  pointed 
out.  The  same  weapons  arc  frequently  employed  against  the  ser- 
vants of  Christ:  but  let  them  not  be,  on  that  account,  discouraged 
from  following  their  Master. 

9.  Yea,  mine  oicn  familiar  friend,  in  rchom  I  trusted,  whieh  did 
eat  of  my  bread,  hath  lifted  up  his  heel  against  me. 

"  I  speak  not  of  you  all,"  saith  our  Lord  to  his  disciples;  "  I 
know  whom  I  have  chosen ;  but  that  the  Scripture  may  be  fulfilled, 
He  that  eateth  bread  with  me,  hath  lifted  up  his  heel  against  me," 
John  xiii.  18.  The  sufferings  of  the  church,  like  those  of  her  Re- 
deemer, generally  begin  at  home:  her  open  enemies  can  do  her  no 
harm,  until  her  pretended  friends  have  delivered  her  into  their 
hands:  and,  unnatural  as  it  may  seem,  they  who  have  waxed  fat 
upon  her  bounty,  are  sometimes  the  first  to  "  lift  up  the  heel" 
against  her. 

10.  But  thou,  O  Lord,  be  merciful  unto  me,  and  raise  ?ne  up, 
that  I  may  requite  them,  or,  a?id  I  shall  requite  them. 

The  holy  Jesus  here  maketh  his  prayer  unto  the  Father,  for  the 
accomplishment  of  the  promised  resurrection,  and  foretelleth  the 
righteous  judgment  that  would  be  executed  on  his  enemies,  after 
their  rejection  of  the  gracious  offers  made  them  by  the  apostles 
in  his  name,  notwithstanding  all  that  they  had  said  and  done 
against  him.  Then  the  kingdom  of  God  was  taken  from  them, 
and  their  house  was  left  unto  them  desolate.  The  hour  is  comJ.n<r, 
when  the  church  shall  arise  to  glory,  and  idl  her  enemies  shall  be 
confounded. 

11.  By  this  I  know  that  thou  favourest  me,  because  mine  ene- 
my doth  not  triumph  over  me.  ]  2.  And  as  for  me,  thou  upholdest 
me  in  mine  integrity,  and  settest  me  before  thy  face  for  ever. 

The  Christian,  like  his  Master,  must  expect  sorrow  and  tribula- 
tion, but  he  is  not  thereby  deprived  of  the  "  favour"  of  heaven: 


200  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XLII. 

his  spiritual  enemies,  whatever  trouble  they  may  give  him,  yet  do 
not  "  triumph"  over  him ;  he  is  preserved  in  his  "  integrity,"  and 
his  reward  will  be  the  "  vision"  of  God.  For  the  exaltation,  there- 
fore, of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  of  all  believers  in,  by,  and 
through  him. 

13.  Blessed  he  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  from  eve7'lasting,  and 
to  everlasting.     Amen,  and  Amen. 


PSALM  XLIL 


David,  by  Absalom's  rebellion,  driven  from  Jerusalem  to  the  country  be- 
yond Jordan,  is  there  supposed  to  have  indited  this  Psalm ;  which,  as  it 
is  applicable  to  the  case  of  our  Lord,  in  his  state  of  sojourning  and  suf- 
fering on  earth,  for  our  sins  ;  as  also  that  of  the  church  under  persecu- 
tion, or  that  of  any  member  thereof,  when  deprived  of  the  opportunities 
of  public  worship  ;  so  doth  it,  in  the  most  beautiful  and  pathetical  strains, 
describe  the  vicissitudes  of  joy  and  sorrow,  of  hope  and  despondency, 
which  succeed  each  other  in  the  mind  of  the  Christian  pilgrim,  while, 
exiled  from  the  Jerusalem  above,  he  sufl'ercth  affliction  and  tribulation  in 
this  valley  of  tears.  The  last  is  the  application  chiefly  made  in  the  com- 
ment, as  it  is  the  most  general  and  useful  one;  the  others  naturally  offer 
themselves,  being  coincident  with,  or  subordinate  to  it. 

1 .  As  the  hart  panteth  after  the  ivater  brooks,  so  panteth  my 
soul  after  thee,  0  God. 

The  thirst  which  the  "  hart"  experienceth,  when  chased  in  sul- 
try weather  over  the  dusty  plains,  is  here  set  before  us,  as  a  repre- 
sentation of  that  ardent  desire  after  the  waters  of  eternal  comfort, 
which  the  temptations,  the  cares,  and  the  troubles  of  the  world 
produce  in  the  believing  soul.  Happy  they  who  feel  this  desire, 
and  fly  to  the  well  of  life,  that  it  may  be  satisfied.  "  Blessed  are 
they  that  thirst  after  righteousness,  for  tliey  shall  be  fdled,"  Matt, 
v.  6. 

2.  My  sold  thirsteth  for  God,  for  the  living  God:  when  shall 
J  come  and  appear  before  God  ? 

Whoever  considers  what  it  is  to  "  appear  before  God ;"  to  be- 
hold the  glorious  face  of  Jesus ;  to  contemplate  a  beauty  which 
never  fadeth;  to  be  enriched  by  a  beneficence  which  can  never  be 
exhausted,  and  blessed  in  a  love  unmerited  and  infinite;  will  find 
abundant  reason  to  say,  again  and  again,  "  My  soul  thirsteth  after 
God;"  why  is  the  time  of  my  banislunent  prolonged;  when  shall 
the  days  of  my  pilgrimage  have  an  end;  "  when  shall  I  come  and 
appear  before  God?"^ 


Day  VIII.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  201 

3.  My  tears  have  been  my  meet  clnij  and  night,  tchil-  they  con- 
tinually say  unto  me,   Where  is  thy  God  ? 

So  long  as  the  soul  finds  Iieisclf  absent  from  him  whom  she 
loveth,  sorrow  is  still  her  portion,  as  well  in  the  day  of  worldly 
prosperity,  as  in  the  night  of  adversity.  And  this  sorrow  is  greatly 
aggravated  by  the  taunts  of  the  enemy;  who,  because  the  promise 
is  delayed,  and  she  suflereth  allliction  in  the  mean  season,  ridi- 
culeth  and  insulteth  her  faith  and  hope  as  vain  and  groundless;  inti- 
mating that  God  hath  forsaken  her,  and  tempting  her  to  renounce 
her  principles. 

4.  When  I  remember  these  things,  I  pour  out  my  sonlin  me  : 
for  I  had  gone  with  the  multitude;  I  ivetit  with  them  to  the  house 
of  God,  with  the  voice  of  joy  and  praise,  with  a  midtitude  that 
kept  holy-day. 

As  the  royal  prophet,  when  driven  from  Jerusalem  by  Absalom, 
was  melted  into  tears  at  the  comparison  of  his  destitute  and  forlorn 
situation  with  his  former  glory  and  happiness,  when  upon  some 
joyous  festival,  with  all  his  subjects  about  him,  he  had  attended  the 
service  of  the  tabernacle  in  the  city  of  God  ;  so  the  Christian  pil- 
grim cannot  but  bewail  his  exile  from  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  out 
of  which  sin  hath  driven  him,  an(i  doomed  him  to  wander  for  a 
while  in  the  valley  of  misery.  Led  by  repentance  and  faith,  to 
look  back  to  the  place  from  whence  he  is  fallen,  he  sighs  after  the 
unspeakable  joys  of  the  celestial  Zion  ;  longing  to  keep  a  festival, 
and  celebrate  a  jubilee  in  heaven;  to  join  in  the  songs  of  angels, 
and  bear  a  part  in  the  music  of  hallelujahs. 

5.  Why  art  thou  cast,  or,  bowed,  down,  0  my  S07d?  and  why 
art  thou  disquieted  in  me  ?  Hope  thou  in  God ;  for  I  shall  yet 
praise  him  for  the  help,  or,  salvalioii,  of  his  countenance. 

The  holy  mourner  now  expostidatcs  with  his  soul,  for  suffering 
herself  to  sink  into  a  kind  of  desjjondency  on  account  of  her  af- 
flictions, and  the  insolent  triumph  of  the  adversary  ;  and,  as  a  sove- 
reign cordial  for  melancholy,  prescribes  "  faith''  in  God,  which 
will  show  the  morning  of  salvation  dawning,  after  the  night  of  cala- 
mity shall  have  run  its  course;  a  night,  which  cannot  be  long,  and 
may  be  very  short.  When  the  sun  arises,  we  cannot  be  without 
light ;  when  God  turns  his  countenance  towards  us,  we  cannot  be 
without  "  salvation." 

6.  O  my  God,  my  soulis  cast  down  within  me:  therefore  will 
I  remember  thee  from  the  land  of  Jordan,  and  of  the  liermonites, 
from  the  hill  Mizar,  or,  the  little  hill. 

The  soul,  although  exhorted  in  the  last  verse  to  "  jnit  her  trust 
in  God,"  yet,  considering  her  own  infirmity,  still  continucth  to  be 
26 


202  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XLII. 

dejected  :  the  prophet,  therefore,  confesseth  as  much ;  and  raaketh 
his  complaint  to  God,  from  whom  alone  he  expecteth  comfort ;  and 
whom  he  did  not  forget,  while,  far  from  the  sanctuary,  he  wan- 
dered up  and  down  in  the  country  beyond  Jordan,  whither  he  had 
fled  from  the  face  of  Absalom.  This  world  is,  to  us,  that  "  coun- 
try beyond  Jordan ;"  Lord,  make  us  to  "  remember''  thee,  under 
all  tlie  afflictions  and  tribulations  we  meet  with  therein,  until,  re- 
storeil  to  thy  Jerusalem,  we  shall  praise  thee  in  heaven  for  the  mer- 
cies experienced  upon  earth. 

7.  Deep  calleth  unto  deep  at  the  noise  of  thy  ivaterspouts ;  all 
thy  tcaves  and  thy  billows  are  gone  over  me. 

The  prophet  describeth  the  troubles  which  successively  came 
upon  him,  by  the  vengeance  of  heaven,  from  above,  "  raising  up 
evil  against  him,  out  of  his  own  house"  and  kingdom,  from  beneath, 
according  to  the  prediction  of  Nathan,  2  Sam.  xii.  11.  The  ideas 
seem  to  be  borrowed  from  the  general  deluge,  or,  from  a  storm  at 
sea,  when,  at  the  "  sound*'  of  descending  "  waterspouts,"  or  tor- 
rents of  rain,  the  depths  are  stirred  up,  and  put  into  horrible  com- 
motion ;  the  clouds  above  calling,  as  it  were,  to  the  waters  below, 
and  one  wave  encouraging  and  exciting  another,  to  join  their  forces, 
and  overwhelm  the  despairing  suflerer.*  The  whole  compass  of 
creation  aflbrdeth  not,  perhaps,  a  more  just  and  striking  image  of 
the  nature  and  number  of  those  calamities,  which  sin  hath  brought 
upon  the  children  of  Adam.t 

8.  Yet  the  Lord  will  command  his  loving-kindness  in  the  day- 
time, and  in  the  night  his  song  shall  be  icith  me,  and  my  prayer 
unto  the  God  of  my  life. 

The  gloomy  prospect  begins  again  to  brighten,  by  a  ray  of  hope 
shooting  through  it ;  and  the  prophet  returneth  to  his  rest  and  con- 
fidence in  the  mercy  of  God :  determining,  not  only  to  give  him 
thanks  in  the  day  of  prosperity,  but  as  Paul  and  Silas  afterwards 
did,  to  sing  his  praises  at  midnight,  in  adversity  and  affliction. 

9.  /  will  say  unto  God  my  rock,  Why  hast  thou  forgotten 
me?  Why  go  I  mourning  because  of  the  oppression  of  the  ene- 
my !  10.  As  ivith  a  sicord  in  my  bones,  7m ne  enemies  reproach 
me:  tvhile  they  say  daily  unto  me,  Where  is  thy  God? 

*  Thus,  as  the  learned  Merrick  observes,  one  river,  in  llonicr,  '•'  calls  up- 
on anoiher,"  to  assist  in  over\vlieImii)g  the  Grecian  hero.  And  in  iEschy- 
lus,  the  fire  and  sea  are  said  to  "  swear  together,"  and  to  give  eacli  oilier 
their  "pledge  of  confederacy"  against  the  Grecian  army. 

t  Since  this  was  written,  I  fuid  the  author  of  "  Observations  on  divers 
passages  of  Scripture,"  agreeing  cntireh-  with  me  in  the  notion,  that  David 
is  here  de^cribin^  those  wrilersjiouts,  and  storms  at  sea,  \i  h.ich  were  com- 
mon on  the  Jewish  coast,  as  we  learn  from  Dr.  Sliitw.  Obsnvntions^  p.  'V2't 
1st  edit.     So  Mr.  Meirick  likewise,  iu  his  Jliinolalioiis. 


Day  VITI.  E.  P.  OxN  THE  PSALMS.  203 

He  ventureth,  notwithstanding,  meekly  and  humbly,  upon  the 
strcn'jTth  of  the  promises,  to  expostulate  with  him,  who  was  the 
''  rock''  of  his  salvation,  as  to  his  seeming  destitution,  while  con- 
tinually oppressed  and  insulted  by  the  cutting  reproaches  of  the  ad- 
versary. See  above,  ver.  3.  These  miglit  be  thought  to  render 
it  in  some  sort  necessary  for  God  to  arise  and  vindicate  his  own 
honour,  by  the  protection  and  deliverance  of  his  servant.  The 
Psalmist  concludes  with  that  exhortation  to  his  soul,  to  trust  in 
God,  and  to  w  ait  for  his  salvation,  which  makes  the  mournful  cho- 
rus of  this  beautiful  Psahn. 

11.  IF/n/  art  thou  cast  rloirn,  O  my  soul?  and  why  art  thou 
disquieted  within  me  ?  Hope  thou  in  God;  for  I  shall  yet  praise 
him,  who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance,  and  my  God.  See 
above,  ver.  5. 


PSALM  XLHL 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm  seemcth  to  be  a  coutiuuation  of  (he  former,  written  by  David  ii» 
tile  same  circumstances,  on  the  same  subject,  and  closing  with  the  same 
chorus. 

1.  Judge  me,  O  God,  and  plead  my  cause  against  an  ungodly, 
or,  unmerciful,  nation:  O  deliver  me  from  the  deceitful  and  unjust 
man. 

David,  in  the  same  situation  as  before,  appealeth  to  God  against 
a  people  who  liad  driven  their  sovereign  from  his  capital,  to  wan- 
der, like  a  fugitive  and  vagabond,  in  the  remotest  parts  of  his  do- 
minions; against  the  hypocrisy  of  Absalom,  and  the  villainy  of 
Ahitophel.  The  Son  of  David  may  be  supposed  to  make  the  same 
appeal  against  the  same  nation,  for  their  far  more  cruel,  treache- 
rous, and  ini(iuitous  usage  of  him,  their  King  and  their  God.  And 
the  words  suit  tlie  circumstances  of  an  oppressed  church  or  an  in- 
jured prince,  of  all  who  suffer  for  truth  and  righteousness'  sake,  or 
who  groan  under  the  tyranny  of  their  spiritual  enemies,  the  world, 
the  flesh  and  the  devil. 

2.  For  thou  art  tlie  God  of  my  strength;  why  dost  thou  cast  me 
off?  why  go  I  mourning  because  of  the  oppression  of  the  enemy? 
See  above,  Psalm  xlii.  9.  3.  O  send  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth: 
let  them  lead  me  ;  let  them  bring  me  unto  thy  holy  hill,  and  to  thy 
tabernacles. 

The  chief  desire  of  the  Christian,  analogous  to  that  of  the  pro- 
j)het  in  distress,  is  to  be  saved  from  sin,  as  well  as  sorrow ;  to  be 


204  A  COMiMENTARY  Psal.  XLIV. 

instructed  in  the  way  of  righteousness,  by  tlie  "light"  of  heavenly 
wisdom,  shining  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ;  to  see  the  accomplish- 
ment of  the  promises,  in  him  who  is  the  "truth  ;"  and  to  be  "  led" 
by  this  liglit  and  this  truth,  from  the  land  of  his  pilgrimage,  to  the 
^'  holy  hill,"  and  the  "  mansions"  of  the  just,  in  the  new  Jerusa- 
lem. 

4.  Then  will  I  go  unto  the  altar  of  God,  nnto  God  my  exceed- 
ing joy,  or,  the  gladness  of  my  joy  :  yea,  vpon  the  harp  will  I 
praise  thee,  O  God,  my  God. 

The  royal  prophet,  upon  his  restoration  to  his  throne,  was  to 
sacrifice,  on  the  altar  of  his  God,  with  the  voice  of  thanksgiving, 
and  to  celebrate  his  mighty  deliverer,  in  a  new  song,  upon  the  me- 
lodious harp.  The  Christian,  in  like  manner,  foresees  a  day  com- 
ing, when  sorrov/  and  sighing  shall  be  no  more;  when  he  and  his 
brethren  are  to  be  "made  kings  and  priests;"  when  they  are  to 
reign  with  their  Redeemer  for  ever ;  and,  upon  their  golden  harps, 
tuned  to  an  unison  with  those  of  angels,  to  sing  his  everlasting 
praises  in  the  courts  of  the  heavenly  temple.     Therefore, 

5.  JFhy  ai't  thou  cast  down,  0  my  soul?  and  why  art  thou  dis- 
quieted within  me?  Hope  in  God  ;  for  I  shall  yet  praise  him,  who 
is  the  health  of  my  countenance,  and  my  God.  See  above.  Psalm 
xlii.  5. 

NINTH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XLIV. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  this  Psalm  we  hear  the  voice  of  the  church,  under  persecution,  1 — 3.  re- 
counting the  mercies  of  God  vouchsafed  to  his  servants  of  old  time ;  4 — 8. 
declaring  her  confidence,  that  she  shall  experience  the  same  in  her  pre- 
sent distress,  and  shall  at  length  overcome,  through  the  power  of  her  Re- 
deemer; for  that  notwithstanding  her  seeming  desertions  and  manifold 
sufferings,  9 — 16.  there  is  still  a  faithful  remnant,  17 — 22.  of  those  who 
have  not  bowed  the  knee  to  Baal,  and  who  cease  not,  23 — 26.  to  cry  un- 
to God  for  mercy  and  deliverance. 

1.  We  have  heard  with  our  ears,  0  God,  our  fathers  have  told 
U8,  what  7mrk  thou  didst  in  their  days,  in  the  times  of  old. 

The  works  wrought  of  old,  by  the  arm  of  Jehovah,  for  the  salva- 
tion of  his  people,  are  recorded  by  the  Spirit  in  the  Scriptures  of 
truth,  that  "through  patience  and  comfort  of  those  Scriptures,"  as 
the  Ajostlc  f'xpre.sses  it,  the  church  and  people  of  CJod,  whensoever 
oppressed  and  afflicted,  in  any  age  or  country,  "  may  liave  hope," 


Day  IX.  ]\I.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  205 

that  tlie  same  God  will  exert  the  same  power  in  their  belialf.  And 
great  is  the  light,  great  is  the  consolation,  which  the  sacred  history, 
when  thus  applied,  will  always  afiord  to  the  troubled  mind. 

2.  How  thou  didst  drive  out  the  heathen  with  thy  hand,  and 
pfanicdst  them;  how  thou  didst  afflict  the  people,  and  cast  them 
out. 

If  the  dispossession  of  the  Canaanites,  and  the  establishment  of 
the  house  of  Jacob  in  their  land,  furnished  the  distressed  church  of 
Israel  witli  suflicient  ground  for  confulence;  how  much  force  hath 
the  argument  since  received,  by  the  accomplishment  of  what  was 
then  typified ;  by  the  victories  of  the  true  Joshua,  or  Jesus,  by  the 
fall  of  paganism,  and  the  plantation  of  the  Christian  faith  in  its 
stead !  > 

3.  For  they  got  not  the  laiul  in  possession  by  their  own  sirord, 
neither  did  their  own  arm  save  them;  but  thy  right  hand,  and 
thine  arm,  and  the  light  of  thy  countenance,  because  thou  hadst  a 
favour  unto  them. 

As  it  sufficiently  appears,  that  the  settlement  of  Israel  in  the  pro- 
mised land  was  the  work  of  God,  from  the  miraculous  fall  of  Jeri- 
cho; from  the  prolongation  of  the  day,  at  the  word  of  Joshua; 
from  the  slaughter  of  the  enemy  by  hailstones  from  heaven,  &c. 
&c.  so  was  it  the  first  thing  which  an  Israelite  was  in  duty  bound 
to  acknowledge,  if  he  hoped  for  more  mercies  at  the  hand  of  God. 
The  Christian,  in  like  manner,  begins  and  ends  all  his  prayers  with 
an  humble  and  thankful  acknowledgment  of  the  free  mercy  of  God 
in  Jesus  Christ ;  confessing,  that  he  ''  got  not"  his  title  to  salvation, 
nor  should  enter  into  the  possession  of  it,  by  "  his  own"  power  or 
merit,  but  by  "the  right  hand  and  the  arm  of  his  Redeemer,  and 
the  light  of  his  countenance,  because  he  had  a  favour  unto  him." 

4.  Thou  art  my  King,  O  God:  command  deliverances  for  Jacob. 
In  these  words,  the  church  sums  up  her  argument;  as  if  she  had 

said,  O  thou,  who,  going  forth  before  thy  people,  hast  so  often  and 
so  wonderfully  wrought  salvation  of  old  time,  I  still  acknowledge 
thee  as  my  King,  able  and  willing  to  save;'  O  manifest  yet  attain 
thy  power,  yet  again  let  me  experience  thy  mercy.  Behold,  all 
things  are  yet  at  thy  command  ;  all  events  are  at  thy  disposal.  O 
gracious  Saviour,  let  all  work  together  for  good,  to  her  whom  thou 
lovest. 

5.  Through  thee  will  we  push  down  our  enemies;  through  thy 
name  will  ice  tread  them  under  that  rise  vp  against  us. 

The  people  of  God,  however  persecuted  by  the  powers  of  the 
world,  here  declare,  that  their  faith  faileth  not;  that  the  adversary 
cannot  take  from  them  their  holy  confidence  in  God,  through  whom, 


206  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XLIV. 

and  in  whose  saving  name,  whenever  he  shall  think  fit  to  hear  their 
prayers,  and  to  appear  in  their  cause,  they  doubt  not  of  obtaining 
a  final  victory,  and  celebrating  a  glorious  triumph  over  all  their 
enemies,  terrestrial  and  infernal.  Such  should  be  the  hope  of 
every  afflicted  soul. 

G.  F  yr  I  will  not  trust  in  my  how,  neither  shall  my  sword  save 
me.  7.  But  thou  hast  saved  its  from  our  enemies,  and  haM  put 
them  to  shame  that  hated  us.  8.  In  God  lee  boast  all  the  day  long, 
and  praise  thy  name  for  ever. 

In  spiritual  as  well  as  temporal  warfare,  the  appointed  means 
are  to  be  used,  but  not  "  trusted  in ;"  man  is  to  fight,  but  God 
giveth  the  victory ;  and  to  Him  must  be  ascribed  the  praise,  and  the 
power,  and  the  glory;  that,  as  it  is  written,  "He  who  glorieth, 
may  glory  in  the  Lord."  And  thus  the  Christian  church  daily 
sineeth,  after  the  example  of  her  blessed  and  holy  representative, 
"  My  soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord,  my  spirit  rejoiceth  in  God  my 
Saviour." 

9.  But  thou  hast  cast  off,  and  put  us  to  shame;  and  goest  not 
forth  with  our  armies. 

The  church  having  declared  her  confidence,  founded  on  the  for- 
mer mercies  of  God  vouchsafed  unto  her,  proceedeth  now  to  de- 
scribe her  pitiable  state  under  persecution,  when  the  protection  of 
the  Almighty  seemed,  for  a  season,  to  be  withdrawn,  so  that  she 
was  no  longer  able  to  stand  before  her  enemies. 

10.  Thou  makest  us  to  turn  back  from  the  enemy  ;  and  they  which 
hate  us  spoil  for  themselves. 

The  first  consequence  of  a  victory,  gained  by  the  enemies  over 
.  the  friends  of  the  church,  is  rapine  and  sacrilege ;  the  invasion  of 
her  patrimony,  and  the  plunder  of  her  revenues ;  allured  by  the 
prospect  of  which,  robbery  hath  sometimes  entered  into  the  sanc- 
tuary, under  the  mask  of  reformation, 

11.  Thou  hast  given  us  like  sheep  appointed /or  ?neat ;  and  hast 
scattered  us  among  the  heathen. 

The  second  calamity  which  is  permitted  to  fall  on  the  church, 
in  the  day  of  adversity,  is  that  her  people  are  doomed  to  sudden 
and  cruel  deaths  by  sanguinary  edicts.  A  third  calamity  is  that 
of  their  being  driven,  in  times  of  persecution,  from  their  native 
country,  to  wander  among  strangers  and  aliens,  or  among  those  in 
whose  communion  it  is  judged  unlawAil  to  join. 

12.  Thou  sellest  thy  people  for  nought,  and  dost  not  increase 
tliy  wealth  by  their  price. 

A  fourth  misery  incident  to  the  people  of  God,  when  under  per- 
secution, is,  that  he  permits  them  to  be  held  cheap  and  vile,  and  to 


Day  IX.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  207 

be  sold  into  slavery  by  their  enemies  for  little  or  nothinc: ;  a  situa- 
tion far  more  to  be  dreadod  than  the  sword  of  the  executioner. 

13.  Thou  inaLest  us  a  reproach  to  our  neighbours,  a  scorn  and 
a  derision  to  them  that  are  round  about  us.  14.  Thou  makcst  us 
a  by-word  among  the  heathen  ;  a  shaking  of  the  head  among  the 
people.  15.  My  confusion  is  continually  before  me,  and  the  s'lame 
of  my  face  hath  covered  mc:  l6.  For  the  voice  of  him  that  re- 
proacheth  and  blasphemeth  ;  by  reason  of  the  enemy  and  acenger. 

The  lifth  and  last  bitter  fruit  of  persecution  is,  that  thereby  the 
name,  and  truth,  and  church,  and  people  of  God,  are  exposed  to 
the  insolent  and  blashemous  scoffs  and  jeers  of  infidels;  nor  is 
there  any  circumstance  to  a  pious  soul  more  grievous  and  allHctive 
than  this. 

17.  All  this  is  come  upon  us;  yet  have  we  not  forgotten  thee, 
neither  have  we  dealt  falsely  in  thy  covenant.  18.  Our  heart  is 
not  turned  back,  neither  have  our  steps  declined  from  thy  way  ; 
19.  Though  thou  hast  sore  brokeji  us  in  the  place  of  dragons,  and 
covered  us  with  the  shadow  of  death. 

It  is  certain  that  God  is  provoked,  by  the  sins  of  a  church,  to 
let  loose  the  fury  of  the  oppressor  upon  her.  This  is  acknow- 
ledged by  Daniel  in  his  prayer,  ch.  ix.  by  the  three  children  in  the 
furnace.  Song,  ver.  5,  6.  by  the  Maccabean  martyrs,  suffering  un- 
der Antiochus,  2  Mace.  vii.  18.  and  by  Cyprian,  and  others,  in 
the  primitive  times.  It  is  not  less  certain,  that  no  mere  man  can 
say,  he  is  free  from  transgression.  I'he  verses  now  under  consider- 
ation, are  not,  therefore,  spoken  by  the  whole  church,  but  by  the 
faithful  remnant;  nor  do  they  injply  an  exemption  from  all  sin, but 
a  steadfast  perseverance  in  the  profession  of  God's  true  religion, 
from  which  it  is  the  aim  of  persecution  to  seduce,  or  to  force  them. 
The  malice  of  the  tormentors  is  here  compared  to  the  venom  of 
"  serpents  ;*'  and  the  state  of  a  sufiering  church  to  the  gloom  of 
"  death"'  itself.  Happ)*  the  soul,  that  in  the  extremity  of  affliction 
can  with  humble  confidence  thus  make  her  appeal  to  Goil,  as 
having  held  fast  her  integrity  against  all  the  eflbrts  made  to  wrest 
it  from  her,  and  not  having  suffered  the  blasts  of  adverse  fortune, 
by  wearing  out  patience,  to  part  her  from  the  anchor  of  faith. 

20.  If  we  have  forgotten  the  name  of  our  God,  or  stretched  out 
our  hands  to  a  strange  god ;  21.  Shall  not  God  search  this  out? 
for  he  knoweth  the  secrets  of  the  heart. 

The  consideration,  that  God  is  greater  than  our  heart,  and 
knoweth  all  "  things,"  1  John  iii.  20.  ought  to  be  strongly  im- 
pressed on  our  minds  at  all  times;  but  more  particularly,  when 
we  are  tempted  by  the  world  (as,  one  way  or  other,  we  all  fre- 


208  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XLV. 

quently  are)  to  deny  our  Master,  either  by  word  or  deed ;  and 
when  we  have  occasion  to  call  Heaven  to  witness  our  uprightness 
under  such  temptation. 

22.  Yea,  for  thy  sake  are  we  killed  all  the  day  long ;  tee  are 
counted  as  the  sheep  for  the  slaughter. 

The  suflerings  of  the  martyrs  were  a  sufficient  proof  that  they 
had  not  yielded  to  the  temptations  of  the  enemy.  St.  Paul,  Rom. 
viii.  36.  cites  this  verse  as  predictive  of  the  persecution  then  be- 
ginning to  be  raised  against  the  Christians.  All  may  apply  it  to 
themselves,  who  are  in,  circumstances  of  the  same  nature ;  and  per- 
secution is  generally  consistent  with  itself,  contriving  by  some 
means  or  other,  to  be  rid  of  those  who  stand  in  its  way.  It  is  a 
storm,  before  which  all  must  either  bend  or  be  broken. 

23.  Awake,  ivhy  sleepest  thou,  0  Lord?  Arise,  cast  us  not  off 
for  ever.     24.    Wherefore  hidest  thou  thy  face,  and  forgettest 

our  affliction,  and  our  oppression  ? 

There  is  a  time,  when  the  triumphs  of  the  adversary,  and  the 
afflictions  of  the  church,  tempt  men  to  think,  that  the  eye  of  Provi- 
dence is  closed,  or  turned  away,  and  that  the  Almighty  hath  ceased 
to  remember  their  sad  estate.  But  the  truth  is,  that  God  only 
giveth  his  people  an  opportunity  of  feeling  their  own  insuffiency; 
and  waiteth,  till  by  fervent  and  importunate  prayer,  they  solicit  his 
help.  For  so  the  the  lioly  Jesus  slept,  while  the  sliip  was  covered 
with  the  waves ;  until,  awakened  by  the  cries  of  his  disciples,  he 
arose  to  their  assistance,  and  spoke  the  tempest  into  a  perfect 
calm. 

25.  For  our  soul  is  bowed  down  to  the  dust ;  our  belly  clcaveth 
nnto  the  earth. 

They  who  are  not  brought  into  this  state  of  humiliation,  by  out- 
ward sufferings,  should  bring  themselves  into  it  by  inward  mortifi- 
cation and  self-denial,  by  condition  and  al)asement,  if  they  would 
put  up  such  prayers,  as  the  iMajesty  of  heaven  will  deign  to  accept 
and  answer;  if  they  would  repeat,  with  our  church,  in  the  spirit  of 
the  litan}',  the  concluding  verse  of  this  Psalm — 

2G.  Arise,  for  our  help,  and  redeem  us,  for  thy  mercies^  sake! 

PSALM  XLV. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  this  Psalm,  which  is  one  of  those  appointed  to  be  used  on  Clirif^tmas-dfty, 
the  prophet,  after,  1.  proposing  his  subject,  proceeds  to  celebrate  King^ 
IMcssiah,  2.  for  his  spiritual  beauty  and  eloquence;  3,  4,  5.  his  power  and 
victories  J  6.  his  throne  and  sceptre;  7.  his  righteousness  and  inaugura- 


Day  IX.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  209 

tion  ;  8.  his  royal  robes,  and  glorious  palace.  9.  The  church  is  inlro- 
duced  as  Ills  spouse;  her  api)eara;ice  and  dress  are  described;  10,  11, 
12.  it  is  foretold,  that  tl«e  nations  shall  bring  their  oiTeiinps  to  h*  i- ;  13, 
14,  15.  her  attire,  her  presentation  to  Christ  with  her  attendant  train,  and 
the  universal  joy  and  gladness,  occa>ioned  by  tlie  solemnization  of  the 
niii)tia!s,  are  set  forth.  \G.  Tlie  jirophet  predirteih  the  fruits  of  tl)is  di- 
vine union,  and,  17.  the  use  that  sliould  be  made  of  his  sacred  ei)ithaia- 
niium  by  the  faithful,  from  generation  to  generation. 

1.  Ml/  heart  is  inaifing,  Heb.  boilrtli,  or,  biihblrth  up,  a  good 
matter,  or,  the  good  word :  I  speak  of  the  things  wlii'fi  I  have 
made  touching  the  Kins^ :  my  tongue  is  the  pen  of  a  rendif  writer. 

"The  Spirit  of  the  Lord,"  saitii  David  elsewhere,  2  Sam.  x.xiil. 
2.  "  sjiake  by  me,  and  his  word  in  my  tonsfue."  In  like  manner, 
we  are  to  conceive  the  prophet  here  to  be  full  of  the  Divine  Spirit, 
which  inspired  him  whh  "the  eood  word,"  or  the  glad  tidintrs  of 
salvation.  The  sacred  fire,  enclosed  in  his  heart,  expand(!d  itself 
within,  till  at  length  it  brake  forth  with  impetuosity  to  enlijrhten 
and  to  revive  mankind  whh  this  glorious  prediction  "touchin<r  the 
Kin?,"  Messiah ;  and  this  was  uttered  by  his  tongue,  under  the 
guidance  of  the  Spirit,  as,  in  writing,  the  pen  is  directed  by  the 
hand  that  holds  it. 

2.  Thou  art  faii-er  than  the  children  of  men :  grace  is  poured 
into  thi/  lips:  therefore  God  hath  blessed  thee  for  ever. 

After  a  short  introduction,  the  prophet  stays  not  to  enter  regu- 
larly upon  the  subject,  in  the  formal  way  of  narration;  but,  as  if 
he  saw  the  Divine  Person,  w  liom  he  was  about  to  celebrate,  stand- 
hig  before  him,  he  breaks  out  in  an  ecstatic  admiration  of  the  se- 
cond Adam,  so  dilVerent  from  all  the  descendants  of  the  fir.st !  Com- 
pounded of  a  soul  fair  above  all  created  spirits,  and  a  body  pure 
and  perfect,  and  now  brighter  than  the  meridian  sun;  being  in- 
vested with  the  unutterable  eflulgence  of  the  Divine  nature.  Nc.kI  to 
the  spiritual  beauty  of  Messiih.  tlie  propliet  is  astonished  (as  those 
who  heard  him  speak  in  the  days  of  his  flesh  afterwards  were)  at 
the  "  gracious  words  which  proceeded  out  of  his  mouth,  Luke  iv. 
22.  through  the  grace  poured  into  his  lips."  •  Such  honey  and  milk 
were  under  his  tongue,  so  delightful  and  salutary  was  his  doctrine, 
that  even  his  enemies  found  themselves  obliged  to  confess,  "  never 
man  spake  like  this  man,"  John  vii.  46.  His  word  instructed  the 
ignorant,  resolved  the  doubtful,  comforted  the  mourners,  reclaimed 
tlie  wicked,  silenced  his  adversaries,  healed  diseases,  controlleil  the 
elements,  and  raised  the  dead.  Therefore  hath  the  Father  loved, 
and  exalted,  and  blessed  him  for  evermore. 

3.  Gird  thy  sword  upon  thy  tliigh,  O  most  mighty ;  tcilh  thy 
glory  and  thy  majesty. 


210  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.XLV. 

The  prophet  having  described  tlie  beauty  and  the  eloquence  of 
the  King,  proceedeth  now  to  set  forth  his  power,  and  to  arm  him 
as  a  warrior  for  the  battle.  The  "  sword"'  of  Messiah  is  his 
Word,  wliich,  in  the  language  of  St.  Paul,  is  said  to  be  "  quick, 
and  powerful,  and  sharper  than  any  two-edged  sword ;- '  and  is  re- 
presented by  St.  John,  as  "  a  sharp  two-edged  sword,"  coming  out 
of  the  "mouth"  of  Christ,  Heb.  iv.  12.  Rev.  i.  l6.  With  this 
weapon  he  prevailed,  and  thereby  made  his  "  glory  and  majesty" 
to  be  know  throughout  the  world. 

4.  And  in  thy  majesty  ride  i)rosi)erously ,  because,  or,  for  the 
sake,  of  truth,  and  meekness,  and  righteousness;  and  thy  right 
hand  shall  teach  thee  terrible,  or,  wonderful,  things.* 

Messiah  is  in  these  words  magnificently  described  as  making 
his  progress  among  the  nations,  seated  in  his  triumphal  chariot, 
adorned  with  all  the  regal  virtues,  achieving  the  most  astonishing 
victories,  and,  by  the  irresistible  might  of  liis  power,  subduing  ido- 
latry and  iniquity  to  the  faith  and  temper  of  the  Gospel. 

5.  Thine  arrows  are  sharp  in  the  heart  of  the  King^s  enemies: 
whereby  the  people  fall  under  thee. 

The  prophet  goes  on  to  represent  Messiah  as  a  warrior,  com- 
pletely armed,  and  skilful  in  the  use  of  every  weapon.  Thus  a 
prince  is  portrayed,  Rev,  vi.  2.  "  I  saw,  and  behold  a  white 
horse,  and  he  that  sat  on  him  had  a  bow,  and  a  crown  was  given 
unto  him;  and  he  went  forth  conquering  and  to  conquer."  The 
conquests  of  Messiah  are  either  those  of  his  word  over  sin,  or  those 
of  his  arm  over  the  persecuting  powers. 

6.  Thy  throne,  O  God,  is  for  ever  and  ever :  the  sceptre  of  thy 
kingdom  is  a  right  sceptre. 

The  battle  being  fought  and  the  victory  gained,  we  are  called 
to  the  consideration  of  ihe  ''  throne"  and  "  sceptre"  of  King  ivles- 
siah,  whom  the  prophet  addresseth,  as  God.  His  throne  is  distin- 
guished from  the  thrones  of  this  world,  by  its  endless  duration ;  his 
sceptre  from  the  sceptre  of  earthly  potentates,  by  the  unerring  rec- 
titude of  its  administration. 

7.  Thou  locest  righteousness,  and  hatcsl  wickedness:  therefore 
God,  thy  God,  hath  anointed  thee  toith  the  oil  of  gladness  above, 
thy  fellows. 

The  sermons,  the  example,  and,  above  all,  the  death  of  Christ 
for  the  expiation  of  sin,  demonstr.ited  his  love  of  righteousness  and 

*  "  Tlie  sense,  perhaps,  may  be  tliis;  ihy  right  hand,  by  its  promptness 
to  eneountcr  danger,  sliail  bii'ig  tliee  acquainted  \vii!i  (erriblc  things:  thy 
right  hand  shall  know  its  olhte;  by  habituai  exereise,  siiail  render  thee  ex- 
pert in  war,  and  lead  thee  on  from  conquest  to  concjuesl."     Merrick. 


Day  IX.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSAI.MS.  211 

liatretl  of  wickedness;  and  ''  because  lie  humbled  himself,  and  be- 
came obedient  even  to  the  death  of  the  cross,  thon.'foic  ijod  highly 
exalted  him,"  I'hil.  ii.  8,9.  and  he  was  ''  anointed"'  to  the  kins:dom, 
"with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with  power'' immeasurable;  to  the  in- 
tent that  he  init:ht  bestow,  in  due  proportion,  the  jfifts  of  heavin  on 
those  whom  he  is  not  ashimed  to  call  '*  friends"  and  "  brethren." 
And  fhese  gifts  he  di(J  bestow  on  them,  by  the  emission  of  the  Spi- 
rit, soon  after  his  ascension  and  inauguration.  See  the  application 
of  these  two  last  verses  to  Christ,  Heb.  i.  8. 

8.  -411  thi/  garments  smell  of  myrrh,  aloes,  and  cassia,  out  of 
the  ivory  palwes,*  whereby  they  have  made  thee  fflnd. 

From  the  throne,  the  sceptre,  and  the  inauguration,  the  prophet 
passes  on  to  the  robes  and  palaces  of  the  King  of  glory,  decliiiing, 
that  as  the  perfumed  garments  of  an  earthly  prince  scatter  through 
all  tliH  royal  apartments  a  grateful  fragrance,  so  from  the  glorious 
vestments  of  our  High  Priest  and  King  is  diflused  the  sweet  savour 
of  his  heavenly  graces,  fdling  those  happy  regions  of  joy  and  sflad- 
ncss  where  he  kee])s  his  residence  above,  and,  by  the  communica- 
tion of  the  Spirit,  refreshing  the  faithful  on  earth  with  their  odours. 

9.  King's  daughters  were  among  thy  honourable  women,  or,  the 
splendour  of  thy  train  ;  upon  thy  right  hand  did  stand  the  queen 
in  gold  of  Ophir. 

Such  being  the  divine  beauty  and  heavenly  glory  of  the  blessed 
Person,  whose  nuptials  the  prophet  is  now  proceeding  to  describe, 
it  is  no  wonder  that,  upon  hearing  of  his  fame,  innumerable  con- 
verts, forsaking  the  vanities  even  of  courts  and  kingdoms,  should 
follow  him,  ambitious  to  have  the  honour  of  composing  his  train; 
which  in  reality  was  the  case  upon  the  publication  of  the  Gospel. 
And  lo,  at  "  the  right  hand"  of  the  King,  followed  by  this  magni- 
ficent procession,  appears  the  church,  the  spouse  of  the  Lamb,  ar- 
rayed in  the  garments  of  righteousness  and  sal\  ation,  fitly  com- 
pared, for  their  inestimable  value,  and  radiant  brightness,  to  the 
"  gold  of  Ophir." 

10.  Hearken,  0  daughter,  and  consider,- and  incline  thine  car; 
forget  also  thine  own  people,  and  thy  father- s  house :  11.  So  shall 
the  King  greatly  desire  thy  bcaufy :  for  he  is  thy  Lord;  and  wor- 
ship thou  him. 

This  seemeth  to  be  the  voice  of  God,  addressing  the  church  to 
the  following  eflect — O  thou,  whom  I  have  begotten  unto  a  lively 
liope,  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  from  the  dead,  and  whom  I  have 
called  out  of  the  world,  to  become  "  the  Lamb's  wife,"  hearken 

*  That  is,  palaces  adorned,  or  inlaid  » itii  ivory  ;  as  "  Ebur  atria  vr-»i< 
Lvcan,  x.  1 19.     Merrick. 


212  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XLV. 

diligently  to  my  voice,  consider  attentively  wliat  I  say,  and  be  obe- 
dient lo  my  direction  ;  thou  art  now  ente;  ing  into  a  new  state  ;  let 
old  tilings  pass  away;  regard  no  more  thy  connexions  with  earth; 
but  let  the  love,  and,  if  possible,  the  very  memory  of  thy  former 
condition,  be  obliterated  from  thy  mind;  let  all  things  belonging  to 
the  flesh  die  in  thee:  then  shalt  thou  be  truly  acceptable  and  dear 
in  his  sight,  who,  having  purchased  and  betrothed  thee  to  himself, 
jusily  claims  thy  whole  heart,  thy  undivided  love,  and  thy  uniimiied 
service  and  adoration. 

12.  And  t'le  daughter  of  Tijre  shall  be  there  with  a  gift ;  even 
the  rich  among  the  people  shall  entreat  iky  favour. 

The  accession  of  the  Cientiles,  with  their  offerings  and  ilonations, 
to  the  church,  is  here  predicted,  under  the  name  of"  Tyre,"  a  city 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Palestine,  formerly  the  glory  of  the  nations, 
and  mart  of  the  world.     See  Isa.  Ix.  and  Rev.  xxi. 

13.  The  King's  daughter  is  all  glorious  toithin :  her  clothing  is 
of  wrought  gold. 

The  church,  in  different  respects,  is  sometimps  called  the  spouse, 
sometimes  the  sister,  and  often,  as  here,  the  "  daughter''  of  the 
heavenly  King;  the  connexion  formed  between  them,  uniting  in 
itself  every  relaticm,  and  every  affection.  Her  beauty,  so  greatly 
desired  and  delighted  in  by  Messiah,  is  spiritual;  it  is  the  beauty 
of  holiness ;  and  her  clothing  is  "  ihe  righteousness  of  saints,"  1 
Pet.  iii.  3.  Rev.  xix.  8. 

14.  She  shall  be  brought  unto  the  King  in  raiment  of  needle- 
work, or,  embroider!/ :  thetnrgins  her  companions  that  follow  her 
shall  be  brought  unto  thee. 

The  different  graces  of  the  faithful,  all  wrought  in  them  by  the 
same  Spirit,  compose  that  divine  "  embroidery,'"  which  adorns  the 
wedding-garment  of  the  church,  who  is  therein  presented  to  the 
King,  attended  by  her  bride-maids,  after  the  nuptial  manner. 
These  are  either  the  single  churches,  or  holy  souls,  that  accede  to, 
and  accompany  the  spouse,  unless  we  suppose,  as  some  do,  that  the 
bride  is  the  Israelitish  church,  and  then  the  attendants  will  repre- 
sent the  Gentiles. 

IT).  With  gladness  and  rejoicing  s\\^\\  the i/ he  brought :  they 
shall  enter  into  the  King's  palace. 

The  solemnization  of  this  marriage  between  Christ  and  the 
church  produceth  a  jubilee  upon  earth,  and  causeth  the  streets  of 
the  heavenly  Jerusalem  to  resound  with  halh^lujahs.  For  this  the 
angels  tune  their  golden  harjis,  while  proijhets,  apostles,  martyrs, 
and  saints,  till  up  the  universal  chorus  of  "  Blessing,  and  honour. 


Day  IX.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  216 

and  fltiry,  and  power,  be  unto  him  iliai  .siitoih  upon  the  throne, 
and  unJo  die  Lamb,  for  ever  and  ever." 

If).  Instead  of  t hi/  fathers  shall  be  thy  chillren,  trhom  thou 
mai/rnt  muke  prill'  cs  in  all  the  vartk. 

In  this  verse  tiie  pro|)liot  foreielleth  the  fruit  that  should  spring 
from  the  ifflorious  nuptials,  whirii  lie  hath  bf'--n  celebrating^.  He 
assureth  the  spouse,  that  instead  of  her  earthly  kindred,  whether 
Jewish  or  Pagan,  which  she  was  to  leave  for  Christ,  should  arise 
an  illustrious  and  royal  progeny  of  believers,  out  of  whom  were  to 
be  chosen  Christian  kings  to  govern  the  world,  and  Christian 
bishops  to  preside  in  the  church.  The  expression,  "  whom  thou 
mayest  make  princes,"'  may  answer  to  that  in  the  Revelation,  eh. 
i.  ver.  6.  "  And  hath  made  us  kings  and  priests  unto  (iod  ami  his 
Father."  So  Mr.  Merrick  thinks,  who  beautifully  turns  the  pas- 
sage, ill  his  poetical  version,  as  follows — 

No  more  the  patriarchs  of  thy  line 

In  time's  long  records  chief  shall  shine; 

Thy  greater  sons,  to  empire  born, 

Its  tuture  annals  shall  adorn. 

Thy  po\\'r  dcriv'd  (o  them  displa}', 

And  stretcli  thro'  eaith  tlieir  boundless  sway. 

i7.  I  will  make  thij  name  to  he  remembered  in  all  generations: 
therefore  sh(d!  the  people  jjraise  thee  for  ever  and  ever. 

By  inditing  this  divine  marriage-song,  appointed  to  be  sung  in 
the  congregation  of  the  faithful,  from  age  to  age,  the  Psalmist  hath 
been,  as  he  foresaw  he  should  be,  tiie  blessed  means  of  celebrating 
his  Redeemer's  name,  and  inciting  the  nations  of  the  world  to  do 
likewise;  nor  will  he  cease  to  be  so,  while  the  xlvih  Psalm  con- 
tinues to  be  sung  in  the  church  upon  earth;  that  is,  wiiile  tiiere  le- 
noaineth  a  church  upon  earth,  to  sing  in.  And  we,  who  now  do 
sing  it,  are  witnesses  of  these  things. 

PSALM  XLVL 

ARGUMENT. 

The  church,  in  time  of  trouble,  dec'ares,  1.  her  trust  and  confidence  to  be 
in  God,  and  doubts  not,  2,  3.  of  being  preserved  safe,  by  means  of  this 
anchor,  in  the  most  stormy  seasons;  even  then,  4,  5.  enjoying  the  com- 
forts of  the  Spirit,  and  the  presence  of  Christ  in  the  midst  of  her.  She 
describes,  6,  and  7.  exults  in,  the  power  and  might  of  her  victorious  Lord; 
H.  calling  the  world  to  view  and  consider  his  wonderful  works.  9.  He 
himself  is  introduced,  as  speaking  the  nations  into  peace  and  obedience 
5he  concludes  witli  a  repetition  of  ver.  7.  in  the  way  of  chorus. 

I .  God  is  our  refuge  and  strength,  a  very  present  help  in  trouhk 


■214  A  COMMENTARY  1'sal.  XLVI. 

As  we  are  continually  beset  by  "  troubles,"  either  bodily  or  spi- 
ritual, so  we  continually  stand  in  need  of  a  city  of  '•  refuge  and 
strength"  into  which  we  may  fly  and  be  safe.  Religion  is  that 
city,  whose  gates  are  always  open  to  the  afllicted  soul.  We  pro- 
fess to  believe  this :  do  we  act  agreeably  to  such  profession  ? 

2.  Therefore  will  not  ivefcar,  though  the  earth  be  removed,  and 
though  the  mountains  be  carried  into  the  midst  of  the  sea;  3. 
Though  the  waters  thereof  roar  and  be  troubled,  though  the  moun- 
tains shake  tcith  the  sirelling  thereof. 

The  church  declares  her  full  and  firm  confidence  in  God,  as 
her  refuge  and  strength  amidst  all  the  tumults  and  confusions  of 
the  world,  the  ragiug  of  nations,  and  the  fall  of  empires.  INay, 
at  that  last  great  and  terrible  day,  when  sea  and  land  are  to  be  con- 
founded, and  every  inomitain  and  hill  removed  for  ever;  when 
there  is  to  be  "  distress  of  nations,  with  perplexiiy,  the  sea  and  the 
waves  roaring;"  even  then  the  righteous  shnll  have  no  cause  to 
"  fear,"  but  rather  to  "  lift  up  their  heads"  witli  joy  and  triumph, 
because  then  it  is  that  their  "  redemption  draweth  nigh."  Let  us 
set  that  day  before  us,  and  try  ourselves  by  that  test. 

4.  There  is  a  river,  the  streams  whereof  shall  make  glad  the 
city  of  God,  the  holy  place  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  Most  High. 
5.  God  \s  in  the  midst  of  her ;  she  shall  not  be  moved :  God  shall 
help  her,  and  that  right  early  ;  Heb.  when  the  morning  appeareth. 

Such  is  the  ground  on  which  the  church  erects  her  confidence. 
Instead  of  those  waters  which  overwhelm  the  world,  she  has  within 
herself  the  fountain  of  consolation,  sending  forth  rivers  of  spiritual 
jo}'  and  pleasure;  and  in  the  place  of  secular  instability  she  is  pos- 
sessed of  a  city  and  hill,  which  stand  fast  for  ever,  being  the  resi- 
dence of  the  Eternal,  who,  at  the  dawn  of  the  last  morning,  will 
finally  appear  as  the  protector  and  avenger  of  Israel. 

6.  The  heathen  raged,  the  kingdoms  were  inoved:  he  littered 
his  voice  ;  the  earth  melted. 

How  concise,  how  energetic,  how  truly  and  astonishingly  sub- 
lime! The  kingdom  of  Christ  being  twofold,  these  words  may  be 
applied  either  to  the  overthrow  of  heathenism,  and  the  establish- 
ment of  the  Gospel ;  or  to  the  destruction  of  the  world,  and  the 
erection  of  Messiah's  triumphant  throne.  Conquer,  O  Lord,  all 
our  perverse  affections,  and  reign  in  us,  that  we  may  conquer,  and 
reign  with  thee. 

7.  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  loith  us;  the  God  of  Jacob  is  our  re- 
fuge; Heb.  an  high  place  for  us. 

To  the  "  Loud  of  hosts"  all  creatures  in  heaven  and  earth  are 
subject;  in  "the  God  of  Jacob,'^  the  church  acknowledges  the 


Day  IX.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  215 

Saviour  of  his  chosen.  If  ihis  persun  be  Immanuel,  God  with 
us,  of  whom  can  we  be  afraid  ? 

8.  Come,  behold  the  works  of  the  Lord,  tchat  desolations  he  hath 
made  in  the  earth.  9-  He  mtikcth  wars  to  cease  unto  the  end  of 
the  earth  ;  he  breuketh  the  bnw,  and  euiteth  the  spear  in  sunder  ; 
he  burnetii  tkr  chanot  in  tiie  jire. 

1  he  church,  in  these  words,  proposes  to  us  the  noblest  subjects 
for  conleiuplation;  namely,  the  glorious  victories  of  our  J^ord, 
partly  gained  already,  and  partly  to  be  gained  hereafter,  in  order 
to  the  final  estabii-ihnient  of  universal  peace,  righteousness,  and 
bliss,  in  his  heavenly  kingdom.  Then  the  mighty  shall  be  fnllen, 
and  the  weapons  of  war  perished  for  ever.  Hasten,  O  Lord,  that 
blessed  day;  but  first  prepare  us  for  it. 

10.  Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God:  I  will  be  exalted  among 
the  heathen,  I  will  be  exalted  in  the  earth. 

In  this  verse  there  is  a  change  of  person,  and  Jehovah  himself 
is  introduced  as  commanding  the  world  to  cease  its  opjjosition,  to 
own  his  power,  and  to  acknowledge  his  sovereignty  over  ail  the 
kingdoms  of  the  nations.  Let  our  rebellious  passions  hear  this 
divine  edict,  tremble,  and  obey. 

11.  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  with  us;  the  God  of  Jacob  is  our  re- 
fuge.    See  ver.  J. 

NINTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XLVII. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  this  Psalm,  appointed  by  the  church  to  be  used  on  Ascension-day,  the 
prophet,  1  calls  the  nations  to  celebrate  so  glorious  a  festival;  and  that, 
on  account,  2.  of  Christ's  power,  and  the  mig^htiness  of  his  kingdom;  3. 
of  his  victories  and  triumphs  through  the  Gospel ;  4.  of  the  inheritance 
prepared  for  his  chosen,  in  the  heavenly  Canaan,  by  his  own  ascension 
thither;  which,  5.  is  described  under  ima^^cs  borrowed  from  the  ascent 
of  the  ark  into  the  holy  city  and  tempic;  an  occasion  on  which  the  Ps.ilm 
was  probably  composed.  6,  7.  He  again  and  again  exhorts  all  people 
to  sing  the  praises  of  their  God  and  King,  and  to  sing  with  the  under- 
standing, as  well  as  with  the  voice.  8,  9.  The  Psalm  concludes  with 
predicting  the  establishment  of  Christ's  kingdom,  and  the  conversion  of 
the  Gentile  kings  and  nations  to  the  faith. 

1.  O  clap  your  hands,  all  ye  people  ;  shout  unto  God  with  the 
voice  of  triumph. 

The  prophet  invites  all  nations  to  celebrate  the  festival  of  Mes- 
siah's exaltation,  because  all  nations  had  a  share  in  the  benefits 


216  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XLVU. 

and  blessings  of  that  glorious  day.  God  is  to  be  worshipped  with 
bodily,  as  well  as  spiritual  worship:  every  "hand"  should  be 
lifted  up  to  hiin  who  formed  it,  and  every  "  mouth"'  should  praise 
him  who  givetli  breath  for  that  purpose. 

2.  For  the  Lord  most  high  is  terrible  ;  he  is  a  great  King  over 
all  the  earth. 

The  church  celebrates  the  ascension  of  Christ,  because  then 
he  was  "highly  exalted;"  then  he  became  "terrible"  to  his  ene- 
mies, all  power  in  heaven  and  in  earth  being  committed  to  him ; 
and  then  he  began  to  display  the  excellent  majesty  of  his  univer- 
sal kingdom,  to  which  he  was  then  inaugurated,  being  crowned 
"  King  of  icings,  and  Lord  of  lords." 

3.  He  shall  subdue  the  people  under  us,  and  the  nations  under 
our  feet. 

The  consequence  of  our  Lord's  ascension  was  the  going  forth 
of  the  all-subduing  word,  under  the  influence  and  direction  of  which 
the  convinced  and  converted  nations  renounced  their  idols  and 
their  lusts,  and  bowed  their  willing  necks  to  the  yoke  of  Jesus. 
This  is  that  great  conquest,  foreshowed  by  the  victories  of  Joshua, 
David,  and  all  the  faithful  heroes  of  old  time,  and  foretold  in  lan- 
guage borrowed  from  their  histories. 

4.  He  shall  choose  our  inheritance  fur  us,  the  excellency  of  Ja- 
cob lohom  he  loved. 

The  land  of  Canaan,  emphatically  styled  "that  good  land,  and 
the  glory  of  all  lands,"  was  the  "excellent  inheritance,"  chosen 
for  the  sons  of  Jacob,  and  consigned  to  them  upon  the  expulsion 
of  the  idolatrous  nations.  But  from  that  inheritance  Israel  also 
hatli  long  since  been  expelled:  and  Christians,  by  these  words, 
are  taught  to  look  to  "  an  inheritance  eternal,  and  incorruptible, 
and  that  fadeth  not  away  :"'  to  those  happy  and  enduring  mansions 
which  the  Son  of  God  is  gone  to  prepare  for  them  that  love  him, 
and  are  beloved  of  him. 

C'.  God  is  gone  up  with  a  shout,  the  Lord  with  the  sound  of  a 
trumpet. 

Literally,  if  applied  to  the  ark,  as  bishop  Patrick  para})]irases 
the  verse,  "  God  is  gone  up,  by  the  special  token  of  his  presence, 
into  that  holy  place,  with  shouts  of  joy  and  praise;  the  Lord  is 
gone  up  in  a  triumphant  pomp  with  the  sound  of  the  trumpet,  and 
all  other  instruments  of  music.'"  See  2  Sam.  vi.  f).  15.  2  Chron. 
V.  2.  12,  &c.  Psalm  cxxxii.  8,  9.  But  spiritually,  as  applied  now 
by  the  Christian  church,  to  the  ascension  of  Christ  into  heaven, 
prefigured  by  that  of  llie  ark  into  tiie  temple — (iod  incarniite  is 
gone  up  into  that  holy  place  not  made  with  hands;  the  everlast- 


Day  IX.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  217 

ing  doors  of  heaven  arc  oponod  for  the  Kinc;  of  dory  to  enter  and 
repossess  his  ancient  throne;  there  he  is  received  hy  the  united 
acchiniations  of  the  celestial  armies,  by  that  "  shout,"  that  '•  voice 
of  the  archangel,  and  that  trump  of  God,"  which  are  to  sound 
again,  in  the  day  when  he  shall  ''  so  come,  in  like  manner,  as  he 
went  into  heaven."* 

6.  Sing  prdiscsto  God,  sing  praises:  sing  praises  unto  our 
King,  sing  praises.  J.  Fur  (iod  is  the  King  of  all  the  earth: 
sing  ye  praises  with  understanding. 

Who  can  contemplate  the  t>luriinis  triumph  of  human  nature  over 
its  enemies,  in  the  person  of  our  King,  risen  and  ascended,  without 
finditig  himself  constrained  to  break  forth  into  joy,  and  to  sing  with 
a  thankful  heait,  and  an  elevated  voice,  the  praises  due  unto  his 
holy  name !  These  divine  hymns  were  designed  for  that  purpose. 
Let  us  therefore  sing  them,  and  let  us  sing  them  "  with  understand- 
ing;"' considering  by  whom  they  were  indited,  and  of  whom  they 
treat;  reflecting  that  the  eternal  Spirit  is  their  author,  and  their 
subject  the  blessed  Jesus. 

8.  God  reigncth  over  the  heathen :  God  sitteth  upon  the  throne 
of  his  holiness. 

We  are  never  suflered  to  forget,  that  the  end  of  Messiah's  exalta- 
tion to  the  right  hand  of  the  Majesty  in  the  heavens,  was  the  con- 
version and  salvation  of  the  world;  so  continually  do  the  prophets 
and  apostles  delight  to  dwell  upon  that  most  interesting  topic,  the 
conversion  of  the  "nations'  to  the  Gospel  of  Christ.  Why  do  we 
vainly  fancy  that  we  belong  to  Him,  unless  his  Spirit  "  reign"  in 
our  hearts  by  faith  ? 

9.  The  princes  of  the  people  arc  gathered  together,  even  the 
people  of  the  God  of  Abraham  ;  for  the  shields  of  the  earth  be- 
long unto  God :  he  is  greath/  exalted. 

This  verse  plainly  describeth  the  kings  of  the  Gentiles  as  acce- 
ding to  the  church;  as  becoming,  with  their  subjects,  through  faith, 
"  the  people  of  the  God  of  Abraham,"  and  a  part  of  the  sacred 
peculium;  as  submitting  to  God  in  Christ  that  power  with  which 
they  were  invested,  as  "shields  of  the  earth,"  or  protectors  of  their 
several  kingdoms;  and  as  bowing  their  sceptres  to  the  cross  of 
Jesus.t     The  sense  of  the  verse,  expressed  in  New  Testament 

*  "  Ascendit  Deus" — Ascendit  area  in  Jeiusalem  cum  cantu.  Prophetice, 
ascendit  Christus  in  coilum.     Bossutl. 

t  This  latter  part  of  the  verse  is  differently  explained  by  the  Rov.  Mr 
Merrick,  in  his  poetical  paraphrase  of  this  psalm — 
For  he,  whose  hands,  ainiil  the  skies, 

Th'  eternal  scejitre  wield. 
To  earth's  whole  rare  his  care  applies, 
Anit  o'er  them  Kureads  his  shieltl- 

28 


218  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XLVIII. 

language,  would  be,  "  The  kingdoms  of  this  world  are  become  the 
kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ,  and  he  shall  reign  for 
ever  and  ever."  So  let  every  nation  be  converted  unto  tiiee,  O 
Lord;  and  every  king  become  thy  son  and  servant;  until  all  the 
world  shall  worship  thee,  sing  of  thee,  and  praise  thy  name ! 


PSALM  XLVin. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm  is  one  of  those  which  by  our  church  are  appointed  to  be  used 
on  Whilsunday,  because,  under  imag:es  taken  from  the  earthly  city  Jeru- 
salem, newly  rescued  from  her  enemies  by  him  who  resided  in  the  mate- 
rial temple  on  mount  Zion,  are  celebrated,  1,  2,  3.  the  glory,  the  beauty, 
and  the  strength  of  the  clnuch  Christian,  that  city  and  temple  of  Mes- 
siah ;  who,  4 — 7.  is  described  as  breaking  in  pieces,  and  bringing  to  no- 
thing, the  opposition  foimed  against  her  by  the  heathen  kings  and  empe- 
rors; on  which  account,  8 — 11.  she  expresseth  her  gratitude  and  joy; 
12 — 14.  exhorting  her  people  to  contemplate,  and  transmit  to  posterity  an 
account  of  those  wonderful  works  of  God,  the  establishment  and  preser- 
vation of  his  church  in  the  world;  for  which  she  wishes  all  generations 
after  her  example  to  adore  and  praise  his  holy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

1.  Great  is  tJie  Lord,  and  greatly  to  he  -praised  in  the  city  of 
our  God,  in  tlie  mountain  of  his  holiness. 

The  prophet  prej)aring  to  celebrate  the  beauty  and  magnificence 
of  the  church,  begins  with  setting  forth  the  praises  of  her  great 
Founder :  whose  wisdom,  mercy,  and  power,  as  they  are  conspicu- 
ous in  all  his  works,  so,  more  especially,  in  this,  the  chief  and  crown 
of  all;  for  which,  his  name  can  never  be  sufficiently  extolled  by 
the  inhabitants  of  the  new  Jerusalem;  and  by  them  it  ought  to  be 
extolled  for  ever  and  ever. 

2.  Beautiful  for  situation,  the  joy  of  the  whole  earth,  is  mount 
Zion;  on  the  sides  of  the  north,  the  city  of  the  great  King. 

How  "  beautiful"  is  the  holy  and  heavenly  Zion,  or  the  Chris- 
tian church;  how  truly  is  she  "  the  joy  of  the  whole  earth,"  by  the 
glad  tidings  which  her  ministers  continually  publish ;  how  properly 
is  this  Jerusalem  styled,  "  the  city  of  the  great  King!" 

3.  God  is  knoum  in  her  palaces  for  a  refuge. 

The  great  Founder  of  the  church  is  also  her  protector  and  de- 
fender; the  dependence  of  the  new  Jerusalem,  like  that  of  the  old, 
is  not  in  man,  or  in  the  arm  of  llesh,  but  in  the  (iod  who  residoth 
in  the  midst  of  her.  For,  surely,  unless  he  kept  the  holy  city,  the 
watchmen  in  the  towers  would  wake  but  in  vain. 

4.  For,  lo,  the  kings  were  assembled,  they  2)assed  by  together. 
Never  were  the  power  and  malice  of  earthly  princes  more  vio- 


Day  IX.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  219 

lenlly  bent  to  hinder  the  buildins;  of  Jerusalem,  or  to  piill  down 
what  was  al  eady  buiU,  than  they  were  to  prevent  tlie  ediricatioa 
of  the  church,  and  to  root  up  its  foundations.  But  the  eveut  with 
ree^ird  to  the  latter,  was  the  same  which  had  often  happened,  in 
tlie  case  of  tiie  former. 

.0.  Theij  saw  it,  and  so  thci/  mnrrcUrd ;  thrii  were  troubled,  and 
hasted  away.  6.  Fear  took  hold  upon  them  there,  and  pain,  as  of 
a  woman  in  travail.  # 

The  potentates  of  the  world  saw  the  miracles  of  the  a|)ostles,  the 
couraeje  and  constancy  of  the  martyrs,  and  the  daily  increase  of  the 
church:  notwithstanding  all  their  persecutions;  they  beheld  with 
astonishment  the  ra|)id  progress  of  the  faith  through  tiie  Roman 
empire;  they  called  upon  their  gods,  but  their  gods  could  not  help 
themselves;  idolatry  expired  at  the  foot  of  the  victorious  cross,  and 
the  power  which  supported  it,  became  CunisTiAX. 

7.  Tknu  brcakesi  the  ships  of  Tarshish  with  an  east  wind. 

In  the  foregoing  verse,  the  consternation  amongst  the  enemies  of 
the  church  was  compared  to  the  horrors  of  a  travailing  woman; 
here  it  is  likened  to  the  apprehensions  of  despairing  mariners. 
Nor  indeed  can  any  thing  in  nature  more  fitly  represent  the  over- 
throw of  heathenism  by  the  spirit  of  the  Gospel,  than  the  wreck 
of  a  fleet  of  sliips  in  a  storm  at  sea.  Both  are  effected  by  the 
mighty  power  of  God.* 

8.  yis  we  haw  heard,  so  have  ive  seen  in  the  city  of  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  in  the  city  of  our  God:   God  will  establish  it  for  ever. 

The  church  heard,  by  the  prophets,  of  the  future  birth,  hfe,  death, 
resurrection,  and  ascension  of  Messiah  ;  of  the  effusion  of  the  Spi- 
rit, and  her  own  enlaigement,  establishment  and  preservation,  in 
the  Gentile  world.  These  predictions,  which  she  had  so  often 
"  heard,"  she  hath  "  seen"  accomplished,  even  unto  this  day  ;l 
and  therefore  doubts  not  of  God's  continuing  his  favour  and  pro- 
tection to  the  end  of  time. 

*  Scnsiis  est :  qualis  ventus  vehemens  conterit  naves  magni  maris,  talis 
ost  Dei  vis  tuentis  Jerusalem,  ct  hostilem  excrcilum  tlissipuntis.  Bossuet. 
Illustrations  of  this  kind  are  sometimes  introiluccd,  by  the  sacred  writers, 
with  the  mark  of  comparison  frequently,  as  here,  without  it.  The  mean- 
ing evidently  is,  that  as  the  east  wind  shatters  in  pieces  the  sliips  of  Tar- 
shish, so  the  Divine  power  struck  the  heathen  kings  with  terror  and  asto- 
nishment. 

t  "  Sicnt  audivimus" — Prophetia  Isaiae  videtur  hie  notari :  sensusque  est; 
sicut  audivimus  ab  Isaia  propheiatuin,  fore  nt  obsidio^niribiliter  solveretur, 
ac  Sennacherabi  Dux  Ral»sares,  ejusque  exercitus  ca-deretur,  sic  inipletum 
vidimus.  Isa.  xxxvii.  21.  2  Reg.  xix.  20.  Qua  fi{?ura  ctelestis  Jerusalem 
iiiroljE  ct  ipsi  canunt,  "  sicut  audivimus,'  ex  auditu  fidei,  Gal.  iii.  25.  "sic 
vidimus,"  jam  sublato  velo,  at(|ue  aperta  Dei  facie.  "  Deus  (undavit  eani  /' 
nihil  habet  metuendum,  tanto  exempta  periculo.  Prophetice,  de  Ecclcsia, 
(undata  super  patram,  ideoque  inconcussa.  Matt.  xvi.  18.     Bossuet. 


220  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XLVIII. 

9.  We  have  thought  of,  or,  wr  wait  insilnce  and  patience  for, 
thy  loi^ing-kindness,  .0  God,  in  the  midst  of  thy  t'  mple. 

ContemplatioH  of  all  the  wondrous  works,  which  the  Lord  our 
God  hfith  wrought  for  us,  produces  faitli  in  his  promises,  and  resig- 
nation to  Ills  will :  and  he  that,  with  these  dispositions,  waits  for 
God's  mercies,  in  God's  house,  shall  not  wait  in  vain. 

10.  According  to  thy  name,  O  God,  so  is  thy  praise  vnto  the 
ends  of  the  earth  :  thy  right  hand  iitfi^ll  of  righteousness. 

Wherever  the  name  of  God  is  known,  and  his  works  are  de- 
clared, there  the  sacrifite  of  praise  must  needs  be  offered  to  him, 
bv  men,  who  are  mailf"  sensible  of  his  mercies  towards  them  :  and 
the  day  is  coming,  when  all  the  world  shall  be  forced  to  acknow- 
ledge, that  his  "  right  hand  is  full  of  righteousness,"  and  his  judg- 
ments are  just. 

11.  Let  mount  Zion  rejoice,  let  the  daughters  of  Jxidah  he  glad, 
because  of  thy  judgments. 

The  church,  and  all  her  children,  are  exhorted  to  rejoice,  with 
joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory,  on  account  of  the  manifestation 
of  divine  power  on  her  behalf,  against  her  enemies.  Thus,  at  the 
fall  of  the  mystic  Babylon,  it  is  said — "  Rejoice  over  her,  thou 
heaven,  and  ye  holy  apostles  and  [)rophets,  for  God  hath  avenged 
you  on  her,"  Rev.  xviii.  20. 

12.  IFalk  about  Zion,  and  go  round  atmut  her :  tell  the  totcers 
thereof.  13.  Mark  ye  tvell  her  bulwarks,  consider  her  palaces  ; 
that  ye  may  tell  it  to  the  generations  foUmving. 

Christians  are  here  enjoined  to  contemplate,  again  and  again 
continually,  the  fabric  of  the  spiritual  Jerusalem,  wonderfully 
raised  and  as  wonderfully  preserved;  to  consider  attentively  the 
parts  designed  for  use,  for  strength,  for  ornament;  that  they  may 
be  able  to  instruct  posterity  in  the  nature  and  history  of  this  holy 
building,  and  in  their  duty  of  forwarding  and  defending  the  same 
from  generation  to  generation. 

14.  For  this  God  is  our  God  for  ever  and  ever  ;  he  will  be  our 
giiide  even  unto  death. 

Let  the  world  worship  whom  or  what  it  will,  we  worship  none 
other  but  Him,  who,  by  his  Spirit,  founded,  and,  by  his  power, 
prescrveth  the  church ;  who,  by  that  Spirit,  "  guideth"  us  through 
life,  and  by  that  power,  will  enable  us  to  overcome  "  death  ;"*  that 
so  we  may  rejoice,  and  triumj)h  for  evermore,  as  citizens  of  the  city 
of  God,  and  subjects  of  the  King  of  glory. 

*  "  This  GoJ  will  be  our  God  to  all  eternity,  and  (by  that  power  which  he 
has  already  exerted  in  our  protection)  will  conduct  us  through  life  with 
safety."    Merrick. 


Day  IX.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALxMS.  221 


PSALM  XLIX. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  prophet  after  a  solemn  introduction,  1 — 4.  in  which  the  whole  world 
is  called  upon,  to  hear  a  lesson  of  divine  wisdom,  5.  proposes  tlie  sub- 
ject in  a  question,  implying  the  great  folly  of  yielding  to  the  temptation 
of  fear,  in  the  time  of  affliction  and  persecution,  wiien  the  rich  and  the 
powerful  are  in  arms  against  the  innocent  and  righteous  sufferer;  inas- 
much as,  6 — 9.  no  man,  by  his  riches  or  power,  can  redeem  his  brother,  or 
himself,  in  the  evil  day  ;  but,  10,  wise  and  foolish  die,  and  leave  their  es- 
tates to  others;  and,  11 — 13.  notwithstanding  all  their  care  and  pains, 
are  soon  fugotten,  while  they  are  detained  by  death  in  the  grave,  till  they 
rise  to  judgment  and  condemnation.  On  the  other  hand,  the  prophet,  in 
the  person  of  Messiah,  15.  declares  his  faith  in  a  joyful  rcsun-ection  to  life 
and  ^lorV;  through  the  power  of  Jehovah  ;  and  1(5 — 20.  exhorts  believers, 
neither  to  fear  nor  envy  the  man  of  the  world,  considering  what  his  latter 
end  is  to  be. 

1.  Hear  this,  all  ye  people  ;  give  ear,  all  ye  inhabitants  of  the. 
tcorld:  2.  Both  low  and  high,  rich  and  poor,  together. 

This  Psalni  opens  with  great  dignity,  and  the  prophet  speaks 
"  as  one  having  autlvority."  He  demands  an  audience,  like  that 
which  is  to  be  assembled  at  the  last  day;  having  something  to  de- 
liver, which  is  very  miiversally  important  and  interesting;  some- 
thing which  concerns  every  age,  and  condition,  and  nation,  under 
heaven.  And  we  may  observe,  that  although  the  sound  of  this 
Pisalm,  when  first  uttered,  could  be  heard  only  within  the  confines 
of  Judea,  yet  the  knowledge  of  it  hath  since  actually  been  diffused 
in  the  Christian  church,  throughout  the  world,  from  the  rising  to 
the  setting  sun.  But  how  few,  alas,  have  duly  attended  to  the  sa- 
lutary lesson,  which  it  so  divinely  teacheth  ! 

3.  My  month  shall  speak  of  wisdom;  and  the  meditation  of  my 
heart  shall  be  of  understanding. 

At  the  call  of  folly,  what  multitudes  are  always  ready  to  assemble ! 
But  Wisdom,  eternal  and  essential  Wisdom,  crieth  without;  she 
lifteth  up  her  voice  in  the  streets :  and  who  is  at  leisure  to  attend 
her  heavenly  lectures  ?  The  "  mouth"  of  Jesus  always  "  spake  of 
wisdom;"  but  few  regarded  him:  the  "  meditation  of  his  heart" 
was  ever  "  of  understanding;"  but  it  was  accounvpd  madness. 

4.  I  will  incline  mine  ear  to  a  parable ;  I  will  open  my  dark 
saying  upon  the  harp. 

In  the  promulgation  of  wisdom  and  understanding  to  the  world, 
the  prophet,  as  the  faithful  scribe  of  the  Spirit,  was  to  speak  only 
what  he  should  hear,  by  "  inclining  his  ear"  to  his  divine  Teaclier; 
he  was  to  speak  in  the  way  of  "  parable,  or  proverb,  or  problem," 


222  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XLIX. 

that  is,  in  such  a  way,  as  should  require  study  and  diligence,  to  un- 
fold and  explain ;  in  such  a  way,  as  the  world  is  not  inclined  to 
understand,  or  listen  to;  as  our  Lord  delivered  his  doctrines  when 
on  earth.  And,  that  melody  might  serve  as  a  vehicle  for  instruction, 
this  important  lesson  was  to  be  set  to  music,  and  played  upon  the 
harp. 

5.  Wherefore  should  I  fear  in  the  days  of  evil,  when  the  iniquity 
of  my  heels  shall  compass  me  about. 

The  iniquity  of  my  heels,  says  Bishop  Lowth,  is  hardly  sense. 
Suppose  '2pi?  to  be  not  a  noun,  but  the  present  participle  of  the  verb ; 
it  will  then  be,  "  The  wickedness  of  those  that  lie  in  wait  for 
me,"  or,  "  endeavour  to  supplant  me."  Bishop  Hare  likewise,  as 
Mr.  Merrick  has  observed,  translates  ap;;  "insidiantium  mihi." 
I  had  at  first  given  another  turn  to  the  Psalmist's  question,  and, 
by  "  the  inqiuity  of  my  heels"  had  understood  to  be  meant,  "  the 
iniquity  of  my  footsteps,"  that  is,  "  my  goings  or  ways;"  (  jpj?  be- 
ing used  for  footsteps.  Psalm  Ivi.  7.  and  Cant.  i.  8.)  as  it  had  been 
said — Why,  for  the  sake  of  procuring  riches,  or  power,  should  I 
bring  fear  and  anguish  upon  myself;  in  that  hour,  when  my  sins 
will  find  me  out,  and  neither  riches  nor  power  can  deliver  me  from 
the  punishment  due  to  them?  Thus  Bossuetand  Mudge  understood 
the  verse.  But  I  am  clear,  that  bishop  Lowth's  idea  is  the  true 
one;  and  then  the  purport  of  the  question  is  plainly  this— Why 
should  I  give  way  to  fear  and  despondency,  in  the  time  of  calamity, 
when  the  wickedness  of  my  wealtliy  and  powerful  adversaries  com- 
passes me  about,  to  supplant  and  overthrow  me  r 

6.  They  that  trust  in  their  wealth,  and  boast  themselves  in  the 
multitude  of  their  riches  ;  7-  None  of  them  can  by  any  means  re- 
deexi  his  brother,  nor  give  to  God  a  ransom  for  him  ;  8.  {For  the 
redemption  of  their  soul  is  precious,  and  it  ceasethfor  ever;)  9. 
Tliat  he  should  still  live  for  ever,  and  7iot  see  corruption. 

In  this  world,  as  the  wise  man  observeth,  Eccles.  x.  ly.  "  mo- 
ney answereth  all  things;"  and  therefore,  worldly  men  place  their 
trust  and  confidence  in  it;  but,  in  "  the  evil  day,"  riches  shall  not 
be  found;  nor,  if  they  could  be  found,  would  they  avail  any  thing 
towards  eternal  salvation.  For,  "  what  shall  a  man  give  in  ex- 
change for  his  soul  ?"  sahh  one,  who  best  knew  the  value  of  souls; 
as  he  paid  the  price  of  that  precious  redemption,  which  otherwise 
must  have  "  ceased  for  ever,"  when  he  suflered  for  us  on  the  cross, 
and  arose  on  the  third  day  to  life  and  immortality,  without  seeing 
corruption.* 

*  lios  versus  ad  Christum  patrcs  refcrunt,  ut  scnsus  sit,  nemo  purus  ho- 
mo fiatrem  redimit,  sed  tanluin  ille  homo  rjui  etiam  Deus  est.     Meinorant 


Day  IX.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  223 

10.  Fur  he  secth  that  wise  incn  die,  lilccwise  the  fool  and  the 
brutish  person  perish,  and  leave  their  wealth  to  others. 

The  inabihty  of  man  to  save  iiis  brother  or  liiinself  from  ikath, 
is  evinced  by  daily  oxijerience,  which  showeth  us,  that  the  penaky 
due  to  sin  is  continually  levied  upon  all:  wisdom  and  folly  go 
down  into  the  dust  together;  "  and  then,  whose  shall  those  things 
be,  which  have  been  provided?"  Lukexii.  20.  Their  possessions 
come  into  the  liands  of  others,  perhaps  for  those  for  whom  they  had 
never  inteniled  them,  and  who  have  neither  inclination  nor  ability 
to  do  the  dead  man  any  service. 

11.  Their  inward  thought  is,  that  their  houses  shall  continueybr 
ever,  and  their  dwelling-places  to  all  generations  :  they  call  their 
land^  after  their  oicn  names. 

Various  are  the  contrivances  of  vmn  men,  to  have  their  names 
written  on  earth,  and  to  procure,  after  their  deaths,  an  imaginary 
immortality,  for  themselves  and  their  families,  in  the  memory  and 
conversation  of  posterity;  which  is  not  often  obtained;  and  if  ob- 
tained, is  of  no  value;  when,  with  less  trouble,  they  might  have  had 
their  names  written  in  heaven,  and  have  secured  to  themselves  a 
blessed  immortality,  in  the  glorious  kingdom  of  their  Redeemer. 

12.  Nevertheless,  man  being  in  honour,  abideth  not :  he  is  like 
the  beasts  that  perish. 

The  continuance  of  a  man  in  the  world  is  as  that  of  a  traveller 
at  an  inn,  who  tarrieth  but  for  a  night;  so  that  if  honour  and 
wealth  do  not  soon  leave  him,  he  must  soon  leave  them,  and  like 
the  brutes  around  him,  return  to  his  earth,  never  more  to  be  seen, 
and  little  more  to  be  thought  of.*  Families  decay,  and  are  extin- 
guished, as  well  as  individuals ;  and  the  world  itself  is  to  perish 
after  the  same  example.  That  such  beings,  in  such  a  place,  should 
think  of  becoming  glorious  and  immortal ! 

13.  This  their  way  is  their  folly ;  yettheir  posterity  approve 
their  sayings. 

The  practice  of  labouring  to  acquire  wealth  and  greatness,  which 
can  be  of  no  service  after  death,  and  of  endeavouring  to  perpetuate 
the  possession  of  the  most  uncertain  things  in  nature,  is  doubtless 
a  folly  ;  l)ut  it  is  a  folly  which,  like  many  others,  is  at  once  blamed 
and  imitated. 

etiatn  interpretcs  R.  Rlosen  Ila/ardan,  qui  verba  ha;c  dc  Rcge  Messiu  in- 
tclliffit,  que  pro  redcinptimie  rradum  niortuus,  postca  in  aeternuin  vival,  utj 
pra-dktum  est  ab  Isaia,  liii.  lU.     Bossuet. 

*  '•  Comparatus  est  jumciuis  ;"  quoad  temporalia,  niliil  liabct  ainpliii«4 
atquc  omniu9  instar  jumenti  est,  nisi  jytcrna.  tncditatnr      finr^uef 


224  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XLIX. 

14.  Like  sheep  they,  or,  that,  are  laid  in  the  grave;  death  shall 
feed  on  them  ;  and  the  upright  shall  have  dominion  over  them  in 
the  morning ;  and  their  beauty  shall  consume  in  the  grave  from 
their  dwelling. 

The  high  and  mighty  ones  of  the  earth,  who  cause  people  to 
fear,  and  nations  to  tremble  around  them,  must  one  day  crowd  the 
grave ;  in  niuhitude  and  impotence,  though  not  in  innocence,  re- 
semloling  sheep,  driven  and  confined  by  the  butcher  in  his  house 
of  slaughter.  There  death,  that  ravening  wolf,  shall  feed  sweetly 
on  them,  and  devour  his  long-expected  prey  in  silence  and  dark- 
ness, until  the  glorious  morning  of  the  resurrection  dawn;  when 
the  once  oppressed  and  afHicted  righteous,  risen  from  the  dead,  and 
sitting  with  their  Lord  in  judgment,  shall  have  the  dominion  over 
their  cruel  and  insulting  enemies;  whose  faded  beauty,  withered 
strength,  and  departed  glory,  shall  display  to  men  and  angels  the- 
vanity  of  that  confidence  which  is  not  placed  in  God. 

15.  But  God  will  redeem  my  soul,  or,  animal  frame,  from  the 
potoer  of  the  grave :  for  he  shall  receive  me. 

The  righteous,  as  well  as  the  wicked,  descend  into  the  grave ; 
to  the  bodies  of  the  former  it  is  a  resting-place,  as  the  prison  was 
to  St.  Peter,  till  the  angel  of  the  Lord  shall  awaken  them,  and 
call  them  forth ;  while  to  the  latter  it  is  a  condemned  hold,  from 
which,  at  the  appointed  day,  they  are  to  be  dragged  to  execution.* 
The  prophet  here  expresseth  a  full  and  firm  faith  in  the  resurrec- 
tion ;  and  may  be  conceived  as  speaking  in  the  person  of  Him  who 
was  first  redeemed  from  the  grave,  and  accepted  by  the  Father; 
who  did  not  "  despond  in  the  days  of  evil,  and  when  the  wicked- 
ness of  his  supplanters  compassed  him  about;"  as  foreseeing  their 
speedy  destruction,  and  his  own  approaching  resurrection  and  ex- 
altation. And  therefore,  he  thus  exhorts  each  disciple  of  his  in  the 
subsequent  verses  of  our  Psalm. 

IG.  Be  not  thou  afraid  when  one  is  made  rich;  when  the  glory 
of  his  house  is  increased.  IJ.  For  tvhen  he  dieth  he  shall  carry  no- 
thing away  ;  his  glory  shall  not  descend  after  him. 

This  is  the  conclusion  of  the  Psalm,  naturally  following  from 
the  premises;  and  addressed,  by  way  of  exhortation  and  comfort, 
to  the  meek  and  humble  disciples  of  the  Lamb;  directing  them  to 
fear  God,  who  is  able  to  destroy  both  soul  and  body  in  hell,  nnd 

"  Impiorum  inanitate  dcspccta,  assurgit  sn\  bonos  in  Dciini  sporantes, 
quorum  Dous  nniniain  ab  iiiieris  rediiuit,  cum  a  scpulchio  assuinptos  atl 
vitani  ajtcniain  traiisfort.  Alioqui,  noqtie  qui  sjierat  in  Dmnino  piu>  rcli- 
quis  haberct,  ncquc  prcelationi  rcsponderet  hujus  Psalmi  doctvina.     Bos.iucl. 


Day  IX.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  225 

not  to  be  afraid  of  the  short-lived  power,  conferred  in  this  world 
by  weahh  over  the  body  only.  For  this  purpose,  nothing  is  reijui- 
site,  but  to  strip  the  worldling  of  the  pomp  and  parade,  the  con- 
nexions and  relations  of  life,  and  to  consider  him,  as  he  is  to  apjiear 
on  the  day  of  his  burial;  when  nothing  shall  attend  him.  but  iiis 
shroud  to  the  grave,  and  his  works  to  the  judgment-seat.  View 
him  in  this  light,  which  is  the  proper  light  to  view  him  in,  and  he 
will  cease  to  be  the  object  of  fear  or  envy. 

18.  Though  irhilc  he  lived  he  blessed  his  soid,  [and  men  will 
praise  thee  when  i'tou  doest  well  to  thyself.) 

Such  must  be  the  worldling's  end,  as  described  above,  however, 
in  the  day  of  health  and  prosperity,  he  may  bless  himself,  and  say, 
"  Soul,  thou  hast  goods  laid  up  for  many  years ;  take  thine  ease, 
eat,  drink,  and  be  merry.*'  Nor  will  such  a  speech,  whenever  it 
is  spoken,  want  its  admirers:  it  will  have  the  applause  of  numbers, 
whose  opinion  it  is,  that  "there  is  nothing  better  for  a  man,  than 
that  he  should  eat,  and  drink,  and  enjoy  himself,  all  the  days  of 
his  life  which  God  giveth  him  under  the  sun." 

19-  He  shall  go  to  the  generation  of  his  fathers  ;  the ij  shall 
never  see  light. 

They  who  follow  their  fathers  in  sin,  must  follow  them  likewise 
into  the  torments  of  that  sad  place,  where  darkness  has  fixed  its 
everlasting  abode,  for  the  reception  of  those  who  ever  loved  and 
embraced  it;  and  where  the  light  of  life  and  salvation  no  longer 
visits  those  who  always  hated  and  rejected  it. 

20.  Man  that  is  in  honour,  and  understandeth  not,  is  like  the 
beasts  that  p>  rish. 

The  sum  of  the  whole  matter  is,  that  it  can  profit  a  man  nothing 
to  gain  the  whole  world ;  to  bi^come  possessed  of  all  its  wealth,  and 
all  its  power ;  if,  after  all,  he  lose  his  own  soul,  and  be  cast  away, 
for  want  of  that  holy  and  heavenly  wisdom,  which  distinguishes 
him  from  the  brutes,  and  sets  him  above  them,  in  his  life,  and  at 
his  death. 


29 


A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  L 

TENTH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  L. 


This  Psalm  presents  us  with  a  magnificent  description,  1,  2.  of  the  promul- 
gation of  the  Gospel,  followed,  3,  4.  by  a  prediction  of  the  terrible  manner 
of  God's  coming  to  judge  the  apostate  people  of  Israel;*  5,  6.  of  the 
assembly  to  be  present,  and  his  appeal  to  men  and  angels;  7 — 13.  the 
rejection  of  the  legal,  and,  14,  15.  the  establishment  of  the  Christian  wor- 
ship and  services;  16 — 20.  the  impenitent  Jews  are  arraigned,  and,  21 
threatened,  and,  22.  exhorted  to  consider,  to  repent,  and,  23.  to  embrace 
the  evangelical,  or  spiritual  religion.  It  is  to  be  observed,  that  in  this 
Psalm,  as  in  our  Lord's  discourse  on  the  same  subject,  the  particular  judg- 
ment of  Jerusalem  is  a  figure  and  specimen  of  the  last  general  judgment. 
Hypocritical  and  wicked  Christians  are  therefore  to  apply  to  themselves 
what  is  primarily  addressed  to  their  elder  brethren,  the  unbelieving  and 
rebellious  sons  of  faithful  and  obedient  Abraham. 

1.  The  miglity  God,  even  the  Lord,  hath  spoken,  and  called  the 
earth,  from  the  rising  of  the  sun  unto  the  going  down  thereof 

"God,  who  at  sundry  times,  and  in  divers  manners,  spake  in  time 
past  unto  the  fathers  by  the  prophets,  hath  in  these  l.ist  days  spoken 
unto  us  by  his  Son,"  Heb.  i.  1.  The  everlasting  Gospel  hath  made 
its  glorious  progress  from  the  eastern  to  the  western  world;  and  the 
nations  have  been  thereby  called  to  repentance. 

2.  Out  of  Zinn,  tlte  perfection  ofheauty,  God  hath  shined. 
The  law  which  was  given  by  Moses,  proceeded  from  Sinai,  the 

mount  of  fear  and  horror ;  but  the  word  of  grace  and  trudi  which 
came  by  Jesus  Christ,  issued  forth  from  Sion,  the  chosen  mountain 
of  beauty  and  excellency,  in  Jerusalem.     There  that  glory  first 

*  Such  is  the  general  idea  entertained  of  this  Psalm,  by  the  best  Chris- 
tian expositors,  cited  in  Poole's  Synopsis,  where  we  are  likewise  informed, 
that  the  Jewish  Rabbies  alfirm  (he  subject  of  it  to  be  '•  tliat  judgment, 
which  will  be  executed  in  the  days  of  Messiah" — ignorant,  alas,  that  they 
themselves,  and  their  peo])le,  are  now  become  the  unhappy  objects  of  that 
judgment — "  Psalmi  quinquagesimi  argumcntum  est  ex  genore  Didactico 
ad  moralem  Theologiam  pertinens,  grave  imprimis  et  fructuosum :  Deo  ni- 
mirum  non  placere  Sacrificia  et  externos  ritus  religionis,  sed  sinceram  po- 
tius  pietatem,  laudesque  ex  grato  animo  profluentes  ;  neque  vero  has  ipsas 
pietates  significationes,  sine  justitia  caterisquc  virtutibus.  Ila  duas  liabet 
partes;  primo  arguitur  cultor  pins  quidcm,  sed  ignarus  et  .superstitioni  ob- 
noxius;  deinde  improbus  ])ietatis  simulator.  Si  totum  hujusce  Odre  appa- 
ratum  et  quasi  scenam  contcmplamur,  nihil  facile  potest  esse  magnificen- 
tius.  Deus  universum  genus  humanum  solenni  edicto  convocat,  ut  de  po- 
pulo  suo  judicium  publice  exerceat ;  ponitur  in  Sione  augustum  Tribunal : 
depingitur  Dei  advenientis  majcstas  imaginibus  a  dcsccnsu  in  montem  Si- 
nam  petitis:  Calum  et  Terra  invocantur  Diviiicejustitiie  testes:  tum  demum 
indue itur  Dei  ipsius  sentontiam  dicentis  augustissima  persona,  per  reli<|uain 
Oden  continuafa;  unde  cum  ca>tcris  ejus  partibus  admirabilis  ilia  exordii 
majestas  et  splendor  conumniicatur."     Loivtii,  Prcr.led.  xxvii.  ad  init. 


Day  X.  INI.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  227 

arose  and  shone,  which,  like  the  Ught  of  heaven,  soon  difiused  it- 
self abroad  over  the  face  of  the  wliolo  earth. 

3.  Our  God  shall  come,  and  s/iall  not  keep  silence  :  afire  shall 
devour  before  hint,  and  it  shall  be  very  tempestuous  round  about 
him. 

The  prophet,  liaving  described  llie  fust  advent  of  Christ,  and 
the  promulgation  of  the  Gospel,  now  foretelleth  his  coming  to  take 
vengoance  on  the  hypocritical  Jews ;  as  also,  his  advent  to  judge 
the  world  prefigured  thereby.  Upon  both  those  occasions,  his 
coming  was  to  be  with  sounds  and  sights  of  terror,  with  all  the 
marks  and  tokens  of  wrath  and  fiery  indignation,  like  those  dis- 
played on  Sinai. 

3.  He  shall  call  to  the  heavens  from  above,  and  to  the  earth,  that 
he  ma)/ judge  his  people. 

Heaven  and  earth,  men  and  angels,  were  to  be  witnesses  of 
the  righteous  judgments  of  God,  executed  upon  his  apostate  peo- 
ple; as  all  the  celestial  armies,  and  all  the  generations  of  the 
sons  of  Adam,  are  to  be  present  at  the  general  judgment  of  the  last 
day. 

J.  Gather  my  saints  together  unto  me  ;  those  that  have  made  a 
covenant  tvith  me  by  sacrifice. 

These  are  the  words  of  God,  summoning  mankind  to  attend 
the  trial  "  calling  to  the  heavens  from  above,  and  to  the  earth,  that 
he  may  judge  his  people."  Thus  it  is  said  of  the  Son  of  man, 
Matt.  xxiv.  31.  "  He  shall  send  his  angels  with  a  great  sound  of 
a  trumpet,  and  they  shall  gather  together  his  elect  from  the  four 
winds,  from  one  end  of  heaven  to  the  other." 

6.  And  the  heavens  shall  declare  his  righteousness :  for  God  is 
judge  himself. 

Th'  applauding  heavens  the  changeless  doom, 

While  God  the  balance  shall  assume, 

In  full  memorial  shall  record, 

And  own  the  justice  of  their  Lord.  Merrick. 

7.  Hear,  0  my  people,  and  I  will  speak  ;  0  Israel,  and  I  toill 
iestify  against  thee :  I  am  God,  even  thy  God. 

This  is  the  voice  of  the  omniscient  Judge,  impleading  his  ancient 
people,  who  are  commanded  to  attend  to  the  words  of  him,  their 
God  and  covenanted  Saviour,  thus  constrained  to  clear  his  justice 
before  the  world,  and  to  show  that  they  had  destroyed  themselves. 
Nominal  and  wicked  Christians  will  be  addressed  in  the  same  man- 
ner at  the  last  day. 

8.  /  will  not  reprove  thee  for  thy  sacrifices  or  thy  burnt- 
offerings,  to  have  been,  or,  they  were,  continually  before  me. 


^28  A  COiMMENTARY  Psal.  L. 

This  judicial  process  was  not  commenced  against  Israel,  for  their 
having  neglected  to  oiFer  the  sacrifices  of  the  law ;  their  oblations 
were  on  the  altar,  morning  and  evening,  continually,  insomuch 
that  God,  by  the  prophet  Isaiah,  declares  himself'  weary  of  them," 
as  not  having  been  accompanied  with  faith  and  holiness  in  the  of- 
ferer. IMany  pharisaical  Christians  will  be  condemned  for  tlie  same 
reason,  notwithstanding  their  strict  and  scrupulous  attendance  upon 
the  ordinances  of  the  new  law,  if  it  shall  appear,  that  they  left  re- 
ligion in  the  church  behind  them,  instead  of  carrying  it  with  them, 
in  their  lives  and  conversations. 

9.  I  will  take  no  bullock  oiif  of  tliy  house,  nor  he-goafs  out  of 
thj  folds.  10.  For  every  beast  of  the  forest  is  mine,  and  the  cattle 
upon  a  thousand  hills.  11.7  know  all  the  fowls  of  the  mountain  ; 
and  the  wild  beasts  of  the  field  are  mine.  12.  Jf  I  were  hungry, 
I  woiddnot  tell  thee:  for  the  world  is  mi/ie,  and  the  fulness 
thereof 

The  Jewish  folly  of  doating  on  the  legal  offerings,  as  things  in 
themselves  acceptable  to  God,  and  conferring  justification  on 
man,  is  reproved  in  these  verses,  from  the  consideration,  that  the 
various  animals  slain  in  sacrifice  were  long  before,  even  from  the 
creation  of  the  world,  the  sole  right  and  property  of  Jehovah; 
which,  therefore,  he  needed  not  to  have  required  at  the  hands  of 
his  people ;  nor  would  he  have  done  so,  but  for  some  farther  end 
and  intent,  signified  and  represented  by  such  oblations.  What 
that  end  and  intent  was.  Christians  know.  And  Jews  formerly 
did  know.  Learn  we  hence,  not  to  dream  of  any  merit  in  our 
works  and  services;  since  God  hath  a  double  claim,  founded  on 
creation  and  redemption,  to  all  we  have  and  all  we  are. 

13.  Will  I  eat  the  jlcsh  of  hulls,  or  drink  the  blood  of  goats? 
Another  aigument  of  the  Jews'  blindness,  is  the  gross  absurdity 

of  imagining,  that  a  spiritual  and  holy  being  could  possibly  be  sa- 
tisfied and  pleased  with  the  the  taste  and  smell  of  burnt-oflerings, 
(which  God  often  declareth  himself  to  have  been)  any  otherwise, 
than  as  they  were  symbolical  of  some  other  sacrifice,  spiritual  and 
holy,  and  therefore,  really  propitiatory  and  acceptable  in  iiis  sight. 
That  man  judaizeth,  who  thinketh  to  please  God  by  an  external, 
whhout  an  internal  service;  or  by  any  service  without  Christ. 

14.  Offer  unto  God  thanksgiving ;  and  pay  thy  vows  unto  the 
Most  High  :  15.  y4?id  call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble  ;  I  ivill 
deliver  thee,  and  thou  shall  glorify  me. 

The  carnal  and  bloody  sacrifices  of  the  law  being  abolished  by 
the  coming  of  Messiah,  the  spiritual  and  unbloody  oblations  of  the 
Gospel  succeed  in  their  stead.     These  are,  the  eucharistic  sacri- 


Day  X.  U.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  229 

fice  of  pniise  and  thanksgivin<^  for  tlio  mercies  of  rcrlemption:  that 
hearty  repentance,  that  faith  unfeigned,  and  that  obedience  evanL'C- 
lical,  promised  and  vowed  in  baptism  :  that  perfect  trust  in  (iod, 
and  resiijnation  to  his  will,  which  our  Lord  expressed  in  Iiis  prayer, 
during  his  sufierinsrs,  and  which  we  ought  to  express  in  our 
prayers,  when  caUed  to  suffer  with  him,  if  we  desire  to  gU)rify 
God  for  our  dehverance  through  him,  in  the  day  of  visitation. 
These  are  the  services  enjoined  to  such  Jews  as  would  become 
Christians,  and  to  such  Christians  as  would  be  Christians  in  deed 
and  in  truth. 

16.  But  unto  the  wicked  God  saith,  What  hast  thou  to  do  to 
declare  my  statutes,  or  that  thou  shouldest  take  ?n>/  covenant  in 
thtj  mouth?  17.  Seeing  thou  haiest  instruction,  and  easiest  mi/ 
word  behind  thee. 

From  hence,  to  the  end  of  the  Psalm,  we  have  an  expostulation 
of  God  with  the  unbelieving  Jew,  who  boasted  his  relation  to 
Abraham,  without  a  spark  of  Abraham's  faith  in  his  heart;  and 
gloried  in  a  law,  which  condemned  him  as  a  breaker  of  its  pre- 
cepts in  every  instance.  St.  Paul's  expostulation  with  the  same 
person,  Rom.  ii.  I7j  &c.  is  so  exact  a  parallel  to  this  before  us, 
that  one  will  be  the  best  comment  upon  the  other — '•  Behold,  thou 
art  called  a  Jew,  and  restest  in  the  law,  and  makest  thy  boast  of 
God,  and  knowest  his  will,  and  approvest  the  things  that  are  more 
excellent,  being  instructed  out  of  the  law;  and  art  confident  that 
thou  thyself  art  a  guide  of  the  blind,  a  light  of  them  which  are  in 
darkness,  an  instructer  of  the  foolish,  a  teacher  of  babes,  which 
hast  the  form  of  knowledge  and  of  the  truth  in  the  law.  Thou, 
therefore,  that  makest  thy  boast  of  the  law,  through  breaking  the 
law  dishonourest  thou  God  r"  Every  minister  of  God  should  try 
and  examine  himself  by  these  passages  in  our  Psalm  and  St.  Paul, 
on  the  former  of  which  the  famous  Origen  is  once  said  to  have 
preached,  making  application  to  his  own  case,  not  without  many 
tears.  And  indeed,  ''  if  thou,  O  Lord,  shouldest  mark  Initjuities, 
who,  among  us  all,  shall  stand  ?  But  there  is  forgiveness  with  thee," 
Psalm  cxxx.  3,  4. 

18.  JFhen  thou  saicest  a  thief,  then  thou  conscntcckt  tcith  him, 
and  hast  been  partaker  zvith  the  adidtcrers. 

St.  Paul  proceeds  in  the  very  same  manner — "  Thou  that  teach- 
est  another,  teachest  thou  not  thyself?  Thou  that  preachest  a  man 
should  not  steal,  dost  thou  steal?  Thou  that  sayest  a  man  should 
not  connnit  adultery,  dost  thou  commit  adultery?  Thou  that  ab- 
horrest  idols,  dost  thou  commit  sacrilege?'' — All  Christians,  the 
clergy  especially,  should  beware  not  only  of  committing  evil  them- 


230  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.L. 

selves,  but  of  «  consenting"  to,  or  "  partaking"  of,  the  evil  com- 
mitted by  others. 

19.  Thou  givest  thy  mnvih  to  evil,  and  thy  tongue  frameth  de- 
ceit. 20.  Thou  sittest  and  spealccst  against  thy  brother;  thou 
slaiidcrest  thine  oivn  mothers  son. 

Had  St.  Paul  thought  proper  to  have  gone  on  to  this  instance, 
he  might  have  said— "Thou  that  teachest  a  man  should  not  bear 
false  witness,  dost  thou  bear  false  witness?"  For  certainly  never 
men  brake  that  commandment  in  a  more  flagrant  manner  than 
the  Jews;  never  men  "  gave"  their  "  mouth"  more  "to  evil,"  or 
"framed"  more  "deceit,"  than  they,  when  they  "sate  and  spake 
against  their  brethren,"  and  "  slandered  their  own  mother's  chil- 
dren," for  believing  in  Jesus  Christ.  Let  us  look  at  this  picture 
of  slander,  and  we  shall  never  fall  in  love  with  so  detestable  a  vice. 

21.  2'hese  things  hast  thou  done,  and  I  kept  .silence;  thou 
thoughtest  that  I  was  altogether  such  an  one  as  thyself:  but  I 
will  rejirove  thee,  and  set  them  in  order  before  thine  eyes. 

The  forbearance  of  God  only  tempted  the  Jews  still  to  think 
him  on  their  side,  till  at  length  he  made  the  Roman  armies  his  in- 
struments of  conviction ;  who,  by  crucifying  multitudes  of  their 
countrymen,  in  sight  of  the  besieged,  did  in  a  wonderful  manner 
"  reprove  them,  and  set  before  them  the  things  which  they  had 
done."  The  day  of  judgment  will  do  this  to  all  sinners,  if  temporal 
chastisements  eflect  it  not  before  that  day  shall  come. 

22.  Now  consider  this,  ye  that  forget  God,  lest  I  tear  you  in 
pieces,  and  there  be  }wne  to  deliver. 

The  stupendous  desolation  of  Jerusalem,  for  rejecting  so  kind 
an  admonition  of  her  Saviour,  and  suffering  him  to  weep  over  her 
in  vain,  should,  in  a  most  powerful  manner,  enforce  that  admoni- 
tion on  the  inhabitants  of  Christendom,  to  prevent  its  falling  after 
the  same  example  of  unbelief. 

23.  Whoso  offereth  praise,  glorifeth  me;  and  to  him  that  or- 
dereth  his  conversation  aright,  loill  I  shew  the  salvation  of  God. 

This  verse  resumes  and  repeats  the  conclusion  intended  by  the 
whole  Psalm,  concerning  the  Jewish  and  the  Christian  worship ; 
and  St.  Paul,  in  the  place  above  cited,  affords  us  a  complete  com- 
ment upon  it.  "  He  is  not  a  Jew,  which  is  one  outwardly :  nor 
is  that  circumcision,  which  is  outward  in  the  flesh :  but  he  is  a 
Jew,  which  is  one  inwardly;  and  circumcision  is  that  of  the  heart, 
in  the  spirit,  and  not  in  the  letter,  whose  praise  is  not  of  men,  but 
of  God." 


Day  X.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  231 

PSALM  LL 

ARGUMENT. 

Ill  this  Psalm,  composed  upon  a  sad  occasion,  but  too  well  known,  we  have 
a  pcilcct  model  of  penitential  devotion.  The  royal  supliant,  robed  in  sack- 
cloth, and  crowned  with  ashes,  entreats  for  mercy,  1,  2.  from  a  consi- 
deration of  his  own  misery,  and  of  the  Divine  goodness ;  3.  from  that  of 
his  confession;  4.  of  God's  sole  right  to  judge  him;  5.  laments  the  cor- 
ruption of  his  nature;  but,  G.  without  pleading  it  as  an  excuse;  7.  piays 
for  gospel  remission,  in  legal  terms  ;  8.  for  spiritual  joy  and  comfort ;  9, 
10.  for  pardoning  and  cleansing  grace;  11,  12.  for  sfrcn^^th  and  per- 
severance, that  he  may,  13.  instruct  and  convert  others;  14,  15.  deprecates 
the  vengeance  due  to  blood;  16,  17.  beseeches  God  to  accept  an  evan- 
gelical sacrifice;  and,  18,  19.  concludes  with  a  prayer  for  the  church. 

1.  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  according  to  thy  loving' 
kindness;  according  unto  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies, 
blot  out  my  transgressions. 

The  penitent's  first  grovnid  for  Uope  of  pardon  is  his  own  misery, 
and  the  Divine  mercy,  which  rejoiceth  to  relieve  that  misery. 
The  riches,  the  power,  and  the  glory  of  a  kingdom,  can  neither 
prevent  nor  remove  the  torment  of  sin,  which  puts  the  monarch 
and  the  beggar^  upon  a  level.  Every  transgressiqn  leaves  behind 
it  a  guilt  and  a  stain  ;  the  account  between  God  and  the  sinner  is 
crossed  by  the  blood  of  the  great  propitiatory  sacrifice,  which  re- 
moves the  former;  and  the  soul  is  cleansed  by  the  Holy  Spirit, 
which  takes  out  the  latter. 

2.  U^as/i  me  thoroughly  from  mine  iniquity,  and  cleanse  mc 
from  my  sin. 

The  soul  that  is  sensible  of  her  pollution,  fears  she  can  never  be 
sufficiently  purified  from  it;  and  therefore  prays  yet  again  and  again, 
continually,  for  more  abundant  grace,  to  make  and  to  keep  her 
holy. 

3.  For  I  acknowledge  my  transgressions ;  and  my  sin  is  ever 
before  me. 

The  penitent's  second  plea  for  mercy  is;  that  he  doth  not  deny, 
excuse,  or  palliate  his  fault,  but  confesses  it  openly  and  honestly, 
with  all  its  aggravations,  truly  alleging,  that  it  haunts  him  night 
and  day,  causing  his  conscience  incessantly  to  reproach  him  with 
his  base  ingratitude  to  a  good  and  gracious  Father. 

4.  Against,  or,  to,  thee,  thee  only,  have  I  sinned,  and  done  this 
evil  in  thy  sight ;  that  thou  mightest,  or,  therefore  thou  wilt,  be 
justified  when  thou  speakcst,  and  be  clear  tohcn  thoujudgest. 

A  third  reason  why  the  penitent  sues  for  mercy  at  the  hand  ol 
God  is,  because  God  alone  certainly  knows,  and  is  always  able  to 


:^32  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LI. 

punish  the  sins  of  men.  David  sinned  "  against"  many  ;  as  against 
Uriah,  whom  he  slew ;  against  Bathsheba,  whom  he  corrupted ;  and 
against  all  the  people,  to  whom  he  became  the  cause  of  much  of- 
fence and  scandal.  But  the  sin  was  committed  in  secret;  and  if  it 
had  not  been  so,  he,  as  king,  had  no  superior,  or  judge,  in  this  mat- 
ter, but  God  only;  who  being  able  to  convict  the  offender,  as  he 
did  by  the  prophet  Nathan,  would  assuredly  be  justified  in  the  sen- 
tence he  should  pronounce.  And  he  will  appear  to  be  so  in  his  de- 
terminations at  the  last  day,  when  he  will  surprise  the  wretched, 
unthinking  sinner,  with  a  declaration  similar  to  that  which  he  made 
by  his  prophet  to  the  royal  offender,  2  Sam.  xii.  12.  "  Thou  didst 
it  secretly ;  but  1  will  do  this  thing  before  all  Israel,  and  before  the 
sun." 

5.  Behold,  I  was  shapen  in  iniquity  ;  and  in  sin  did  my  mother 
conceive  me. 

The  Divine  mercy  is  implored  by  the  penitent,  fourthly,  because 
that  alone  can  dry  up  the  fountain  of  original  corruption,  from 
which  the  streams  of  actual  transgression  derive  themselves ;  and 
which  is  here  only  lamented  as  their  cause,  not  alleged  as  their  ex- 
cuse; seeing,  that  the  greater  our  danger  is  of  falling,  the  greater 
should  be  our  care  to  stand.  David  was  the  offspring  of  the  mar- 
riage bed,  which  is  declared  to  be  "  honourable  and  undefiled." 
No  more,  therefore,  can  be  intended  here,  than  that  a  creature,  be- 
gotten by  a  sinner,  and  formed  in  the  womb  of  a  sinner,  cannot  be 
without  that  taint,  which  is  hereditary  to  every  son  and  daughter 
of  Adam  and  Eve.* 

6.  Behold,  thou  desirest  truth  in  the  inward  parts,  Ileb.  the 
reins;  and  in  the  hidden  part  thou  shalt  make,  or,  hast  made,  me 
to  know  ivisdom. 

The  force  of  "  Behold"  is — "  It  is  too  plain ;  I  feel  it  but  too 
sensibly  ;  the  punishment  I  suffer  is  evidence  sufficient,  that  thou 
art  not  contented  with  a  superficial  appearance  of  goodness :  thou 
lovest  truth  and  sincerity  in  the  bottom  of  the  heart."  This  God 
was  now  teaching  him,  by  the  correction  he  made  him  suffer.  The 
punishment  inflicted  tended  to  give  him  a  right  understanding  of 
things,  and  to  work  it  deep  into  him.     Mudge. 

7.  Purge  me  with  hyssop,  and  I  shall  be  clean  ;  wash  me,  and 
I  shall  he  lohitcr  than  snow. 


*  And  so  much  must  surely  be  intended,  as  the  learned  Bossnet  observeth 
— Nnm(|uid  David  de  adulterio  natus  erat?  De  .lesse  viro  justo  nalus  erat, 
et  conjuge  ipsius.  Quid  ergo  se  dicit  in  iniquitafc  conreptuin,  nisi  quia  sus- 
cepit  personam  humaui  gcr.eris,  et  attendit  omnium  vincuia,  propaginem 
mortis,  origiuein  iiiiquitatis  advertit. 


Day  IX.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  2S3 

He  therefore  petitioneth,  in  this  verse,  for  the  purification  which 
Cometh  from  God  only,  through  the  one  great  propitiatory  sacrifice, 
by  the  Holy  Spirit;  and  which  was  foieshown  under  the  law  by 
tlie  ceremony  of  sprinkhng  the  unclean  person  with  a  bunch  of 
"hyssop,''  dipped  in  the  "water  of  separation."  This  rite  is  de- 
scribed, \umb.  xix.  and  exphilned,  Heb.  ix.  13,  14.  "  If  the  blood 
of  bulls  and  of  goats,  and  the  ashes  of  an  heifer  sprinkling  the  un- 
clean, sanctifieth  to  the  purifying  of  tlie  flesh  ;  how  much  more  shall 
the  blood  of  Christ,  wiio,  through  the  eternal  Spirit,  offered  him- 
self without  spot  to  God,  purge  your  conscience  from  dead  works 
to  serve  the  living  God?"  From  tlie  latter  part  of  the  verse  we 
learn,  that,  by  grace  and  mercy,  the  pardoned  penitent  is  arrayed 
in  garments  no  less  pure  and  splendid  than  those  of  innocence  it- 
self. 

8.  Make  me  to  ke/irjoy  and  gladness,  that  the  hones  which  thou 
hasf  broken  may  rejoice. 

Next  to  the  blessing  of  forgiveness,  is  to  be  desired  that  joy 
and  comfort  in  the  conscience,  which  forgiveness  only  can  inspire : 
the  effect  of  this,  in  repairing  the  vigour  of  the  spirit,  decayed 
through  sorrow  and  anguish,  is  compared  to  setting  broken  bones, 
and  restoring  them  again  to  perfect  strength.  At  the  resurrection 
of  the  body,  this  petition  will  be  granted  in  a  literal  sense,  when 
the  -'bones"  that  are  mouldered  into  dust,  shall  "rejoice  and 
flourish  as  an  herb,"  Isa.  lx\i.  14. 

9.  Hide  thi/  face  from  my  sins,  and  blot  out  all  mine  inirjiiities. 
The  soul,  still  restless  and  uneasy,  reiterates  her  request,  that 

God  would  not  only  cease  to  behold  her  iniquity  for  the  present, 
as  a  man  who  turneth  away  his  face  from  a  writing,  but  that  he 
would  not  behold  it  more,  as  a  man  who  blottcth  out  what  is  writ- 
ten, so  that  it  can  never  be  read  again. 

10.  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  0  God;  and  rencio  a  right, 
or,  constant,  s}jirit  icithin  me. 

The  purification  and  renovation  of  the  heart  and  spirit  of  man^, 
is  a  work  to  which  that  power  only  is  equal,  which,  in  the  begin- 
ning, created  all  things,  and,  in  the  end,  will  create  all  things  new. 
A  "  right  spirit  is  renewed  within  us,"  when  the  affections  turn 
from  the  world  to  God,  and  charity  takes  the  place  of  concupis- 
cence. 

1 1 .  Cast  me  not  axoay  from  thy  presence;  and  take  not  thy  Holy 
Spirit  from  me. 

The  soul  that  is  truly  penitent,  dreads  nothing  but  the  thought  of 

bting  rejected  from  the  ''presence/'  and  dos^erted  by  the  "Sfiirit" 

of  God.     This  is  the  most  deplorable  and  irremediable  effect  of 

30 


%i 


234  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LI. 

sin ;  but  it  is  one  that  in  general,  perhaps,  is  the  least  considered  and 
regarded  of  ail  others. 

12.  Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  salvation;  and  uphold  me 
with  th}'  free,  or,  princely,  or,  liberal,  Spirit. 

David  prayeth  to  God  to  restore  to  him  the  unspeakable  joy  of 
that  salvation,  wliich,  as  a  prophet,  he  had  so  often  contemplated 
and  celebrated  in  his  divine  compositions;  he  prayeth  also  to  be 
preserved  and  continued  in  that  state  of  salvation  by  the  Spirit  of 
God,  which  might  enable  him  to  act  as  became  a  prophet  and  a 
king,  free  from  base  desires  and  enslaving  lusts. 

13.  Then  will  I  teach  transgressors  thy  ways  /  and  sinners  shall 
be  converted  unto  thee. 

He  that  would  employ  his  abilities,  his  influence,  and  his  au- 
thority, in  the  reformation  of  others,  must  take  care  to  reform 
himself  before  he  enters  upon  the  m  ork.  "  When  thou  art  con- 
verted," saith  Christ  to  St.  Peter,  "  strengthen  thy  brethren,'* 
Luke  xxii.  32.  The  history  of  David  has  "  taught"  us  many 
useful  lessons ;  such  as  the  frailty  of  man,  the  danger  of  tempta- 
tion, the  torment  of  sin,  the  nature  and  efhcacy  of  repentance,  the 
mercy  and  the  judgments  of  God,  &c.  &o.  by  which  many  "  sin- 
ners" have  in  all  ages  since  been  "  converted,"  and  many  more 
will  be  converted,  so  long  as  the  Scriptures  shall  be  read,  and  the 
fifty-first  Psalm  recited  in  the  church, 

14.  Deliver  me  from  blood-guiltiness,  O  God,  thou  God  of  my 
salvation  ;  and  my  tongue  shall  sing  aloud  of  thy  righteousness. 

The  unhappy  criminal  entreats  in  this  verse  for  the  Divine  help 
and  deliverance,  as  if  he  not  only  heard  the  voice  of  innocent  blood 
crying  from  the  ground,  but  as  if  he  saw  the  murdered  Uriah  coming 
upon  him  for  vengeance,  like  an  armed  man.  If  he  can  but  obtain 
the  pardon  of  this  sin,  he  promises  to  publish  to  all  the  world  the 
righteousness  of  God  who  justifieth  sinners,  and  showeth  mercy  to 
the  penitent ;  though  he  must  at  the  same  time  publish  likewise  his 
own  heinous  and  horrid  wickedness. 

15.  O  hoRD,  open  thou  my  lips,  and  my  mouth  shall  show  forth 
thy  praise. 

The  mouth  which  sin  hath  closed,  can  only  be  opened  by  pardon  : 
and  to  show  this,  he  who  came  conferring  pardon,  caused  the 
tongue  of  the  dumb  to  speak,  and  to  sing  praises  to  the  Lord  God 
of  Israel.  Our  church,  with  great  propriety,  daily  niaketh  her 
prayer  in  the  words  of  this  verse,  before  she  entereth  upon  that 
part  of  her  service,  which  consisteth  of  praise  and  thanksgiving. 

16.  For  thou  dvsirvst  not  sacrifcc,  else  would  I  give  it;  thou 
delightest  not  in  burnt-ojfering.     17.  The.  sacrijices  of  God  are  a 


DayX.  M.P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  23i 

broken  spirit :  a  hroken  and  contrite  heart,  O  God,  thou  wilt  not 
despise. 

David,  in  this  Psalm,  is  so  evangelical,  and  lias  his  thoughts  so 
fixed  upon  gospel  remission,  that  he  considers  the  Levitical  sacri- 
fices as  already  abolished,  for  their  insufficiency  to  take  away  sin  j 
affirming  them  to  be  (as  indeed  they  were)  nothing  in  the  sight  of 
God,  if  compared  with  the  sacrifice  of  the  body  of  sin,  offijred  by 
contrition  and  mortification,  through  faith  in  Him,  who,  in  the  ful- 
ness of  time,  was  to  die  unto  sin  once,  that  we,  together  with  him, 
might  for  ever  live  unto  God. 

18.  Do  good  in  thy  good  pleasure  unto  Zion;  build  thou  the 
walls  of  Jerusalem. 

The  king  forgets  not  to  ask  mercy  for  his  people,  as  well  as  for 
himself;  so  that  neither  his  own  nor  their  sins  might  prevent  either 
the  building  and  flourishing  of  the  earthly  Jerusalem,  or,  what  was 
of  infinitely  greater  importance,  the  promised  blessing  of  Messiah, 
who  was  to  descend  from  him,  and  to  rear  the  walls  of  the  new  Je- 
rusalem. And  thus  it  ought  to  be  the  fervent  prayer  of  every  man, 
especially  if  he  be  placed  in  an  exalted  station,  ecclesiastical  or  civil, 
that  no  sins  by  him  committed  may  any  way  prejudice  others,  or 
obstruct  the  edification  of  the  church. 

19.  Then  shalt  thou  be  pleased  with  the  sacrijices  of  righteous- 
ness, with  burnt-offering,  and  whole  burnt-offering:  then  shall 
they  offer  bullocks  upon  thine  altar. 

This  had  its  literal  accomplishment  when  Jerusalem  was  finished; 
when  the  temjile  was  erected  on  mount  Sion ;  and  when  the  Lord 
graciously  vouchsafed  to  accept  the  sacrifices,  there  offi^red  on  his 
holy  altars,  by  king  Solomon,  at  the  head  of  his  faithful  and  devout 
people.  It  is  spiritually  true  in  the  Christian  church,  where  the 
substance  of  all  the  Mosaic  types  and  shadows  is  offijred  and  pre- 
sented to  the  Father  by^  the  Prince  of  Peace,  at  the  head  of  the  Is- 
rael of  God.  And  it  will  be  eternally  verified  in  the  kingdom  of 
heaven,  where  the  sacrifices  of  righteousness  and  love,  of  praise 
and  thanksgiving,  will  never  cease  to  be  oflered  to  him  that  sitteth 
on  the  throne,  by  the  church  triumphant  in  glory. 


236  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LII. 


PSALM  LII. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  the  person  of  Doeg  the  Edoniite,  who  was  the  persecutor  of  David,  and 
the  nuudorer  of  the  priests,  are  described,  1 — 4.  the  enemies  of  the  truth 
and  the  church  in  all  ages  :  whose  utter  destruction  from  the  presence  of 
the  Lord  is  foretold,  5.  with  the  exultation  of  the  righteous  over  them,  6,  7; 
these  last  rejoice,  8.  in  their  flourishing  state  under  grace,  9.  in  hope  of 
future  glory,  through  faith  and  patience. 

1.  Why  hoastest  thou  thyself  in  mischief,  0  mighty  man?  TJie 
goodness  of  God  endureth  continually. 

"  The  Psalmist  thought  it  strange/'  says  the  pious  and  ingenious 
Norris,  "  that  any  man  should  value  himself  for  being  able  to  do 
mischief,  when  God  esteemed  it  his  glory  to  do  good."  In  vain 
did  Doeg  the  Edomite  boast  himself  in  the  mischief  he  had  done 
by  massacring  the  innocent  priests  and  their  families;  since  "  the 
goodness  of  God,"  which  is  "  unchangeable,"  had  decreed  the  pre- 
servation of  David.  As  vainly  did  Herod  the  Idumean,  or  Edom- 
ite, glory  in  the  slaughter  of  the  Bethlehemitish  infants,  since  Hea- 
ven had  determined  that  the  child  Jesus  should  not  be  one  of  the 
number.  A  persecution  may  produce  martyrs;  but  the  gates  of 
hell  are  never  to  prevail  against  the  church. 

2.  Thy  tongue  deviseth  mischiefs;  like  a  sharp  razor,  working 
deceitfully. 

The  mischief  done  to  religion  by  men  of  Doeg's  turn,  is  done  by 
the  tongue  before  it  is  done  by  the  hand ;  it  is  planned  leisurely, 
and  executed  speedily  and  deceitfully.* 

3.  Thoii  lovest  evil  niQre  than  good,  and  lying  rather  than  to 
speak  righteous7icss.  4.  Thou  lovest  all  devouring  words,  O  thou 
deceitful  tongue. 

As  the  Christian  spirit  delighteth  itself  in  goodness,  truth,  and 
charity,  so  the  antichristian  spirit  is  here  characterized  by  its  of- 
fending, not  out  of  ignorance,  or  inadvertence,  but  more  love  of 
wickedness,  falsehood,  and  malice.  To  this  pitch  many  have  ar- 
rived ;  and  who,  that  enters  upon  a  course  of  sin,  can  say,  that  he 
shall  stop  short  of  it. 

5.  God  shall  likewise  destroy  thee  for  ever:  he  shall  take  thee 

*  "  Sicut  novacula  acuta" — qua;  cinn  tangere  Icniter  et  tantiun  radcre 
videretur,  alte  infigitur,  ac  velut  blandiendi  specie  vulnerat:  ita  Doeg  cum 
Achimclcch  in  tabernaculo  Domini  amicitiaj  pietatisque  specie  versatus, 
foedo  indicin  viros  oiitimos  prodigit.  1  Reg.  xxi.  7.  xxii.  D.  Bos.niel.  So 
Mudge, — "  Working  trcicherously,"  that  is,  Thy  tongue  is  like  a  sharp 
razor,  that  cuts  one's  throat  before  one  is  aware  of  it. 


Day  X.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  237 

awQ}/,  and  pluck  thee  out  of  ihy  dwdUvg-place,  and  root  thee  out 
of  the  land  of  the  living. 

Wonderful  is  tlie  force  of  the  verbs  in  the  original,  which  convey 
to  us  the  four  ideas  of  "  laying  prostrate,  dissolving  as  by  fire, 
s\vee|)ing  away  as  with  a  besom,  and  totally  extirpating  root  and 
branch,"  as  a  tree  is  eradicated  from  the  spot  on  which  it  grew.  If 
a  farther  comment  be  wanted,  it  may  be  found  in  the  history  of 
David's  enemies,  and  the  crucifiers  of  the  Son  of  David :  but  the 
passage  will  be  fully  and  finally  explained  by  the  destruction  of  the 
ungodly  at  the  last  day. 

6.  The  righteous  also  shall  see,  and  fear,  and  shall  laugh  at 
him:  7-  Lo,  this  is  the  man  that  made  not  God  his  strength  ;  hut, 
trusted  in  the  abundance  of  his  riches,  and  strengthened  himself  in 
his  irirkedness. 

Such  shall  be  the  triumj)h  of  .Messiah,  and  of  all  his  faithful  ser- 
vants with  him,  over  the  enemies  of  man's  salvation  at  that  hour 
when,  the  world  being  in  flames,  the  confidence  that  hath  been 
placed  in  it,  must  perish  for  evermore, 

8.  But  I  am  like  a  green  olive-tree  in  the  house  of  God  :  I  trust 
in  the  mercy  of  God  for  ever. 

The  representative  of  Messiah  portrays  himself,  as  the  reverse 
of  Doeg  and  the  wicked,  in  terms  applicable  likewise  to  his  great 
Original.  He  was  in  the  house  of  God,  they  were  in  the  world; 
he  was  as  a  fruitful  olive-tree,  they  were  as  barren  unprofitable 
wood :  he  was  to  be  daily  more  and  more  strengthened,  established, 
settled,  and  increased ;  they  were  to  be  cast  down,  broken,  swept 
away,  and  extirpated :  and  all  this,  because  he  had  trusted  in  the 
mercy  of  God  ;  they  in  the  abundance  of  their  riches.  We  Gentiles 
were  branches  of  the  wild  "  olive,"  but  are  now  grafted  into  the 
good  one :  Lord,  make  us  to  flourish  and  bear  fruit,  in  thy  immortal 
"  courts,"  world  without  end  ! 

9.  I  will  praise  thee  for  ever,  because  thou  hast  done  it :  and  I 
will  wait  on  thy  name,  for  it  is  good*  before  thy  saints. 

Faith  foresees  salvation,  and  anticipates  the  day  of  victory  and 
triumph  ;  in  (he  mean  time,  while  she  waiteth  patiently  for  its  com- 
ing, she  refresheth  and  comfortelli  herself  w  ith  frequent  meditation 
on  the  virtue  and  power  of  that  saving  "  name"  which  is  "  as  oint- 
ment poured  forth ;"  by  the  fragrance  of  its  odours  inviting  and  al- 
luring innumerable  converts  to  run  after  their  beloved  Redeemer, 
in  the  way  of  his  commandments. 

*  It  is  a  '•  goodly  thing,"  it  carries  a  good  appearance,  it  looks  well  he- 
fore  tlie  friends  of  God;  to  see  me  praising  liiin,  and  putting  inv  trust  in  liini. 
•Vi^rfge. 


23S  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LIV. 

TENTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 

PSALM  LIII. 

This  Psalm  is  in  a  manner  the  same  with  Psalm  xiv.  except  that 
there  is  some  difference  in  ver.  5.  for  which,  as  well  as  for  the 
explanation  of  the  whole,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  comment  on 
Psalm  xiv. 

PSALM  LIV. 

ARGUMENT. 

David,  as  it  has  been  supposed,  when  betrayed  by  the  Ziphites,  and  sur- 
rounded by  Saul,  1,  2.  committeth  his  cause,  and  preferreth  his  prayer  to 
God:  3. complainethofhis  cruel  treatment;  4,  5.  expresseth  his  assurance 
of  the  Divine  favour,  and  the  destruction  of  his  enemies.  6,  7.  Beinsf  de- 
livered from  his  danger,  he  blesseth  and  praiseth  God.  See  the  history,  1 
Sam.  xxiii.  The  application  to  Christ,  and  to  Christians,  is  plain  and 
easy;  for  which  reason,  our  church  hath  appointed  this  Psalm  to  be  read 
on  Good  Friday. 

1.  Save  me,  O  God,  by  tinj  name,  and  judge  me  in  thy  strength. 
2.  Hear  my  prayer,  O  God;  give  ear  to  the  words  of  my  mouth. 

Happy  the  man,  to  whom,  in  the  day  of  trouble,  the  "  name  of 
the  Lord  is  a  strong  tower,"  into  which  "he  runneth,  and  is  safe," 
Prov.  xviii.  10.  Happy  the  man  that  can,  with  a  holy  confidence, 
commit  his  cause  to  the  judgment  and  determination  of  God,  and 
expect  redress  from  the  Almighty.  His  prayer  mounteth  up  to 
heaven,  and  returneth  not  without  a  blessing. 

3.  For  strangers  are  risen  up  against  we,  and  oppressors  seek 
after  my  soul :  they  have  not  set  God  before  them. 

The  Ziphites,  though  David's  countrymen,  acted  the  part  of 
'•  strangers,"  or  "  aliens,"  in  seeking  to  deliver  him  up  to  his  im- 
just  and  cruel  enemy.  Such  a  part  did  the  whole  Jewish  nation 
act  towards  their  anointed  Prince  and  Saviour,  when  they  actually 
delivered  him  over  to  the  Roman  power.  And  the  church  fre- 
quently meeteth  with  such  treatment  at  the  hands  of  her  children, 
as  she  had  reason  to  expect  only  from  "  strangers  to  the  covenant 
of  promise."  Something  like  this  always  happens,  when  men,  in- 
stead of  setting  God,  set  the  world  before  their  eyes. 

4.  Behold,  God  is  mine  helper  ;  the  Lord  is  tvith  them  that  up- 
hold 7ny  soul.  5.  He  shall  reward  evil  unto  mine  enemies:  cut 
them  off,  or,  thou  shall  cut  them  of,  in  thi/  truth. 

In  all  dangers  and  difficulties,  wht  ther  temporal  or  spiritual,  the 
faithful  sons  and  servants  of  God  fix  their  eyes  upon  their  heavenly 


Day  X.  E.  P.  OiN  THE  PSALMS.  239 

Father,  and  gracious  Master:  they  iiave  recourse  to  the  Divine 
promises,  the  performance  of  which  they  know  to  be  certain,  and 
therefore  can  foresee  and  foretel  the  destruction  of  their  enemies. 
Thus  David,  and  a  greater  than  David,  supported  themselves  in 
their  troubles;  and  the  church,  with  her  children,  must  do  likewise. 

6.  I  will  fredy  sacrifice  unto  thee:  I  will  praise  thy  name,  O 
Lord,  for  it  is  good.  7.  For  he  hath  delivered  me  out  of  all 
trouble  ;  and  viine  eye  hath  seen  his  desire,  Heb.  mine  eye  hath 
looked,  upon  mine  enemies. 

Saul,  under  the  direction  of  the  Ziphites,  having  encompassed 
David  on  every  side,  was  suddenly  called  off  to  defend  his  country 
from  an  invasion  of  the  Philistines :  by  which  means  David  escaped, 
and  '-beheld  his  enemies''  retreating,  1  Sam.  xxiii.  27.  For  this 
event  he  offers  the  sacrifice  of  a  heart  freed  from  fear,  and  praises 
the  name  of  his  great  Deliverer.  Christians  should  follow  his  ex- 
ample :  they  should  consider  how  great  things  God  hath  done  for 
THEM,  and  should  never  suffer  the  voice  of  praise  and  thanksgiving 
to  cease  in  the  church  of  the  redeemed.  Beautiful  and  emphatical 
will  these  two  concluding  verses  appear,  when  conceived  as  pro- 
ceeding from  the  mouth  of  our  Lord  upon  his  resurrection.  And 
we  hope  one  day  to  repeat  them  on  a  like  occasion,  saying,  each 
in  his  own  person;  "  I  will  freely  sacrifice  unto  thee,  I  will  praise 
thy  name,  O  Lord,  for  it  is  good.  For  he  hath  delivered  me  out 
of  all  my  trouble,  and  mine  eye  hath  looked  upon  mine  enemies.'* 

PSALM  LV. 

ARGUMENT. 

David,  as  it  is  supposed,  when  driven  out  of  Jerusalem  by  the  rebellion  of 
Absalom,  and  in  danger  of  being  suddenly  cut  off,  1 — 8.  makelh  his 
prayer  to  God,  and  describeth  the  sorrowful  state  of  his  soul;  9 — 11.  en- 
treateth  that  the  iniquitous  counsels  of  the  rebels  may  be  divided  and  con- 
founded; 12 — 14.  npbraideth  Ahitophel,  the  Judas  of  those  times,  with 
his  foul  treason;  15 — 19.  foretellelh  tlie  tragical  end  of  the  faction,  and 
his  own  re-establishment  through  faith  in  God;  notwithstanding  the  base 
treachery  of  his  favourite  son,  and  favourite  servant. 

1.  Give  ear  to  my  prayer,  O  God;  and  hide  not  thyself  from, 
my  supplication.  2.  Attend  unto  me,  and  hear  me :  I  mourn  in 
my  complaint,  Heb.  am  dejected  in  my  meditation,  and  make  a 
noise;  Heb.  «/«  in  a  violent  tumultuous  agitation,  as  the  waves  of 
the  sea. 

In  the  person  of  David,  driven  from  his  throne,  and  put  in  fear 
of  his  life,  by  Absalom  and  Ahitophel,  we  here  behold  our  blessed 


240  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LV. 

Redeemer,  on  the  day  of  his  sufferings,  praying  earnestly,  and  re- 
peating his  sin)plications,  as  in  the  garden  of  Gethsemane,  at  the 
prospect  of  that  sea  of  sorrows,  which  was  then  about  to  over- 
whelm his  agonizing  soul.  In  all  our  afflictions  he  was  afflicted  ; 
in  all  his  afflictions  let  us  be  so. 

3.  Because  of  the  voice  of  the  enemy,  because  of  the  oppres- 
sion of  the  wicked:  for  they  cast  iniquity  upon  me,  and  in  wrath 
they  hate  me. 

O  my  God,  how  can  we  repine  and  murmur  at  any  oppression 
and  calumny  which  we  suffer  from  the  world,  when  we  see,  not 
only  thy  servant  David,  but  thy  Son  Jesus,  thus  haied,  slandered, 
and  persecuted,  by  their  own  subjects,  and  their  own  children. 

4.  My  heart  is  sore  pained  within  me;  and  the  terrors  of  death 
are  fallen  upon  vie.  5.  Fearfulness  and  trembling  are  come  up- 
on me,  and  horror  hath  overichclmed  me. 

These  words  describe  the  state  of  David's  mind,  when  he  went 
over  the  brook  Cedron,  and  up  mount  Olivet,  "  weeping  as  he 
went,"  and  expecting  speedily  to  be  cut  off;  2  Sam.  xv.  23.  30. 
they  describe  the  agony  of  the  Son  of  David,  when  he  likewise 
went  over  the  same  brook  Cedron,  John  xviii.  1.  at  the  time  of  his 
passion,  when  his  soul  was  "  sore  amazed  and  very  heavy,  and  ex- 
ceeding sorrowful,  even  unto  death,"  Mark  xiv.  33,  34.  and  every 
man  will  too  surely  find  them  applicable  to  himself,  if  not  often 
before,  yet  certainly  in  the  day,  when  the  king  of  terrors  shall 
draw  up  all  his  forces  in  array  against  him. 

6.  And  I  said,  Oh  that  I  had  loings  like  a  dove  f  for  then  would 
I  jiy  away  and  be  at  rest.  J.  Lo,  then  tvould  I  loander  far  off, 
and  remain  in  the  wilderness.  8.  I  would  hasten  my  escape  from 
the  windy  storm  and  tempest. 

The  calamitous  situation  of  the  Israelitish  monarch,  forced  from 
him  a  wish,  that,  like  the  bird  of  innocence  and  peace,  he  could  in 
ti  moment  banish  himself  from  the  distractions  of  his  rebellious 
kingdom,  and  enjoy,  in  holy  solitude,  that  repose  which  his  sceptre 
and  his  guards  were  not  able  to  procure  him.  There  are  few 
crowned  heads,  peshaps,  which  have  not  more  than  once  found 
occasion  to  form,  if  not  to  utter,  a  wish  of  the  same  nature.  Much 
more  must  it  have  been  the  wish  of  that  King  of  Israel,  whose 
crown  was  literally  one  of  thorns ;  and  it  often  will  be  the  wish  of 
the  devout  Christian,  who,  sensible  of  the  sin  and  follies  that  over- 
spread the  earth,  is  taught  to  aspire  after  his  heavenly  country, 
and  to  delight  in  that  resemblance  of  it  which  the  closet  best  affords. 

9.  Destroy,  0  Lord,  and  divide  their  tongues :  for  I  have  seen 
violence  and  strife  in  the  city. 


Day  X.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  241 

In  these  words  king  David  beseecheth  God  to  divide,  confound, 
and  bring  to  nothing  the  counsels  of  an  iniquitous  and  rampant 
faction;  for  so,  in  the  history,  wo  find  him  saying,  "  O  Lord,  1 
pray  thee,  turn  the  counsel  of  Ahitophel  into  foolishness,"  2  Sam. 
XV.  31.  The  royal  prayer  was  heard;  the  counsel  of  Ahitophel 
was  overthrown  by  Ilushai,  and  the  disappointed  traitor  became 
his  own  executioner.  The  treason  of  Judas  against  the  Son  of 
David,  brought  him  likewise  to  the  same  end.  Every  one,  who 
finds  himself  tem|)ted  to  betray  the  cause  of  his  prince,  or  his  Savi- 
our, should  set  these  two  examples  before  his  eyes. 

10.  Day  and  night  they  go  about  it  upon  the  walls  thereof; 
mischief  also  and  sorrow  are  in  the  midst  of  it.  11.  Wickedness  is 
in  the  midst  thereof;  deceit  and  guile  depart  not  from  her  streets. 

The  violence  and  strife,  mentioned  at  the  conclusion  of  the  pre- 
ceding verse,  are  here  described  as  going  their  rounds,  like  an 
armed  watch,  upon  the  walls,  to  guard  rebellion,  which  had  taken 
up  its  residence  in  the  heart  of  the  city,  from  the  attacks  of  loyalty, 
right,  and  justice,  driven  with  the  king  beyond  Jordan.  Thus 
from  the  same  city  was  righteousness  afterwards  expelh^d,  in  the 
person  of  the  King  of  righteourness,  and  nothing  left,  but  "  mischief, 
and  sorrow,  wickedness,  deceit,  and  guile,"  encompassed  with  a 
guard  of  "  violence  and  strife."  Whether  the  state  of  the  Gentile 
Christian  church,  in  the  last  days,  will  not  too  much  resemble  that 
of  Jerusalem  before  its  destruction,  is  a  matter  of  sad  and  sorrowful 
consideration. 

12.  For  it  was  not  an  enemy  that  reproached  me;  then  I  could 
have  home  it:  neither  was  it  he  that  hated  me  that  did  magnify 
himself  against  me  ;  then  T  could  have  hid  myself  from  him.  ]  5. 
But  it  was  thou,  a  man,  mine  equal,  my  guide  ;  Ileb.  my  disciple 
and  mine  acquaintance.  14.  JVe  took  sweet  counsel  together,  and 
walked  unto  the  house  of  God  in  company. 

The  many  aggravating  circumstances  of  AhitopheFs  treason 
against  David,  and  that  of  Judas  against  Christ,  are  here  strongly 
marked.  The  treachery  of  pretended  friends  is  gencrallj'  to  the 
church,  as  it  was  to  her  Lord,  the  beginning  of  sorrows.  Ingrati- 
tude, malice,  and  falsehood,  are  ingredients  that  must  always  meet 
in  the  composition  of  a  traitor. 

15.  Let  death  seize  upon  them,  or,  death  shall  remove,  or,  take 
them  away,  and  let  them,  or,  they  shall,  go  down  quick  into  hell: 
for  wickedness  is  in  their  dwellings,  and  among  them. 

In  these  words  is  predicted  tlie  tragical  (aie  of  Ahitophel,  and 
those  who  followed  Absalom;  of  Judas  and  the  Jews;  and  of  all 
who  shall  resemble  them  in  wickedness.  The  sudden  destruction 
31 


242  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LV. 

of  Korah,  Dathan,  and  Abiram,  wlio,  for  stirring  up  a  rebellion 
against  Moses  and  Aaron,  "  went  down  alive  into  the  pit,"  seems 
here  alluded  to,  as  the  grand  representation  of  the  manner  in  which 
the  bottomless  pit  shall  one  day  shut  her  mouth  for  ever  upon  all 
the  im[)enitent  enemies  of  the  true  King  of  Israel,  and  great  High 
Priest  of  our  profession. 

]  G.  As  for  me,  I  to  ill  call  upon  God  and  the  Lord  shall  save  mc. 
17.  Evening,  and  morning,  and  at  noon  will  I  pray,  and  cry 
cdoud ;  and  he  shall  hear  my  voice. 

Prayer  is  the  believer's  universal  medicine  for  all  the  disorders 
of  the  soul  within,  and  his  invincible  shield  against  every  enemy 
that  can  attack  him  from  without.  "  Morning,  Evening,  and 
Noon,"  were  three  of  the  hours  of  prayer  in  the  Jewish  church. 
We  find  holy  Daniel  observing  them  in  Babylon,  notwithstanding 
the  royal  decree,  which  made  it  death  for  him  so  to  do.  The  event 
fully  justified  him,  and  showed  the  power  of  true  devotion,  whose 
jiigh  prerogative  it  still  is,  to  save  the  righteous  from  the  mouth  of 
THE  LION.     See  Dan.  vi.  10.  22.  2  Tim.  iv.  17-  1  Pet.  v.  8. 

IS.  He  hath  delivered,  or,  shall  deliver,  my  soid  in  peace  from 
the  battle  that  was,  or,  is,  against  me:  for  there  loere,  or,  are, 
many  loith  me. 

David  was  delivered  in  peace,  when  after  having  suppressed  the 
rebellion,  he  was  brought  back  in  triumph  to  his  capital;  the  Son 
of  David  was  delivered  in  peace,  when,  victorious  over  the  enemies 
of  man's  salvation,  he  arose  from  the  dead,  and  returned  to  the  Je- 
rusalem above;  the  believing  soul  is  delivered  in  peace,  when  her 
sins  are  forgiven,  and  her  corruptions  mortified;  and  the  bodies  of 
the  saints  shall  be  delivered  in  peace  at  the  resurrection  of  the  just. 
The  ground  of  all  these  deliverances  is  one  and  the  same — "  They 
that  are  with  us  arc  more  than  they  that  are  against  us,"  2  Kings 
vi.  16.  "  Greater  is  he  that  is  in  us,  than  he  that  is  in  the  world," 
1  John  iv.  4. 

19.  God  shall  hear,  and  affiict,  or,  humble,  them,  even  he  that 
abidcth  of  old.  Because  they  have  no  changes,  therefore  they 
fear  not  God;  or,  because  they  will  not  be  converted,  and  fear  God. 

He  who  inhabiteth  eternity,  remaining  unchangeably  the  same 
from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  hath  detorminod  to  hear  the  prayers 
of  his  faithful  servant,  and  finally  to  humble  the  pride  of  his  unre- 
pcnting  adversaries.  These  are  the  decrees  which  he  hath  thought 
fit  to  promulgate;  and  on  them  we  may  safely  depend. 

2.  He  hath  put  forth  his  hands  against  such  as  be,  or,  icere,  at 
peace  vnth  him :  he  hath  broken  his  covenant. 

The  prophet  goes  on  to  describe  the  perfidy  of  traitors,  like  Ahi- 


Day  XI.  IM.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  243 

tophel  and  Judas.  Every  wilful  and  malicious  sinner  "  puts  forth 
his  hand  against"  the  person  who  is  '•  at  peace  witli  him,"  nay, 
who  ''  made  his  peace"  with  the  Father,  and  by  so  doing,  "break- 
eth  the  covenant,"  into  which  i)y  baptism  he  was  admitted.  O 
blessed  Jesus,  how  often  ilo  we  betray  thee  to  thine  enemies,  our 
own  lusts,  and  consider  it  not. 

21.  The  words  of  his  mouth  were  smoother  than  butter,  hut 
iccr  was  in  his  heart :  his  icords  loere  softer  than  oil,  yet  were 
they  drawn  swords. 

Of  this  complexion  are  the  cant  of  hypocrites,  the  charity  of 
bigots  and  fanatics,  the  benevolence  of  atheists,  the  professions  of 
the  world,  the  allurements  of  the  flesh,  and  the  temptations  of  Sa- 
tan, when  he  thinks  proper  to  appear  in  the  character  of  an  aneel 
of  light. 

22.  Cast  thy  burden  upon  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  sustain  thee: 
he  shall  never  suffer  the  righteous  to  be  moved. 

The  conclusion  of  the  whole  matter  is,  that  amidst  all  dangers 
and  adversities^  whensoever  they  oppress  us,  we  are  to  put  our  full 
trust  and  confidence  only  in  his  mercy,  who  delivered  David,  and 
the  Son  of  David,  out  of  all  their  troubles.  He,  who  once  bore  the 
burden  of  our  sorrows,  requested  of  us,  that  we  would  now  and 
ever  permit  him  to  bear  the  burden  of  our  cares ;  that  as  he  know- 
rth  what  is  best  for  us,  he  may  provide  it  accordingly.  When  shall 
we  trust  Christ  to  govern  the  world  which  he  hath  redeemed  ? 

23.  But  thou,  0  God,  shalt  bring  them  down  into  the  pit  of  de- 
struction :  bloody  and  deceitful  men  shall  not  live  out  half  their 
days;  but  I  tc ill  trust  in  thee. 

O  terrible  voice  of  most  just  judgment,  pronounced  against  re- 
bels and  murderers !  Of  the  sure  and  certain  execution  of  this  righ- 
teous sentence  who  can  doubt,  that  considers  the  fate  of  Korali, 
Dathan,  and  Abirani ;  of  Absalom,  Ahitophel,  and  Judas ;  and 
above  all,  of  the  city  which  contained  within  its  walls  those  rebels, 
and  murderers  of  the  Son  of  (jod  ?  Let  us  trust  for  ever  in  Him 
alone,  who  can  thus  deliver,  and  thus  destroy. 

ELEVENTH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  LVL 

ARGUMENT. 

Oavid,  in  dant^er  from  Hic  Philistines,  among  whom  lie  was  driven,  as  well 
as  from  Saul  and  his  associates,  is  supposed  to,  1,  2.  make  sup|)lications 
to  God,  in  whom,  3,  4,  he  placetli  all  his  hope  aiid  confidence,  5 — 7.  of 


244  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LVI. 

being  saved  from  tlie  wiles  and  stratagems  of  the  adversary;  8,9.  he 
comlortoth  liimsclf  w  itli  the  consideration,  that  God  takrth  account  of  his 
sufloriiigs,  and  will  aipear  on  his  behalf;  10,  U.  he  repeateth  the  decla- 
ration of  his  faith  in  the  Divine  promises ;  and,  12,  13.  concludeth  with 
paying;  his  tribute  of  praise  and  thanksgiving.  What  David  was  in  Phi- 
listia,  the  discijjles  of  the  Son  of  David  are  in  the  world. 

1.  Be  merciful  uvto  mc,  O  God;  /or  man  would  swalloic  me 
np:  he  fighting  daily  oppresscth  me.  2.  Mine  enemies  would 
daily  swallow  me  up:  for  they  be  many  that  fight  against  me,  0 
thou  Most  High. 

The  same  words  are  applicable  to  the  situation  and  circum- 
stances of  David,  pursued  by  his  enemies;  of  Christ,  persecuted  by 
the  Jews ;  of  the  church,  afflicted  in  the  world ;  and  of  the  soul, 
encompassed  by  enemies,  against  whom  she  is  forced  to  wage  per- 
petual war. 

3.  What  time  I  am  afraid,  I  will  trust  in  thee.  4.  In  God  I 
will  praise,  or,  glory  in,  his  toord:  in  God  I  have  put  my  trust; 
I  will  not  fear  what  flesh  can  do  unto  me. 

Whoever,  like  the  prophet  Elisha's  servant,  beholdeth  only 
the  forces  of  the  enemy,  will  be  apt,  like  him,  to  cry  out,  '•  Alas, 
my  master,  how  shall  we  do  r"  2  Kings  vi.  15.  But  when  our  eyes 
are  "  opened,"  to  see  those  "  horses  and  chariots  of  fire,"  which 
are  "  round  about  us ;"  when  we  perceive  the  promises  of  the  Word, 
and  the  mighty  succours  of  the  Spirit,  which  are  all  on  our  side; 
we  no  longer  fear  the  terrors,  or  the  temptations  of  flesh  and  blood; 
but  find'burselves  enabled  to  do,  and  to  suffer  all  things,  throi.gh 
faith  in  him,  who  strengtheneth  us  to  the  battle.  He  hath  said, 
"  I  will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee;"  so  that  we  may  boldly 
say,  "  The  Lord  is  my  helper,  and  I  will  not  fear  what  man  shall 
do  unto  me,"  Heb.  xiii,  5,  6. 

5.  Every  day  they  wrest  my  words:  all  their  thoughts  are 
against  me  for  evil.  6.  They  gather  themselves  together,  they 
hide  themselves,  they  mark  my  steps,  when  they  icait  for  my  soul. 

These  words  could  not  be  more  literally  descriptive  of  the  be- 
haviour of  David's  persecutors  than  they  certainly  are  of  that  con- 
duct, whicli  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  observed  towards  our  blessed 
Lord;  when,  like  serpents  by  the  way-side,  "they  marked  his 
steps,"  till  a  proper  opportunity  offered  to  dart  from  their  lurking 
place,  and  "  bruise  his  heel."  We  think  it  hard,  when  men  use  us 
in  this  manner ;  but  surely  we  either  forget  that  the  Son  of  God 
was  so  used  before  us,  or  that  we  are  his  disciples. 

7.  Shall  they  escape  by  iniquity  ?  In  thine  anger  cast  down  the 
people,  O  God. 


Day  XI.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALJMS.  245 

The  signal  vengeance,  inflicted  on  the  enemies  of  David,  of 
Christ,  and  of  the  church,  in  different  ages,  may  serve  to  convince 
us,  that  if  we  would  "escape,"  it  must  be  fkom  sin,  not  by  it. 

8.  Thou  tdlest  my  wanderings :  put  thou  my  tears  into  thy 
bottle :  are  they  not  in  thy  book  ? 

Known  unto  God  are  all  the  afflictions  of  his  servants,  while 
banished,  like  David,  from  their  abiding  city  and  country,  they 
"  wander-'  here  below,  in  the  land  of  tlieir  pilgrimage.  The  "  tears" 
of  penitents  are  had  in  remembrance,  and,  as  so  many  precious 
gems,  will  one  day  adorn  their  crowns.  How  dear,  then,  in  the 
sight  of  God,  were  the  *'  wanderings"  and  the  "  tears"  of  the  holy 
Jesus,  submitting  to  perform  penance  for  those  sins  which  he  never 
committed ! 

9.  When  I  cry  unto  thee,  then  shall  mine  enemies  turn  back: 
this  Iknoto;  for  God  is  for  me. 

What  can  we  possibly  desire  more,  than  this  assurance,  that, 
how  many,  or  how  formidable  soever  our  enemies  may  be,  yet 
there  is  one  always  ready  to  appear  in  our  defence,  whose  power 
no  creature  is  able  to  resist.  "  This  I  know,"  saith  David ;  and 
had  we  the  (iiith  of  David,  we  should  know  it  too. 

10.  In  God  will  I  praise  his  word:  in  the  Lord  toill  I  praise 
his  word.  11.  In  God  have  I  put  my  trust:  I  loill  not  be  afraid 
what  man  can  do  unto  me.  (See  above,  on  verse  4.)  12.  Thy  vows 
are  upon  me,  O  God:  I  will  render  praises  unto  thee.  13.  Far 
thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from  death  ;  wilt  not  thou  deliver  my 
feet,  or,  viy  feet  also,  or,  assuredly,  from  falling,  that  I  may  walk 
before  God  in  the  light  of  the  living. 

At  the  conclusion  of  this  Psalm,  and  of  many  others,  the  pro- 
phet speaketh  of  his  deliverance  as  actually  accomplished;  he 
acknowledgoth  himself  under  the  obligation  of  the  vows  made  to 
God  in  the  night  of  affliction,  which  he  is  resolved  to  pay  on  the 
morning  of  triumph  and  jubilee.  O  come  that  glorious  morning, 
when  the  redeemed  shall  sing  eternal  praises  to  the  Lord  God  of 
their  salvation,  for  having  •'  delivered  their  souls  from  death,  and 
their  feet  from  falling,  that  they  may  walk  before  him  in  the  light 
of  the  living!" 


246  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LVII. 

PSALM  LVII. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm  is  said  to  have  been  composed  by  David,  on  occasion  of  \\U 
escape  IVoiu  Saul  in  the  cave  at  Engudi.  See  1  Sam.  xxiv.  3.  And  the 
cluuch,  by  her  appointment  of  it  as  one  of  the  proper  Psahiis  for  Eastcr- 
day,  hath  instructed  us  to  transfer  the  ideas  to  the  resurrection  of  Christ 
from  tlie  grave.  The  Psalm  containeth,  1 — 3.  an  act  of  faith  in  the  pro- 
mises: 4.  a  description  of  g-rievous  sufferings;  5.  a  prayer  for  the  exalta- 
tion of  God's  glory,  which  is  repeated  again  at  the  conclusion;  6.  a  pre- 
diction of  judgment  on  tlu;  adversary;  7 — lf>.  a  strain  of  the  highest 
exultation  and  jubilee. 

1.  Be  merciful  unto  me,  O  God,  be  merciful  unto  mc ;  for  my 
soul  trusteth  in  thee :  yea,  in  the  shadow  of  thy  icings  will  I  make 
my  refuge,  until  these  calamities  be  overpast. 

David,  encompassed  by  his  enemies  at  Engedi,  putteth  up  this 
prayer  to  God ;  the  same  prayer  we  may  suppose  to  have  been 
used  by  our  blessed  Lord,  wlien  drawing  near  to  the  grave,  and 
gate  of  death :  and  the  church  ever  continiieth  the  use  of  it,  until 
she  be  delivered  from  the  bondage  of  corruption.  In  the  mean 
time,  she  tcacheth  her  children  to  i)ut  themselves,  living  and  dying, 
under  the  protection  of  Him  who  is  always  ready  to  "  gather  them, 
as  a  hen  gathereth  her  chickens  under  her  wings."  There  they 
may  /est  in  peace  and  security. 

2.  I  will  cry  unto  God  most  high;  unto  God  that  verformcth 
all  things  for  mc. 

David  cried  unto  God,  and  he  was  delivered  out  of  the  hand  of 
Saul;  the  Son  of  David  cried  unto  God,  and  was  delivered  from 
the  power  of  the  grave:  the  saints  on  earth  cry  unto  God,  and  shall 
be  delivered  out  of  their  troubles;  the  souls  under  the  altar  in  hea- 
ven, cry  unto  God,  Rev.  vi.  10.  and  shall  obtain  a  reunion  with 
their  bodies.  Thus  God  "  performetli  all  things  for  usj"  as  well 
as  for  David. 

3.  He  shall  send  from  heaven,  and  sace  me  from  the  reproach 
of  him  that  woidd  sicallow  me  up.  God  shall  send  forth  his  mercy 
and  his  truth. 

We  have  all  an  enemy,  who  would  "  swallow  us  up ;  and  we 
look  for  a  manifestation  of  the  Divine  mercy  and  truth''  from 
"  heaven,"  for  tlie  salvation  of  our  souls,  and  the  redemption  of  our 
bodies.  A  grand  specimen  of  this  manifestation  was  exhibited  to 
the  world  on  that  glorious  morning,  when  Jesus  Christ  arose  from 
the  dead. 

4.  My  soul  is  amonff  lions :  and  I  lie  even  among  them  that  arc 


Day  XI.  M.  P.  ON  TIIR  PSAT.MS.  247 

set  on  fire,  even  the  sons  of  men,  tohosc  teeth  are  qtears  and  ar- 
rows, and  tluir  tongues  a  sharp  sword. 

TIte  fiercest  of  beasts,  the  most  devouring  of  elements,  and  th(> 
sharpest  of  nulitar}'  weapons,  lU'e  selected  to  represent  the  power 
and  fury  of  David's  enemies.  How  much  stronger,  and  more  fu- 
rious, were  the  enemies  of  Christ,  who,  in  the  day  of  his  passion,  re- 
sembled Daniel  in  the  lion's  den,  the  three  children  in  the  fiery  fur- 
nace, and  who  stood  alone,  exposed  to  the  assaults  of  men  and  evil 
spirits  ! 

5.  Be  thou  exalted,  O  God,  above  the  heavens ;  let  thij  glory 
be  above  all  the  earth. 

God  is  exalted  and  glorified  among  men  by  the  display  of  mercy 
and  judgment,  in  the  salvation  of  his  children  from  the  hands  of 
their  enemies.  But  chiefly  was  he  exalted,  when  having  raised 
up  his  Son  Jesus,  he  set  him  at  his  own  right  hand,  far  above  all 
principalities  and  powers,  and  every  thing  that  is  named  in  hea- 
ven and  in  earth.  This  was  the  great  exaltation,  prefigured,  fore- 
told, and  incessantly  prayed  for,  in  the  ancient  church. 

G.  They  have  prepared  a  net  for  my  steps  ;  my  sotd  is  boioed 
down:  they  have  digged  a  pit  before  me,  into  the  midst  whereof 
they  are  fallen,  or,  shall  fall,  themselves. 

David  compares  himself,  1  Sam.  xxvi.  20.  to  a  bird  upon  the 
mountains,  which  the  fowler  endeavoureth  to  hunt  into  nets  and 
snares,  set  up  and  prepared  for  its  destruction.  So  was  that  most 
innocent  Dove,  the  holy  Jesus,  persecuted  by  the  Jews,  until  they 
had  driven  him  into  the  snares  of  death,  and  laid  him  low  in  the 
grave.  But  the  enemies  of  botli  received,  in  the  end,  the  due  re- 
ward of  their  deeds,  and  "  fell  into  the  pit  they  had  digged." 

7.  My  heart  is  fixed,  O  God,  my  heart  is  fixed;  I  icill  sing 
and  give  praise. 

At  the  prospect  of  approaching  deliverance,  the  prophet,  in  the 
person  of  Christ,  declareth  his  heart  to  be  fixed  and  established, 
steadfast  and  unmoveable  in  the  midst  of  trouble,  even  then  prepa- 
ring to  celebrate  its  future  enlargement  with  songs  of  praise. 

8.  Awahe  vp,  my  glory ;  aicalce,  psaltery  and  harp  :  Jn33'sell 
irill  awake  early  ;  or,  awaken  in  the  morning. 

For  this  purpose,  he  calls  upon  his  tongue,  with  all  his  instru- 
ments of  music,  all  the  organs  of  the  body,  and  affections  of  the 
soul,  to  unite  their  powers  in  sweetest  harmony  and  concert,  and 
to  awaken  the  sluggish  morning  with  the  voice  of  melody,  sounding 
forth  the  glories  of  redemption.  Thus  should  the  morning  be  ever 
celebrated,  on  which  Ch.ist  "arose  I'rom  the  deal,  and  became  tlie 
first-fruits  of  them  that  slept.'' 


248  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.LVIII. 

9.  I  will  praise  thee,  0  Lord,  among  the  people:  I  will  sing 
tinto  thee  among  the  nations :  10.  For  thy  mercy  is  great  unto  the 
heavens,  and  thy  truth  unto  the  clouds. 

The  resurrection  of  Jesus  from  the  grave,  foreshadowed  in  the 
deliverance  of  David  from  the  hand  of  Saul,  was  a  transaction 
which  caused  the  heavens,  and  all  the  powers  therein,  to  extol  the 
mercy  and  the  truth  of  God.  The  nations  of  the  earth,  whose  are 
the  benefits  and  the  blessings  of  that  transaction,  are  therefore 
bound  evermore  to  make  it  the  subject  of  their  praises  and  thanks- 
givings; which  is  done  by  the  members  of  our  church  every  Eas- 
ter-day, in  the  words  of  this  very  Psalm. 

11.  Be  thou  exalted,  0  God,  above  the  heavens  ;  let  thy  glory 
be  above  all  the  earth. 

Even  so,  be  thou  still  exalted,  O  blessed  Jesus,  above  the  hea- 
vens, while  the  angels  sing  their  hallelujahs  on  high;  and  let  thy 
glory  be  above  all  the  earth,  while,  in  psalms,  and  hymns,  and  spi- 
ritual songs,  the  congregations  of  the  redeemed  incessantly  magnifv 
thy  salvation  below. 

The  church  triumphant,  and  the  church  below, 
In  songs  of  praise  their  present  union  show : 
Their  joys  are  full,  our  expectation  long; 
In  life  we  differ,  but  we  join  in  song-. 
Angels  and  we,  assisted  by  this  art, 
May  sing  together,  though  we  dwell  apart. 

Waller  on  Divine  Poesie. 


PSALM  LVm. 

AK.OTJMENT. 

fu  the  persons  of  Saul  and  his  iniquitous  counsellors,  the  enemies  of  Christ 
and  the  church,  1,  2.  are  reproved,  and,  3 — o.  their  malice  is  described, 
by  comparing  it  to  the  poison  of  serpents,  which  are  proof  against  every 
art  made  use  of  to  tame  them  :  6 — 9.  the  destruction  of  the  wicked  is 
foretold,  and  illustrated  by  six  similitudes;  lO.  the  triumph  of  the  righ- 
teous is  likewise  predicted;  as  also,  11.  the  effect  it  will  produce,  in 
manifesting,  to  all  the  world,  the  providence  and  glory  of  God. 

1 .  Do  ye  indeed  speak  righteousness,  O  congregation  ?  do  ye 
judge  uprightly,  O  ye  soiis  of  men?  2.  Yea,  in  heart  ye  work 
wickedness  ;  ye  tveigh  the  violence  of  your  hands,  or,  your  hands 
frame  violence,  in  the  earth. 

The  proceedings  of  Doeg,  and  other  associates  of  Saul,  against 
David;  those  of  Judas  and  the  Sanhedrim  against  our  Lord;  and 
those  of  wicked  princes  and  court  sycophants,  in  diflerent  ages, 
against  the  faith  and  the  church ;  as  they  spring  from  tlie  same  prin- 


Day  XI.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  249 

ciples,  so  they  flow  pretty  much  in  the  same  channel.     Such  men 
may  here  see  their  chaiacters  drawn,  and  their  end  foretold. 

3,  The  wicked  are  estranged  from  the  womb:  they  go  astray 
as  soon  as  they  be  born,  speaking  lies. 

The  tares  sown  by  the  enemy,  in  human  nature,  appear  early  j 
and  show  us  how  far  we  are  "  estranged"  from  original  truth  and 
righteousness.  What  can  be  expected,  unless  grace  and  discipline 
prevent  it,  but  that  "  out  of  the  serjient's  root  shall  come  forth  a 
cockatrice,  and  his  fruit  shall  be  a  fiery  flying  serpent  r" 

4.  Their  poison  is  like  the  poison  of  a  serpent :  they  are  like  the 
deaf  adder  that  stoppeth  her  ear :  5.  Which  will  not  hearken  to 
the  voice  of  charmers,  charming  never  so  icisely. 

The  wicked  are  here  compared  to  serpents,  for  that  malignity  in 
their  tempers,  which  is  the  venom  and  poison  of  the  hitelh^ctual 
world.  And  whereas  there  are  some  kinds  even  of  serpents, 
which  by  musical  sounds,  may  for  a  time  as  it  is  said,  be  disarmed 
of  their  rage,  and  rendered  so  tame,  as  to  be  handled  without  dan- 
ger ;*  yet  the  evil  dispositions  of  some  men,  like  those  of  one  par- 
ticular species  of  the  serpentine  race,  are  often  invincible.  The 
enmity  of  a  Saul  was  proof  against  the  heavenly  strains  of  the  son 
of  Jesse;  and  He  who  spake  as  "  never  man  spake,"  was  stung  to 
death  by  a  "  generation  of  vipers." 

6.  Break,  or,  thou  wilt  break,  their  teeth,  O  God,  in  their 
mouth  :  break,  or,  thou  wilt,  break,  out  the  great  teeth  of  the 
young  lions,  O  Lord. 

The  destruction  of  the  wicked  is  represented  under  six  simili- 
tudes. The  first  is  that  of  breaking  the  teeth  of  lions,  being  the 
most  terrible  weapons  of  the  most  terrible  aniiuals.  But  what  is 
human  power,  at  its  highest  exahation,  if  compared  to  that  of 

*  Bochart  quotes  several  ancient  authors,  who  mention  this  cfl'ect  of  mu- 
sic, and  among  them,   Virgil,  M,ntid  vii.  v.  753. 

"  Vipero  generi,  et  graviter  spirantibus  hydris 
"  Spargere  qui  somnos  CANTuque  manuque  solebat." 
The  elder  Scaliger,  as  quoted  by  the  same  learned  critic,  writes  thus:  "Nos 
aliquando  vidimus  cantationibus  e  cavernis  exciri  serpentes:"  Jind  Mr.  Boyle, 
in  his  Essay  on  the  Great  Effects  of  Languid  Motion,  p.  71.  ed.  1686,  g^ives 
us  the  following^  passage  from  Sir  H.  Blunts  Voyage  into  the  Levant,  p. 
81.  edit.  5.  "  Many  rarities  of  living  creatures  I  saw  iu  Grand  Cairo;  but 
the  most  ingenious  was  a  nest  of  four-legged  serpents,  of  two  <cet  long,  black 
and  ugly,  kept  by  a  Frenchman,  who,  when  he  came  to  handle  them,  they 
would  not  endure  him,  but  ran  and  hid  in  their  hole;  then  would  he  take 
his  cittern,  and  play  upon  it;  they,  hearing  his  music,  carne  all  crawling  to 
his  feet,  and  began  to  climb  up  him,  till  he  gave  over  playing;  then  away 
they  ran."  Tlic  "  deaf"  adder  may  either  be  a  serpent  of  a  species  natu- 
rally deaf,  (for  several  such  kinds  arc  mentioned  by  Avicenne,  as  quoted  by 
Bochart)  or  one  deaf  by  accident:  in  either  case,  she  may  be  said,  in  the 
language  of  poetry,  to  "  slop  her  ear,"  from  her  being  proof  to  all  the  ef- 
forts of  the  charmer.  Merrick. 
32 


150  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LVIII- 

God?  The  mountains  of  Gilboa  can  tell  us,  the  desolated  Ziou 
can  inform  us,  how  the  mighty  are  fallen,  and  the  weapons  of  war 
perished!  Because  the  mighty  had  exalted  themselves,  and  the 
weapons  of  war  had  been  lifted  up,  against  truth  and  innocence, 
protected  by  the  decrees  of  heaven. 

7.  Let  them,  or,  they  shall,  melt  aivay  as  tcafcrs  which  run  con- 
timially,  or,  pass  aioay :  when  he  hendeth  his  bow  to  shoot  Ms  ar- 
ro2Vs,  let  them,  or,  they  shall,  be  as  cut  in  pieces. 

The  second  similitude  used  to  illustrate  the  destruction  of  the 
wicked,  is  that  of  torrents  and  inundations,  which  descend  with 
great  noise  from  the  mountains,  and  cover  the  face  of  a  country  ; 
but  their  cause  -soon  ceasing  to  act,  they  run  oflf,  and  appear  no 
more ;  herein  affording  a  fine  emblem  of  the  weakness  and  insta- 
bility of  earthly  power.  The  impotence  of  human  efforts  against 
divine  counsels  is  compared,  thirdly,  to  a  man  drawing  a  bow, 
when  the  arrow  on  the  string  is  broke  in  two ;  and  therefore,  in- 
stead of  flying  to  the  mark,  falls  useless  at  his  feet. 

8.  j4s  a.  snail  which  meltcth,  let  every  one  of  them  pass  away  : 
like  the  witimely  birth  of  a  woman,  that  they  may  not  see  the  sun. 
Or,  As  a  melting  snail  he  shall ^iass  away,  as  an  abortion,  they  see 
not  the  sun. 

A  snail,  which,  coming  forth  of  his  shell,  marks  his  path  with 
slime,  continually  losing  some  part  of  his  substance  in  his  pi'ogress  ; 
and  an  abortion,  which  consumes  away  in  the  like  manner  ;  these 
are  the  fourth  and  fifth  images,  selected  to  represent  the  transient 
nature  of  worldly  greatness,  still  wasting,  till  it  comes  to  nothing; 
and  the  miserable  fate  of  those  who  perish,  with  their  half-formed 
devices,  nor  ever  behold  the  Sun  of  righteousness. 

9.  Before  your  pots  can  feel  the  thorns,  he  shall  take  them  aicay 
as  loith  a  tuhirlwind,  both  living  and  in  his  wrath  ;  or,  he  shall 
take  them  away  alive,  as  with  a  whirlwind,  in  his  ivrath.  . 

Wicked  men  have,  in  common  with  others,  that  tendency  to  de- 
cay, which  is  entailed  on  the  world,  and  on  all  things  therein ;  but 
they  are  warned,  by  this  sixth  and  last  similitude,  to  prevent  the 
judgments  of  the  Almighty.  These  often  break  forth,  like  a  whirl- 
wind, or  a  thunder-storm,  and  sweep  away  at  once,  in  the  flower  of 
their  strength,  and  the  height  of  their  prosperity,  the  tyrannical  op- 
pressors of  the  people  of  God ;  whose  short-lived  glory,  and  sud- 
den extinction,  arc  ajnly  resembled  to  that  crackling  and  momen- 
tary blaze,  which  is  produced  by  a  fire  kindled  among  thorns  under 
a  pot. 

10.  'Flic  righteous  shall  rijoice  when  he  seeth  the  vengeance  ; 
he  shall  wash  his  feel  in  the  blood  of  the  wicked.     11.  i<o  that  o 


Day  XL  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  251 

man  shall  say,  Verily,  there  is  a  reward  for  the  righteous  ;  verily 
he  is,  or,  there  is,  a  God  thatjudgeth  in  the  earth. 

The  victories  of  tliat  Just  One,  gained  in  his  own  person,  and 
ill  those  of  his  faitiil'ul  servants,  over  the  enemies  of  man's  salva- 
tion, are  productive  of  a  joy,  which  springeth  not  from  love  of  re- 
venge, but  is  inspired  by  a  view  of  tlie  Divine  mercy,  justice,  and 
truth,  dispbyed  in  the  redemption  of  the  elect,  the  punishment  of 
the  ungodly,  and  the  accomplishment  of  the  promises.  Whoever 
•duly  weigheth  and  considereth  these  things,  will  diligently  seek  af- 
ter the  reward  of  riglueousness,  and  humbly  ailore  the  Providence 
wjiich  ordereih  all  things  aright  in  heaven  and  earth. 


ELEVENTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  LIX. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm  is  said  to  have  been  composed  on  occasion  of  David's  escape, 
wJien  Saul  sent,  and  they  watched  the  house  to  kill  him.  See  1  Sam 
xix.  11 — 18.  David,  in  these,  as  in  many  other  circumstances  of  his  life, 
may  be  considered  as  the  representative  of  Messiah,  1,  2.  praying  to  be 
delivered  from  the  power  of  his  blood-thirsty  enemies,  whose  indelatiga- 
ble  malice  he,  3 — 7.  describes  ;  but,  8 — 10.  predicts  his  own  enlargement 
through  the  tender  merry  and  mighty  power  of  God  ;  as  also,  1 1 — 15.  the 
.lingular  vengeance  to  bo  poured  out  ujion  his  enemies,  for  their  puni.>h- 
meut,  and  the  admonition  of  otliers.  The  Psalm  concludes  with  a  strain 
of  exultation  and  thanksgiving. 

1.  Deliver  me  from  mine  enemies,  0  my  God:  defend  me,  Heb. 
rxatt  me,  from  them  that  rise  up  against  me.  2.  Deliver  me  from 
the  workers  of  iniquity,  and  save  me  from  bloody  men. 

In  these  words  we  hear  the  voice  of  David,  w  hen  a  prisoner  in 
his  own  house;  the  voice  of  Christ  when  surrounded  by  his  mer- 
ciless enemies  !  the  voice  of  the  church,  when  under  bondage  in  the 
world;  and  the'voice  of  the  Christian,  when  under  temptation,  af- 
fliction, and  persecution, 

3.  For,  lo,  they  lie  in  wait  for  my  soul:  the  mighty  are  gw- 
tliered  against  mc;  not  for  my  transgression,  nor  for  tny  sin,  0 
Lord.  4.  They  run  and  iirrparc  themselves  without  my  fault : 
awake  to  help  me,  and  behold. 

The  mighty  men  of  Saul  were  gathered  against  David,  who  had 
been  guilty  of  no  offence  against  the  king,  and  therefore  was,  so 
lar,  innocent.  The  Jews  and  Romans  weie  gathered  against  Jc- 
tus  Christ,  who  had  committed  no  sin  at  all,  and  was  perfectly  in> 


252  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LIX. 

nocent.  And  the  world  is  oftentimes  in  arms  against  the  children 
of  God,  only  fur  dolnsi  what  it  is  their  duty  to  do.  In  all  such  cases, 
God  is  to  be  applied  to,  as  the  helper  and  avenger  of  those  who 
suffer  unjustly. 

5.  Thou  therefore,  0  Lord  God  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israely 
awake,  or,  thou  shall  awake,  to  visit  all  the  heathen:  he  not  merci- 
ful, or,  thou  wilt  not  he  merciful,  to  any  wicked  transgressors. 

The  prophet,  in  this  verse,  seemeth  to  respect  that  great  day  of 
final  retribution,  which  is  to  succeed  the  day  of  grace,  the  accepted 
time  of  repentance  and  pardon.  For  then  it  is,  that  Jehovah  shall 
awake  to  judge  the  nations;  to  reward  every  man  according  to  his 
deeds ;  and  to  banish  for  ever  from  his  presence  the  impenitent 
workers  of  iniquity.  The  malicious  adversaries  of  David,  and 
those  of  the  Son  of  David,  may  not  then  find  the  mercy,  so  often 
by  them  rejected,  in  the  days  of  their  flesh. 

6.  They  return  at  evening :  they  make  a  noise  like  a  dog,  and 
go  round  about  the  city. 

The  emissaries  of  Saul,  coming  after  David  in  the  "  evening,'' 
besetting  his  house,  and  blocking  up  the  avenues,  are  compared  to 
a  set  of  hungry  blood-hounds  in  quest  of  their  prey.  But  the  pic- 
ture is  drawn  likewise  for  that  herd  of  evening  wolves,  who  thirsted 
after  the  blood  of  the  Lamb  of  God,  on  whom  their  mouths  were 
opened,  crying,  "Crucify  him!  crucify  him  !" 

7-  Behold,  they  belch,  or,  spout  out,  uith  their  mouth :  swords 
axe  in  their  lijjs ;  for  who,  (say  they)  doth  hear? 

Out  of  the  abundance  of  malice  in  the  heart,  the  mouth  will 
speak,  like  the  cutting  of  a  sword ;  and  the  wicked  take  counsel 
against  the  just,  as  if  there  were  no  one  above  who  heard  and  re- 
garded. 

8.  But  thou,  O  Lord,  siialt  laugh  at  them;  thou  shall  have  all 
the  heathen  in  derision. 

These  very  expressions  are  used  in  the  4th  verse  of  the  second 
Psalm,  to  denote  the  futility  of  all  the  counsels  entered  into  by 
Jew  and  Gentile  against  JMessiah  and  his  churoh.  The  Psalm 
before  us  seems  evidently  to  relate  to  the  same  counsels  against  the 
same  blessed  person,  whatever  part  of  king  David's  history  might 
be  thf  occasion  of  its  being  composed. 

9.  Because  of  his  strength  will  I  wait  upon  thee :  for  God  is 
my  defence,  or,  excdtaiion.  10.  The  God  of  my  mercy  shall  pre- 
vent 7ne:  God  shall  let  me  see  my  desire,  Heh.  look,  upon  mine 
enemies. 

To  the  strength  of  the  adversary  the  Psalmist  opposeth  that  of 
God,  which  he  foresaw  would  rescue  him,  and  avenge  his  cause. 


Day  XI.  t.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  253 

In  all  our  troubles  lot  us  do  likewise;  and  then,  he  who  exalted 
David,  und  a  greater  than  David,  will  in  due  time  exalt  us,  and 
we  shall  look  without  tear  upon  our  spiritual  enemies. 

11.  Slay  them  not,  lent  my  people  forget:  scatter  them  by  thy 
power;  and  L7-iii^^  them  down,  O  Lord  our  shield.  Or,  27to«  wilt 
not  slay  them — thou  loilt  scatter  them,  &c. 

The  prophet,  in  the  person  of  Messiah,  predicteth  the  singular 
late  of  the  Jews;  who,  for  their  sins,  were  not  extirpated,  lest  the 
Gentile  Christians  should  '•  forget"  their  punishment,  but  were 
'''  scattered''  among  all  nations,  and  degraded  from  the  glorious  pri- 
vileges of  that  high  rank  in  which  they  once  stood.*  Thus  doth 
that  people  remain  at  this  day,  a  monument  of  God's  vengeance 
against  apostacy ;  a  beacon,  set  up  and  kindled  by  the  hand  of 
Heaven,  as  a  warning  to  all  Christian  churches,  that  they  split  not 
on  the  same  fatal  rock. 

12.  For  the  ifin  of  their  mouth,  and  the  tooi'ds  of  their  lips,  let 
them,  or,  they  shall,  even  be  taken  in  their  pride  ;  and  for  cursing 
and  lying  which  they  speak. 

The  causes  of  the  Jews'  dispersion  are  here  assigned,  viz.  "  tlie 
sin  of  their  mouth"  in  "  the  words  of  their  lips,"  or  their  "  hard 
speeches,"  spoken  against  the  Son  of  God;  their  slanders,  l3'ing  ac- 
cusations, and  outrageous  blasphemies,  together  with  that  horrid 
imprecation  in  which  they  involved  their  descendants;  who  have 
groaned  under  the  weight  of  it  for  near  these  1700  years,  and  yet 
still  continue  to  justify  the  deeds  of  their  fathers,  retaining  that 
"  pride''  in  their  name,  and  long-since  forfeited  privileges,  which 
provoked  the  Romans  to  destroy  their  city  and  country. 

13.  Consume  them  in  wrath,  consume  them,  or,  thou  shalt  con- 
sume them,  &c.  that  they  may  not,  or,  shall  not,  be;  and  let  them, 
or,  they  shall,  know  that  God  ruleth  in  Jacob  unto  the  ends  of 
the  earth. 

This  prediction  was  accomplished  in  the  total  subversion  of  Je- 
rusalem by  Titus,  when  the  Jews  having  no  longer  any  city,  tem- 
ple, or  civil  pohty,  cccised  to  "  be"  as  a  nation.  And  they  have 
seen  enough  to  have  convinced  them,  thai  God  is  the  God,  "  not 
of  the  Jews  only,  but  of  the  Gentiles  also."  The  Gospel  hath 
been  preached,  idolatry  hath  been  overthrown,  the  nations  have 
been  converted  to  the  faith  of  Abraham,  and  that  of  David,  whose 
Psalms  are  used  throughout  the  world ;  and  God  who  "  ruled  in 
Jacob,  and  was  known  in  Jewry,"  now  is  known  and  ruleth  "  un- 

*  Prophetic^,  Christian!  divinsp  ultionis  oblivisci  non  possunt,  dum  Jiidfri, 
f'xcidio  suo  superstites,  et  ubi(|iic  vagi,  pa;nam  siiam,  ct  paritcr,  in  fesiimo- 
iiium,  clnquia  diviua  circumferunt.     Bosmet. 


254  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LX. 

to  the  ends  of  the  earth;"  for  ''they  have  seen  the  salvation,"  and 
submitted  to  the  sceptre  of  King  Messiah. 

14.  And  at  evening  let  ihc7n,  or,  thci/  shall,  return;  and  let  them, 
or,  they  shall,  make  a  noi.sc  like  a  dog,  and  go  round  about  the 
city.  15.  Let  them,  or,  they  shall,  wander  tq)  and  down  for  meafy 
and  grudge,  or,  hotel,  if  they  be  not  satisfied. 

The  punishment  inflicted  on  the  wicked  often  carries  the  mark 
of  their  crime.  It  is  just  that  they  who  have  thirsted  after  the 
blood  of  the  righteous,  should  want  a  drop  of  water  to  cool  their 
tongues ;  and  the  hunger  of  a  dog  is  deservedly  their  plague,  of 
Avhom  a  resemblance  of  that  unclean  animal's  disposition  hath  been 
the  sin.  Such  is  the  present  condition  of  the  Jews,  excluded 
from  the  church,  and  suflering  all  the  calamities  of  a  spiriiual  fa- 
mine; and  su<;h  will  be  the  condition  of  all  those  who  are  to  wail 
and  lament  in  vain,  without  the  holy  city,  for  evermore,  Rev. 
xxii.  15. 

16.  But  1 7vill  sing  of  thy  power;  yea,  I  loill  sing  aloud  of  thy 
mercy  in  the  morning :  for  thou  hast  been  my  defence  and  refuge 
in  the  day  of  my  trotible.  17.  Unto  thee,  O  my  strength,  tvill  I 
sing :  for  God  is  my  defence,  and  the  God  of  my  mercy. 

While  the  wicked  murmur  and  repine  at  the  dispensations  of 
Heaven,  the  righteous  are  employed  in  giving  thanks  and  praises 
for  the  same ;  and  the  "  morning"  which  is  to  consign  the  former 
to  the  habitations  of  despair,  where  no  sounds  are  heard  but  those 
of  hideous  wailings  and  horrid  blasphemies,  shall  transport  the  lat- 
ter to  the  mansions  of  felicity,  resounding  with  incessant  hallelu- 
jahs. 

PSALM  LX. 

AROUAIENT. 

This  PsaJin  is  thought  to  hiwp  been  composed  by  David,  nhon,  alter  his 
cominfj  to  the  throne,  the  tribes  of  Israel  had  submitted  to  liis  sceptre,  and 
he  was  enija^ed  in  the  reduction  of  the  adjacent  countries.  See  the  his- 
tory, 2  Sam.  chap.  v.  and  viii.  1 — 3.  He  describes  wliat  Israel  had  lately 
suffered,  from  foreign  enemies  and  domestic  feuds;  4,  5,  6.  he  declareih 
himself  appointed  to  conduct  his  people  to  victory  and  triumph  accord- 
infT  to  a  divine  prediction;  6,  7.  he  rcjoiceth  in  the  accession  of  the  other 
tribes  to  that  of  .Tudah,  and,  8 — 1'2.  sees  Edom,  Moab,  and  Philistia,  al- 
ready subdued  by  the  mighty  power  of  God.  All  this  is  now  to  be  spiri- 
tually applied,  in  the  Christian  church,  to  the  establishment  and  eularg-e- 
nient  of  Messiah's  kingdom,  prefigured  by  that  of  David. 

1.  0  God,  thou  hast  cast  us  off,  thou  hast  scattered  us,  thou 
hast  been  displeased;  0  turn  thyself  to  us  again. 


DayXI.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  255 

When  the  church,  by  her  sins,  liath  rejected  God,  she  is  rojocted 
by  him;  she  is  dehvered  into  the  hands  of  her  enemies,  and  sufTers 
persecution :  when  by  repentance  and  supplication  she  returneth 
to  him,  he  is  ready  to  meet  and  receive  her.  The  history  of  Israel 
is  one  continued  exemplification  of  these  most  interesting  truths. 
It  should  be  the  care  and  endeavour  of  every  church,  and  every 
individual,  to  profit  thereby. 

2.  Thou  hast  made  the  earth,  or,  the  land,  to  tremble  ;  thou  hast 
broken  it:  heal  the  breaches  thereof;  for  it  shaketh. 

The  persecutions  of  the  Israelitish  church  often  shook  the 
"  land"  of  promise;  the  persecutions  of  the  Christian  churcli  have 
frequently  moved  the  whole  earth.  Alllictions  of  this  kind  may  be 
likened  to  wounds  sometimes  made  in  a  diseased  body  by  skilful 
surgeons,  to  be  healed  again,  when  by  a  discharge  of  the  corrupt 
humours,  they  have  answered  the  end  for  which  they  were  in- 
tended. 

3.  Thou  hast  shewed  thy  people  hard  things  ;  thou  hast  made 
tis  to  drink  the  wine  of  astonishment,  or,  intoxication. 

The  Israelites  had  not  only  suffered  "  hard  things"  from  their 
professed  enemies  the  Philistines,  by  the  overthrow  of  Saul  and 
his  army,  but  their  civil  dissentions  at  home  showed  that  they  had 
drunk  deep  of  the  bitter  cup  of  infatuation.  See  1  Sam.  xxxi.  and 
2  Sara.  ii.  and  iii.  From  these  two  sources  flow  the  calamities  of 
churches  and  of  kingdoms  in  all  ages,  whensoever  it  pleastth  God  to 
visit  their  transgressions  upon  them,  by  the  instrumentality  of  men. 

4.  Thou  hast  given  a  banner  to  them  that  fear  thee,  that  it  may 
be  displayed  because  of  the  truth. 

For  the  temporal  salvation  of  Israel,  God  raised  up  David,  ac- 
cording to  his  promise ;  to  whose  standard,  as  a  centre  of  unity,  the 
worshippers  of  the  true  God  might  resort.  For  the  spiritual  and 
eternal  salvation  of  the  chiu-cb,  God  raised  up  his  Son  Jesus,  ac- 
cording to  his  promise,  and  "  displayed  the  banner  of  the  cross,'' 
under  which  believers  are  enlisted,  and  led  on  to  triumph,  "  because 
of  the  truth."  Remarkable  to  this  purpose  are  the  words  of  Isaiah, 
"  In  that  day  there  shall  be  A  Root  op  Jesse,  which  shall  stand 
i8x  an  ENSIGN  of  the  people;  to  it  shall  the  Gentiles  seek,  and 
his  rest,"  after  the  battle  is  over,  and  the  victory  gained,  "  shall  be 
glorious,"  Isa.  xi.  10. 

5.  That  thy  beloved  may  be  delivered,  save  with  thy  right  Iiand. 
and  licar  vie. 

This  prayer,  which  king  David  preferred  for  Israel,  the  great 
Intercessor  prefers  continually  for  his  church;  and  all  ought  t« 
prefer  for  themselves  and  for  others. 


Ja6  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LX. 

6.  God  hath  spoken  in  his  holiness,  or,  hi/his  Hoh)  One;  I  will 
rejoice,  or,  exult,  i,  e.  as  a  conqueror :  I  will  divide  Shechem,  and 
'mete  out  the  indlnj  of  Succoth. 

As  a  ground  of  hope  and  confidence,  Da\id  here  declares,  that 
God,  by  the  mouth  of  a  holy  prophet,  had  spoken  and  promised 
him  the  success  for  which  he  prayed  in  the  foregoing  verse.  And 
that  this  was  known  among  the  people,  appears  from  a  speech  of 
Abner  to  the  elders  of  Israel,  2  Sam.  iii.  IS.  "  The  Lord  hath 
spoken  of  David,  saying,  By  the  hand  of  my  servant  David,  I  will 
save  my  people  Israel  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Philistines,  and  out  of 
the  hand  of  all  their  enemies.^'  Having,  therefore,  mentioned  this 
prediction,  much  of  which  was  already  accomplished,  he  exults  as 
a  conqueror,  resolving  to  divide  into  districts,  and  portion  out  under 
proper  officers,  the  country  about  Samaria,  now  become  his  own. 

7.  Gilead  is  mine,  and  Manassch  is  mine;  Ephraim  also  is  the 
strength  of  mine  head;  Judah  is  my  Lawgiver. 

"  Gilead,  Manasseh,  Ephraim,"  and  the  other  tribes  of  Israel, 
upon  the  death  of  Jshbosheth,  the  son  of  Saul,  whom  Abner  had  set 
over  them,  joined  the  royal  tribe  of  Judah,  and  came  in  with  one 
accord  to  the  house  of  David.  See  2  Sam.  ii.  8.  and  v.  1.  "  Eph- 
raim," as  a  tribe  abounding  in  valiant  men,  is  styled  by  its  prince, 
"  the  strength  of  his  head,"  or  the  support  of  his  life  and  kingdom; 
and  "  Judah,"  as  the  seat  of  empire,  replenished  with  men  of  wis- 
dom and  understanding,  qualified  to  assist  the  throne  by  their  salu- 
tary counsels,  is  dignified  with  the  title  of"  Lawgiver."  Thus  are 
the  tribes  of  the  spiritual  "  Israel"  subject  to  Messiah,  and  serve 
him  in  various  capacities,  as  the  Spirit  furnishes  difl'erent  men  with 
different  powers ;  some  being  endued  with  zeal  and  fortitude  to  la- 
bour and  suffer;  others  whh  knowledge  and  discretion  to  instruct 
and  govern. 

8.  Moab  is  my  tvash-pot ;  over  Edoni  will  I  cast  out,  or,  extend, 
my  shoe:  Philistia,  triumph  thou  because  ofme;  Heb.  Over  Phi- 
listia  give  a  shout  of  triumph.  The  parallel  passage.  Psalm  cviii. 
9.  has  it — Over  Philistia  I  ivill  give  a  shout  of  triumph. 

After  having  mentioned  the  submission  of  the  Israelitish  tribes 
to  his  sceptre,  David  predicts  the  extension  of  his  kingdom  over 
the  neighbouring  nations,  those  inveterate  enemies  of  the  people  of 
God;  such  as  the  Moabites,  the  Edomites,  and,  above  all,  the  Phi- 
listines. The  absolute  reduction  of  these  nations  under  his  do- 
minion, is  expressed  metaphorically,  by  the  phrases  of  "  making 
them  his  wash-pot,  and  extending  his  shoe,  i.  e.  setting  his  foot" 
upon  them.  The  Son  of  David  also  must  "  reign,  till  he  haih  put 
all  enemies  under  his  feet,"  1  Cor.  xv.  25.     And  the  Christian,  in 


Day  XI.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  257 

these  words,  now  declareth  his  hope  of  being  enabled  to  do  tlie 
same;  to  conquer  through  his  Lord,  and  to  triumph  witli  him, 

9.  JFk;)  icill bring  me  into  the  strong  city?  Who  wilt  lead  7nc 
into  Edam? 

Bozrah,  the  capital  of"  Idumea,  or  Edom,"  was  a  fortified  town, 
situated  on  a  rock  deemed  impregnable.  See  Obad.  ver.  3.  Con- 
sidering, therefore,  the  strength  of  the  adversary,  David,  by  this 
question,  acknowledgeth  his  own  impotency,  and  the  need  he  had 
of  superior  aid  in  order  to  achieve  this  important  conquest.  How 
great  need,  then,  have  we  of  an  Almighty  Saviour,  who  may  ena- 
ble us  to  overcome  our  last  and  strongest  enemy,  death !  And  it  is 
very  remarkable,  that  Christ's  victory  over  this  very  enemy  is  set 
forth  by  the  prophet  Isaiah,  under  the  striking  image  of  a  king  of 
Israel  returning  in  triumph  from  the  reduction  of  Idumea.  "  Who 
is  this  that  conielh  from  Edom,  with  dyed  garments  from  Bozrah," 
&c.  Isa.  Ixiii.  1.  The  reader  will  be  no  less  entertained  than  in- 
structed, by  a  discourse  of  Bishop  Andrews  on  this  subject,  being 
the  seventeenth  of  his  Sermons  on  Easter-day. 

10.  Wilt  not  thou,  0  God,  which  hadst  cast  me  off?  And  thou, 
0  God,  which  didst  not  go  out  icith  our  armies  ? 

The  question  in  the  last  verse,  "  Wiio  will  bring  me  into  Eiiom?"' 
is  here  answered  by  another  question,  "  Wilt  not  thou,  O  God,"  &c. 
that  is,  To  whom  can  we  have  recourse  for  assistance  but  to  thee, 
O  God?  Deserted  by  thee,  we  fall ;  but  do  thou  go  forth  with  us, 
and  we  shall  again  rise  superior  to  every  enemy.  So  saith  the 
Christian  soldier;  "  Lord,  to  whom  shall  we  go?  Thou  hast  the 
words  of  eternal  life;"'  Thou  hast  overcome  the  sharpness  of  death, 
and  opened  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  all  believers. 

11.  Give  us  hcl^i  fro7n  trouble :  for  vain  is  the  kelp  of  man. 
12.  Through  God  we  shall  do  valiantly ;  for  he  it  is  that  s/m/^ 
tread  down  our  enemies. 

David,  like  a  wise  and  pious  prince,  acknowledgeth  the  weak- 
ness of  the  fleshly  arm,  and  strengtheneth  himself  in  the  Lord  his 
God.  Much  more  ought  we  to  confess  the  impotence  of  nature, 
and  to  implore  the  succours  of  grace ;  that  so  we  may  happily  ac^ 
complish  our  spiritual  warfare,  tread  Satan  under  our  feet,  and  tri- 
umph finally  over  the  last  enemy,  death  iiimself. 


33 


258  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXI 


PSALM  LXI. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  the  person  of  David,  for  a  while  driven  into  exile,  and  then  restored  to 
his  kingdom,  we  here  behold  the  church,  or  any  member  thereof,  1,2,  3. 
preferring  a  petition  for  deliverance  from  tlie  troubles  and  temptations  of 
this  mortal  state ;  4,  5.  expressing  faith  and  hope  in  God ;  6,  7.  praying 
for  the  prosperity  and  perpetuity  of  Messiah's  kingdom  ;  and,  8.  resolving 
to  praise  God  eveimore  for  the  same. 

1.  Hear  my  cry,  O  God;  attend  unto  myprayer.  2.  From  the 
end  of  the  earth  toill  I  cry  unto  thee,  when  my  heart  is  over- 
whelmed: lead  me  to  the  Rock  that  is  higher  than  I. 

The  church,  extended  far  and  wide  among  tlie  nations,  crieth 
aloud  unto  God,  by  the  prayers  of  its  members,  even  "  from  the 
ends,  or  utmost  parts  of  the  eartli."  The  world  is  to  Christians  a 
sea  of  troubles  and  temptations,  from  which  they  daily  beseech 
God  to  deliver  them,  and  to  place  them  on  the  "  rock"  of  their 
salvation ;  which  rock  is  Christ.  Grounded  on  him,  by  faith  in 
his  sufierings  and  exaltation,  we  may  defy  all  the  storms  and  tem- 
pests that  can  be  raised  against  us  by  the  adversary,  while,  as  from 
the  top  of  a  lofty  mountain  on  the  shore,  we  behold  the  waves 
dashing  themselves  in  pieces  beneath  us, 

3.  For  thou  hast  been  a  shelter  for  me,  and  a  strong  tower  from 
the  enemy. 

Meditation  on  God  our  Saviour,  as  set  forth  in  the  Scriptures, 
will  ever  prove  to  the  believer  "  a  strong  tower,"  or  fortress,  in 
which  he  will  be  safe  from  the  darts  of  the  enemy,  and  will  l)e  fur- 
nished with  impregnable  arguments  wherewith  to  oppose  and  blunt 
the  force  of  every  temptation,  which  Satan  can  launch  against  his 
soul. 

4.  I  will  abide  in  thy  tabernacle  for  ever  ;  I  will  trust  in  the 
covert  of  thy  wings. 

They  who  sojourn  in  the  ''  tabernacle"  of  the  church  militant 
on  earth,  and  continue  faitiiful  members  of  the  same,  shall  take  up 
their  eternal  residence  in  tjiat  permanent  "  temple,"  the  church 
triumphant  in  heaven.  Below,  they  are  protected  by  the  all-sha- 
dowing "wing"  of  God's  fatherly  providence;  above,  they  will 
be  rewarded  with  the  all-illuminating  vision  of  his  glorious  presence. 

5.  For  thou,  0  God,  hast  heard  my  vows:  thou  hast  given  mo 
the  heritage  of  those  that  fear  thy  name. 

The  "  vows"  of  David,  made  during  his  banishment,  were 
heard,  and  he  was  restored  to  the  possession  of  his  kingdon),  in  tiiat 


Day  XIT.  IM.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  259 

land  wiiicli  God  had  given  to  his  people  for  an  heritage.  The  vows 
of  Messiah,  made  in  the  days  of  his  pilgrimage,  were  heard,  and 
he  liath  resumed  his  ancient  throne  in  the  heavenly  Jerusalem. 
Tho  prayers  of  the  faithful,  made  in  the  land  where  they  are  in 
exile,  are  heard,  and  their  spirits  shall  return  to  God,  who  will 
"  give  them  the  heritage  of  those  that  fear  his  name." 

C.  Thou  loilt  prolong  the  Kiiufs  life ;  and  his  years  as  many 
generations.  7.  He  shall  abide  before  God  for  ever  :  0  prepare 
merey  and  truth,  wliicii  7uay  preserve  him.  [Or,  6.  Thou  toilt 
add  days  to  the  days  of  the  King  :  his  years  as  generation  and 
generation.  7-  He  shall  dwell  before  God  for  ever  ;  mercy  and 
truth  shall  preserve  him.~\ 

These  words  must  be  applied  to  Him,  of  whom  it  was  said  by 
the  angel,  "  The  Lord  God  shall  give  unto  him  the  throne  of  his 
father  David  ;  and  he  shall  reign  over  the  house  of  Jacob  for  ever, 
and  of  his  kingdom  there  shall  be  no  end,"  Luke  i.  32.  The\.n- 
cient  church  prayed  for  '•  His"  exaltation  and  glory,  under  thfcse 
of  his  representative ;  nay,  the  Clialdee  paraphrast  expounds  tWs 
passage  of  Messiah  only;  "  Thou  shalt  add  days  to  the  days  of 
King  Messias ;  his  years  shall  be  as  the  generation  of  this  world, 
and  of  the  world  to  come."  Nor  can  a  better  paraphrase  be  easily- 
devised. 

8.  So  irill  I  sing  2)raiscs  unto  thy  name  for  ever,  that  I  may 
daily  perform  my  vmvs. 

For  the  preservation  and  prosperity,  the  exaltation,  the  power, 
and  tlie  everlasting  glory  of  Christ's  kingdom,  with  all  the  bene- 
fits and  blessings  thereof,  we  are  bound  to  sing  praise  unto  God's 
holy  name  for  ever,  and  daily  to  perform  the  vows  made  in  bap- 
tism, tliat  we  would  believe  in  him,  and  serve  him  all  the  days  of 
our  life;  until  that  blessed  day  shall  dawn,  which  no  night  is  to 
follow,  when  faith  shall  end  in  vision,  and  duty  be  resolved  into 
praise. 

TWELFTH  DAY— MORNIISJG  PRAYER. 

PSALM  LXU. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm  confaincth,  1,  2.  a  resolution  to  trust  in  God  alone,  3,  4.  a  <lo- 
nunciation  of  judgment  against  the  persecutors  of  the  Just  One;  5— 7.  a 
repeated  act  of  failh  and  resolution  to  trust  in  God,  with,  S.  an  exhorta- 
tion to  all  nations  to  do  the  same,  and  that,  9,  lf»,  because  there  is  no 
confidence  to  be  placed  in  man.  or  in  tlie  world;  but  only,  11.  in  the 
Divine  power,  and,  12.  mercy. 


260  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXII. 

1.  Truly  my  soul  tcaiteth,  or,  resteth,  upon  God:  from  Mm 
Cometh  my  salvatlm.  2.  He  only  is  my  rock  and  my  salvation; 
he  is  my  defence,  Ileb.  Mgli  place;  I  shall  not  be  greatly  moved. 

David,  in  the  midst  of  trouble,  and  perhaps  tempted  to  have  re- 
course to  sinful  expedients  for  his  preservation,  determines  still  to 
repose  all  his  confidence  on  the  promised  mercy  of  him  who  is  the 
"salvation,"  the  '-rock,"  and  the  "high  place,"  or  fortress  of 
men.  Christ  would  not  be  delivered  from  his  suflerings  by  any 
other  means  than  those  which  the  Father  had  ordained.  The 
church,  in  like  manner,  should  patiently  wait  for  the  salvation  of 
God,  and  not  attempt  through  distrust  of  the  Divine  mercy,  to  save 
herself  by  unwarrantable  methods  of  her  own  devising. 

3.  Hoto  long  will  ye  imagine  mischief  against  a  man  ?  Ye  shall 
he  slain,  all  of  you :  as  a  butcing  wall  shall  ye  be,  and  as  a  tof- 
terifig  fence. 

J^rom  a  declaration  of  his  trust  in  God,  the  prophet  passeth  to 
an^fxjjostulation  with  his  enemies,  for  continually  plotting  against 
hidjj;  and  foretelleth  that  their  destruction  will  happen  suddenly 
and  irremediably,  like  the  downfall  of  a  wall  that  is  out  of  the  per- 
pendicular, or  a  stone  fence,  the  parts  of  which  are  not  cemented 
together.  See  Isa.  xxx.  13.  How  striking  is  this  expostulation, 
and  this  prediction,  if  considered  as  addressed  by  IMessiah  to  his 
implacable  enemies. 

4.  lliey  only  consult  to  cast  him  down  from  his  excellency: 
they  delight  in  lies:  they  bless  with  their  mouth,  but  they  curse 
inwardly. 

The  adversaries  of  David  "  consulted,"  how  to  deprive  him  of 
■those  honours  to  which  God  designed  to  exalt  him  ;  the  scribes  and 
Pharisees  took  counsel  against  Jesus  with  the  same  intent ;  and  to 
rob  the  Christian  of  the  glory  and  immortality  prepared  for  him, 
is  the  end  of  every  temptation  which  the  enemy  throws  in  his  way, 
whether  it  be  of  the  terrifying,  or,  which  oftener  succeeds,  the  flat- 
tering, alluring,  and  deceiving  kind. 

5.  My  soul,  wait  thou  only  tipon  God ;  for  my  expectation  is 
from  him.     6.  He  only  is  tny  rock  and  my  salvation;  he  is  my 

defence,  or,  high  place;  I  shall  not  be  moved.  7.  In  God  is  mij 
salvation  and  my  glory :  the  rock  of  my  strength,  and  my  refuge, 
is  in  God. 

The  consideration  suggested  in  the  preceding  verse,  namel}', 
that  the  enemy  is  ever  intent  upon  our  ruin,  should  stir  us  up,  af- 
ter the  [)rophet\s  example,  to  renew  our  faith,  and  strengthen  our- 
selves yet  more  and  more,  continually,  in  the  Lord  our  God,  who 
alone  giveth  victory,  salvation,  and  glory. 


Day  XII.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  26l 

8.  Trust  in  him  at  all  times;  ye  pco^tlc,  pour  out  your  heart 
before  him :  God  is  a  refuge  for  un. 

Tlie  comforts  which  David  hatl  found,  he  exhorteth  others  to 
seek  in  faith  and  prayer;  in  such  a  faith,  as  fixeth  itself  on  God 
when  the  whole  world  is  against  it;  and  such  prayer,  as  poured 
forth  all  the  desires  of  the  soul  into  the  bosom  of  the  Almighty. 
How  often,  in  repeating  the  Psahns,  do  we  declare  that  "  God  is 
our  refuge;"  yet  how  very  seldom  do  we  recur  to  him  as  such  in 
the  hour  of  temptation  ! 

9.  Surely  men  of  lotc  degree  are  vanity,  and  men  of  high  de- 
gree are  a  lie :  to  be  laid  in  the  balance,  they  are  altogether  lighter 
than  vanity. 

A  reason  is  here  assigned,  why*  we  should  at  all  times  "  trust  in 
God;"  namely,  because  there  is  nothing  else  in  which  we  can  trust, 
but  it  will  in  the  end  deceive  us.  Weighed  in  the  "  balance"  of 
heaven,  the  power  of  man  to  save  is  "  less  than  nothing."  Let  us 
weigh  every  thing  in  that  exact  and  faithful  balance. 

10.  Trust  not  in  oppression,  and  become  not  vain  in  robbery  : 
if  riches  increase,  set  not  your  heart  upon  them. 

Of  all  things  here  below,  wealth  is  that  on  which  poor  deluded 
man  is  chiefly  tempted,  even  to  the  end  of  life,  to  place  his  confi- 
dence; and  when  "  riches  increase,"  it  proves  a  hard  task  for  the 
human  heart  to  keep  its  aflections  sufiiciently  detached  from  them. 
But  he  who  by  injustice  acquireth  die  earthly  mammon,  justly  for- 
feiteth  the  treasures  of  heaven  ;  and  he  who  is  made  vain  and  cove- 
tous by  money,  however  honestly  gotten,  renders  that  a  curse  to 
one,  which  was  designed  as  a  blessing  to  many,  and  drowns  him- 
self in  the  spring  which  should  have  watered  all  around  him. 

11.  God  hath  spoken  once ;  tivice  have  I  heard  this,  or,  these 
two  things  have  I  heard ;  that  power  belongeth  unto  God.  12. 
Aho  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  belongeth  mercy  :  for  thou  renderest  to 
every  man  according  to  his  work. 

In  opposition  to  the  vain  boasts  of  worldly  men,  trusting  in  their 
riches,  &c.  is  cited  the  declaration  of  God,  when,  from  mount  Si- 
nai, he  proclaimed  himself  to  be  JEHOVAH,  the  fountain  of  all 
"  power,"  in  heaven  above,  and  on  earth  beneath,  jealous  of  the 
glory  of  this  attribute,  ready  to  avenge  himself  on  the  wicked,  and 
able  to  abase  ihe  pride  of  man.  At  the  same  time  also,  he  pro- 
claimed himself  "  the  Lord  God,  merciful  and  gracious,  long-suf- 
fering, and  abundant  in  goodness  and  truth,  keeping  mercy  for 
thousands,  forgiving  iniquity,  and  transgression,  and  sin,"  Exod. 
xxxiv.  6.  To  all  mankind,  therefore,  the  proj)het  here  recom- 
mendelh  meditation  on  these  two  most  interesting  subjects,  the 


262  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.LXIII, 

power  of  God  to  punish  sin,  and  his  mercy  to  pardon  it.  Fear  of 
the  former  will  beget  desire  of  the  latter,  and  both  together  will 
set  a  man  upon  doing  works  worthy  of  their  parent  faith ;  works, 
which  God  of  his  infinite  "  mercy,"  for  the  sake  of  Christ,  has 
graciously  promised  to  accept,  and  to  "  reward." 

PSALM  LXIII. 

ARGUMENT. 

David,  in  the  wilderness  of  Jvtdah,  expresscth,  1,  2.  iiis  longing  desire  after 
the  presence  of  God,  and  the  divine  pleasures  of  the  sanctuary ;  3 — 6. 
he  blesseth  and  praiscth  God  both  day  and  night,  in  the  midst  of  afl'ec- 
tion,  and  7 — 8.  declaieth  his  faith  to  be  immoveable;  9,  10.  he  predicteth 
the  fate  of  the  wicked,  with,  11.  the  exaltation,  triumph,  and  glory  of 
Mcs.siah,  to  be  exhibited  in  his  own.  The  whole  Psalm  is  applicable  to 
the  circumstances  of  Christ  in  the  fiesh,  and  to  those  of  his  people  in  the 
world. 

1.  O  God,  thou  art  my  God;  early  will  I  seek  thee:  vuj  soul 
thirstethfor  thee,  7ny  jlcsh  longeth  for  thee,  in  a  dry  and  thirsty 
land,  where  no  water  is;  2.  To  see  thy  power  and  glory,  so  as  I 
have  seen  thee  in  the  sanctuary. 

After  the  example  of  the  persecuted  David  in  the  wilderness  of 
Judah,  and  that  of  the  afflicted  Jesus  upon  earth,  the  true  Christian 
dedicates  to  God  "  the  sweet  hour  of  prime;"  he  opens  the  eyes  of 
his  understanding,  together  with  tho.se  of  his  body,  and  awakes  each 
morning  to  righteousness.  He  arises,  with  an  inextinguishable 
thirst  after  those  comforts,  which  the  world  cannot  give  ;  and  has 
iriimediate  recourse  by  prayer  to  the  fountain  of  the  water  of  life; 
ever  longing  to  behold  the  Divine  power  and  glory  in  the  sanctuary 
above,  of  which  he  has  been  favoured  with  some  glimpse  in  the 
services  of  the  church  below. 

3.  Because  thy  lovi7ig-kindncss  is  better  than  life,  my  ///>s  shall 
praise  thee. 

"  Life"  is  the  greatest  of  earthly  blessings,  all  others  being  in- 
cluded in  it:  "  all  that  a  man  hath,"  saith  Satan,  "  will  he  give  for 
his  hfe,"  Job  ii.  4.  Not  so  the  Psalmist.  He  knew  a  pearl  of  far 
greater  price,  namely,  "  the  loving-kindness"  of  Jehovah,  on  which 
is  suspended,  not  only  the  life  which  now  is,  but  that  which  is  to 
come.  The  sense  of  this  loving-kindness  tuned  the  harp  of  the  son 
of  Jesse,  and  now  tunes  those  of  the  spirits  before  the  throne. 

4.  Thus  will  I  bless  thee  trhilc  I  lire  :  I  will  lift  op  my  hands  in 
thy  name. 

"  While  we  live,"  however  wretched  our  condition  may  be,  we 


Day  XII.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  26S 

have  an  oppoitiuiity  of  obtaining  pardon,  ^nxcc,  and  glory;  for 
which  we  ought  at  all  times  "to  bless"  God,  '•lifting  up  pure 
hands"'  in  prayer,  employing  them  in  every  good  work,  and  all  in 
the  "  name"  of  Jesus. 

5.  My  smil  shall  be  satisfied  as  with  marrow  and  fatness  ;  and 
vuj  mouth  shall  praise  thee  loithjof/ful  lips;  G.  If  lien  I  remember 
thee  njjon  mi/  bed,  and  meditate  on  thee  in  the  n'x^hi-xoatehes. 

Solitude  and  stillness  render  the  "  night-watches''  a  fit  season  for 
meditation  on  the  so  often  experienced  mercies  of  God;  which 
when  thus  called  to  remembrance,  become  a  delicious  repast  to  the 
spirit,  filling  it  with  all  joy,  and  peace,  and  consolation,  giving 
songs  in  the  night,  and  making  darkness  itself  cheerful.  How 
cheerful,  then,  will  be  that  last  morning,  when  the  righteous, 
awaking  up  after  the  Divine  likeness,  shall  be  "  satisfied"  with  all 
the  fulness  of  God,  and  "  praise  him  with  joyful  lips,"  in  those 
eternal  courts,  where  there  is  no  night,  and  from  whence  sorrow  and 
sighing  fly  far  away. 

7.  Because  thou  hast  been  my  help,  therefore  in  the  shadoio  of 
thy  icings  loill  I  rejoice.  8.  My  soul  followcth  hard  after  thee: 
thy  right  hand  vpholdeth  me. 

Recollection  of  past  mercies,  inclines  the  soul  to  put  herself  un- 
der the  ''  wing"  of  an  all-shadowing  Providence.  Should  her  Re- 
deemer, for  a  time,  seem  to  be  deserting  her,  faith  constraineth  her 
to  "  follow  hard  after  him,"  as  a  child  doth  after  the  father:  and 
not  to  let  go  the  "  hand,"  which  hath  so  often  "  upholdcn"  her 
from  falling. 

9.  But  those  that  seek  my  soid,  to  destroy  it,  shall  go  info  the 
lower  parts  of  the  earth.  10.  They  shall  full  by  the  sword;  they 
shall  be  a  portion  for  foxes. 

The  enemies  of  Jehovah,  and  his  Anointed,  if  they  come  not  to 
a  violent  death,  an  early  grave,  or  to  have  their  carcasses  devoured 
by  the  beasts  of  the  field,  (as  hath  sometimes  been  the  case)  yet,  in 
an  after-state,  their  condition  will  certainly  be  deplorable.  Their 
habitation  must  be  in  the  "pit;"  their  punishment,  tlie  flaming 
"sword"  of  almighty  vengeance;  and  their  companions,  those 
crafty  and  malicious  ones,  who,  having  contributed  to  seduce,  will 
help  to  torment  them. 

11.  But  the  king  shall  rejoice  in  God;  every  one  that  sweareth 
by  him  shall  glory :  but  the  mouth  of  them  that  .^ppa/c  lies  shall  be 
stopped. 

If  David  found  cause  to  rejoice  in  God,  who  gave  him  the  victory 
over  all  his  enemies ;  if  the  subjects  of  David  niight  well  glory  in 
their  king;  if  the  slanderers  of  David  were  put  to  silence,  at  h<'- 


204  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXIV. 

holding  him  exaUed  to  the  throno  of  Israel;  how  much  greater 
is  the  joy  of  Messiah  in  the  Godhead,  giving  the  manhood  vic- 
tory over  his  enemies,  sin,  death,  and  hell;  how  much  rather  may 
his  subjects  and  worshippers  glory  in  their  triumphant  King;  and 
how  much  more  shall  the  blasphemers  of  such  a  Saviour  be  ever- 
lastingly confounded,  when  they  shall  behold  him  invested  with  all 
the  power  and  majesty  of  the  Father,  and  seated  on  the  throne  of 
judgment  I  Surely,  then,  "  the  mouth  of  them  that  speak,  lies  shall 
be  slopped." 

PSALM  LXIV. 


ARGUMENT. 

David,  iu  the  person  of  Messiah,  1,  2.  pra\  eth  to  be  delivered  from  his  ene- 
mies, f-om  their  counsels  and  insurrections;  3,4.  he  describeth  their 
calumnies  and  slanders,  their  scoffs  and  blasphemies;  and,  5,  6.  their  in- 
defatigable malice;  predicting,  7 — 9.  their  astonishinjj  fall,  with,  10.  the 
exultation  of  the  church  in  God  her  Saviour. 

1.  Hear  my  voice,  0  God,  in  jnij  prayer:  preserve  my  life  from 
fear  of  the  enemy. 

The  prophet,  after  beseeching  God  to  hear  him,  prefers  his  peti- 
tion, which  is  to  be  "  preserved  from  fear  of  the  enemy."  A  pe- 
tition of  this  kind  is  granted,  either  by  a  removal  of  the  ground  of 
fear,  when  the  enemy's  power  to  hurt  is  taken  from  him,  or  his  will 
changed;  or  else,  by  an  extirpation  of  the  fear  itself,  through  in- 
crease of  faith,  charity,  and  fortitude.  For  the  former,  let  us  pray 
conditionally,  "  if  it  may  be  done,  and  if  it  is  God's  will  that  it 
should  be  done,"  as  Christ  prayed  against  the  bitter  cup  in  the  gar- 
den ;  for  the  latter,  we  may  pray  absolutely  ;  since  a  victory  gained 
by  the  fear  of  God  over  the  fear  of  man,  is  a  necessary  step,  and 
a  happy  prelude,  to  a  full  and  final  triumph  over  every  enemy  of 
our  salvation. 

2.  Hide  me  from  the  secret  counsel  of  the  tricked;  from  the  in- 
surrections of  the  workers  of  iniquity. 

The  "  counsels  and  insurrections"  of  the  Israelites  against  Da- 
vid ;  of  the  same  people  afterwards  against  the  Son  of  David ;  of 
worldly  and  wick«'d  men  against  the  cluurii ;  and  of  the  powers  of 
darkness  against  us  all,  are  here,  respectively,  understood  to  be 
deprecated. 

3.  Who  whet  their  tongue  like  a  sword,  and  bend  their  bows  to 
shoot  their  arrows,  even  hitter  //•o?y/.s-;  4.  That  they  may  shoot  in 
cecretat  the  perfect :  suddenly  do  they  shoot  at  him  and  fear  not. 


Day  XII.  M.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  265 

In  personal  scoffings  and  revilings,  the  tongue  performs  the  part 
of  a  "sword/'  which  is  a  weapon  that  can  be  used  only  in  open 
rencounters ;  but  "  bitter  words,"  spoken  in  secret,  and  at  a  dis- 
tance from  him  who  is  the  subject  of  them,  are  Hke  "  arrows," 
which  may  be  shot  from  an  obscure  and  remote  corner,  and  there- 
fore cannot  be  warded  off.  The  tongue,  in  botli  these  capacities, 
was  employed  against  that  pekfect  one,  the  holy  Jesus,  in  the 
days  of  his  flesh.  Woukl  to  God  it  had  never  been  since  employed 
against  him  and  his  disciples;  or,  by  his  disciples  against  each 
other. 

5.  They  encourage  themselves  in  an  evil  matter :  they  commune 
of  laying  snares  privily  ;  they  say,   Who  shall  see  them? 

Sin  doth  not  often  appear  abroad,  without  a  veil ;  and  the  more 
atrocious  the  sin,  the  more  specious  must  be  the  pretence  which  is 
to  cover  it.  Envy  and  malice  crucified  the  Son  of  God  ;  but,  dur- 
ing the  course  of  the  proceedings  against  him,  you  hear  only  of  zeal 
for  the  law,  and  loyalty  to  Caesar.  Such  are  the  '•  snares,"  set  by 
the  crafty,  to  deceive  the  simple  and  unwar}';  without  considering, 
that  the  broad  eye  of  Heaven  all  the  time  surveys  their  most  secret 
devices,  by  which  they  impose  upon  others,  and  frequently  upon 
themselves. 

6.  They  search  out  iniquities  ;  they  accomplish  a  (liligent  search : 
both  the  inward  thought  of  every  one  of  them,  and  the  heart,  is 
deep. 

Truth  and  righteousness  may  be  found  and  practised  with  half 
the  pains  that  are  often  employed  to  "  search  out  iniquity,"  and 
establish  error.  The  Jews  could  not  accomplish  the  death  of 
Christ,  without  counsels,  stratagems,  and  subordinations,  "  deep" 
and  dark  as  hell  itself:  all  which  trouble  they  might  have  saved 
themselves  at  once  by  believing  on  him.  The  case  is  the  same 
with  virtue  and  vice ;  and  honesty  is  the  readiest,  as  well  as  the 
best,  policy. 

7.  But  God  shall  shoot  at  thein  with  ari  arroio:  suddenly  shall 
they  be  toounded.  8.  So  they  shall  make  their  own  tongue  to  full 
upon  themselves:  all  that  see  them  shall  flee  away. 

While  the  enemies  of  the  "  Just  One"  were  shooting  in  secret 
at  him,  he  that  dwelleth  in  the  heavens  was  levelling  an  arrow  at 
them,  and  one  which  would  not  fail  to  take  place.  It  accordingly 
did  so;  and  the  direful  imprecations  of  '•  their  own  tongues  fell," 
in  unexampled  vengeance,  on  the  heads  of  them,  and  their  children, 
who  continued  to  justify  the  deeds  of  their  fathers.  All  would 
"  flee  away"  from  the  punishment  of  "  Jerusalem ;"  let  all,  then, 
depart  from  the  sins  which  occasioned  it. 
34 


26i>  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXV 

9.  Atid  all  men  sJiallfear,  and  shall  declare  the  work  of  God 
for  they  shall  tviscli/  consider  of  his  doing. 

It  is  reiDfirkable,  that  the  desolation  of  tlie  once  holy  and  beloved 
cit}',  filled  '•  all  men  with  fear"  and  astonishment,  forcing  them  to 
acknowledge  and  '•  declare"  it  to  be  the  "  work  of  God."  Even 
Titus,  tiie  Roman  emperor,  confessed,  that  he  had  fought  and  con- 
(juercd  by  the  favour  and  under  the  direction  of  Heaven.  O  that 
men  would  "  wisely  consider"  of  this,  and  other  wonderful  works 
of  the  Almighty ! 

10.  The  righteous  shall  be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and  shall  trust  in 
him;  and  all  the  nprigM  in  heart  shall  glory. 

As  sorrow,  sooner  or  later,  will  be  the  portion  of  Messiahs 
enemies,  so  joy  is  the  high  privilege  of  his  friends  and  disciples. 
The  "  righteous"  man  alone  can  be  truly  '•'  glad,"  because  he  alone 
can  be  glad  "  in  the  Lord"  Jesus,  the  object  of  all  his  confidence. 
There  was  light  in  Goshen,  when  darkness  covered  the  Egyptians; 
the  Christian  church  drank  the  cup  of  salvation,  when  that  of  ven- 
geance was  mingled  for  Jerusalem;  and  wiien  the  empire  of  Satais 
shall  fall,  heaven  shall  resound  with  hallelujahs. 

TWELFTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  LXV. 

ARGUMENT. 

Ill  tliis  very  lovely  song  of  Sion,  the  prophet  treats,  1.  of  the  praise  due  to 
Jehovah,  for  2.  his  mercy,  in  hearing  tlic  prayers  of  his  servants,  and,  \i. 
in  redeeming  them  from  their  sins :  4.  he  dechireth  the  blessedness  of  tlie 
elect,  in  Christ  their  head  ;  .'5.  predicteth  the  wonderfid  things  wliich  God 
would  do  for  the  salvation  of  men,  by  that  power  whidi,  6,  7.  established 
the  mountains,  and  confined  the  sea  williin  its  bounds;  8.  foretelleth  the 
conversion  of  the  nations:  and,  9 — 1;^.  discribeth  the  bhtssed  efl'ects  of 
the  Spirit  poured  out  upon  the  church,  under  tlie  figure  of  rain  descending 
upon  a  dry  ground. 

1.  Praise  jraifethfur  thee,  O  God,  in  Zion  :  and  unto  thee  shall 
the  vote  be  performed 

The  oblations  of  '•  praise  and  thank.sgiving,"  wore  formerly  of- 
fered, and  all  "  vows"  were  paid  in  the  temple  on  nioimt  'Zion. 
At  Jerusalem  was  performed  the  jjromise  of  man's  reflemption  by 
the  sacrifice  of  the  Son  of  God ;  since  which  event,  and  the  call  of 
the  Gentiles,  the  Christian  church  has  been  the  holy  city  and  tem- 
|)le.  In  her  connnunion,  we  are  to  oiler  up  ovn-  devotions,  and  to 
perform  the  vow  made  in  baj)tism;  until  we  come  (o  the  heavenly 


DavXII.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  267 

Sion,  to  ])ay  our  vows,  witli  the  cliurch  triumphant,  in  everlasting 
hymns  of  praise. 

2.  O  tliou  that  Jtcarcst  prayer,  unto  thee  ahall  all  flesh  come. 
The  prophet  here  foretells,  that,  on  acconnt  of  God's  mercy  in 

hraring  the  prayers  of  his  people,  <'  all  flesh,"  that  is,  all  mankind, 
out  of  every  nation,  should  ''  come'-  at  his  gracious  call,  and  make 
tiieir  supplications  before  him  in  his  church.  And  to  whom  should 
'■  ail  flesh  come,"  hut  to  him  that  '•  heareth  prayer  r*' 

3.  Iniquities  prevail  agaiiiat  /ne:  as  for  our  traiiKgressions,  thou 
y-halt  purge  them  awai/. 

The  chief  subject  of  the  prayers,  made  by  all  flesh  to  God.  is  the 
forgiveness  of  sin;  in  order  to  which  it  must  be  confessed.  The 
verse  therefore  consisteth  of  two  parts.  First,  an  acknowledge- 
ment of  guilt — '•'  Iniquities  prevail  against  me;"  like  whereunto  is 
St.  Paul's  complaint,  ''  O  wretched  man  that  I  am  ;  who  shall  de- 
liver me  from  this  body  of  death  ?"  The  second  part  of  the  verse 
intimates  an  assurance  of  pardon  through  the  blood  of  the  Lamb, 
••  As  for  our  transgressions,  thou  shalt  purge  them  away;"  exactly 
corresponding  to  the  answer,  which  the  Apostle  returneth  to  him- 
self; "  I  thank  God,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,"  Rom.vii.  24. 

4.  Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  ehooscst,  and  caueesf  to  ap- 
proach unto  thee,  that  he  may  dwell  in  thy  courts :  we  shall  be  sa- 
tis fied  irith  the  goodness  of  thy  house,  even  of  thy  holy  temple. 

Blessed  are  they  who  are  chosen  out  of  the  world,  and  admitted 
ti)  the  privileges  of  the  church;  still  more  blessed  are  they,  who 
are  chosen  out  of  the  congregation,  to  stand  continually  in  the  pre- 
sence of  God,  and  to  minister  in  his  courts;  but  blessed,  above  all 
blessing  and  praise,  is  the  man  Christ  Jesus,  elect,  precious,  chosen 
of  God  to  be  an  high  priest  for  ever;  to  make  intercession  for  his 
l^cople  in  the  courts  of  heaven  ;  that  where  he  is  they  may  be  also. 
Then  shall  we  indeed  be  satisfied  with  the  "  pleasures  of  thy  house, 
O  Lord,  even  of  thy  holy  temple." 

5.  By  terrible,  or,  ironderful,  things  in, righteousness  wilt  thou 
answer  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation  ;  who  art  the  confidence  of  all 
the  ends  of  the  earth,  and  of  them  that  are  afar  o^'upon  the  sea. 

The  ancient  church  foretelleth,  that  God  would  "answer"  her 
prayers  for  the  coming  of  Messiah,  by  "  wonderful  things  in  righ- 
teousness ;"  which  was  brought  to  pass  by  the  death  and  resurrec- 
tion of  Christ,  the  overthrow  of  idolatry,  and  the  conversion  of  the 
nations.  Then  ''  the  God  of  salvation  "  became  "  the  confidence 
of  all  the  ends  of  the  earth,"  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  most  fiistant 
•'  islands"  believed  in  Jesus.  By  ''  wonderful  things  in  righteous- 
ness," will  the  prayers  of  the  church  which  now  is,  be  answered, 


^68  A  COiMMEMWRY  Fsal.  LXV. 

at  the  second  inaiiit'estation  of  the  Son  of  God,  in  the  glory  of  his 
Father. 

6.  Which  by  his  strength  sctteth  fast  the  mountains :  being 
girded  u'ith  poivcr.  ~.  Which  stilleth  the  noise  of  the  seas,  the 
noise  of  their  u-aves,  and  the  tumult  of  the  people. 

That  power,  which  originally  fixed  the  foundations  of  the  '•  moun- 
tains," and  which,  from  time  to  time,  controls  the  "  waves"  of  the 
sea,  is  engaged  in  the  support  and  preservation  of  the  church  ;  and 
will  never  suffer  the  '*'  waves"  of  this  troublesome  world  to  over- 
whelm the  "  mountain  of  his  holiness." 

8.  They  also  that  dwell  in  the  uttermost  parts  are  afraid  at  thy 
tokens:  thou  makest  the  outgoings  of  the  morning  and  evening  to 
rejoice. 

The  "  tokens,  or  signs,"  mentioned  in  this  verse,  are  the  ex- 
ertions of  divine  power  and  mercy,  called  above,  '•  wonderful 
things  in  righteousness;"  which,  at  the  publication  of  the  Gospel, 
produced  a  saving  '•  fear"  of  God  among  the  nations,  '•  dwelling  in 
the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth."  "  The  isles,"  saith  Isaiah  on 
the  same  occasion,  "saw  it  and  feared;  the  ends  of  the  earth  were 
afraid ;  they  drew  near  and  came,"  Isa.  xli.  5.  And  then  it  was, 
that  "  the  outgoings  of  the  morning  and  evening,"  ail  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  earth,  as  many  as  experienced  the  sweet  vicissitudes  of 
day  and  night,  of  morning  and  evening,  were  "  made  to  rejoice"  \n 
God  their  Saviour ;  whose  name  was  praised  from  the  rising  to  the 
setting  sun. 

9.  Tliou  visilest  the  earth,  and  waterest  it ;  thou  greatly  en- 
richest  it  icith  the  river  of  God,  which  is  fidl  of  rcater  :  thou  pre- 
parest  them  corn,  when  thoii  hast  so  provided  for  it ;  or,  for  so 
thou  hast  established,  or,  constituted  it. 

Under  the  beautiful  image  of  a  once  barren  and  dry  land,  ren- 
dered fruitful  by  kindly  showers  of  rain,  turning  dearth  into  plente- 
ousncss,  are  represented  here  (as  in  Isa.  xxxv.  and  numberless 
other  places)  the  gracious  "  visitation"  of  the  church  by  the  Spirit ; 
the  "  riches"  of  grace  and  mercy,  pom-ed  upon  the  hearts  of  inen, 
from  the  exhaustless  "  river  of  God :"  and  the  bountiful  provision 
made  thereby,  for  the  relief  of  that  ^spiritual  famine,  which  have 
been  sore  in  all  lands.     See  Isa.  Iv.  10.  Rev.  xxii.  1.  Amos  viii.  1 1. 

10.  Thou  waterest  the  ridges  thereof  abundantly  ;  thou  settle.st 
the  furrows  thereof;  thou  makcst  it  soft  with  showers;  thou 
hlessest  the  springing  thereof 

After  the  ground  is  ploughed  up,  the  former  rain,  descending 
upon  the  "ridges,"  and  into  the  "  furrows,"  dissolveth  the  parts  of 
'lie  earth,  and  so  fitti.'th  it  for  tJic  pur|)oses  of  vegetation,  whenever 


Day  XIT.  E.  P.  OxN  THE  PSALMS.  2G9 

the  seed  sliall  be  ciist  into  it:  then  conieth  the  hitter  rain  to  assist, 
and  to  ''  bless  the  springing"  and  increase  thereof  unto  a  joyful 
harvest.  Thus  dotli  tlie  good  Spirit  of  God  both  prepare  the  hearts 
of  his  people  for  the  reception  of  the  word,  and  also  enable  them 
to  bear  fruit,  bringing  forth  "  some  an  hundred  fold,  some  sixty, 
some  thirty,"'  Matt.  xiii.  1!3. 

11.  Thou  crowncst  the  ycnr  with  thy  goodness  ;  and  thy  paths, 
or,  clouds,  or,  hcarens,  drop  fatness. 

The  herbs,  fruits,  and  flowers,  produced  by  the  earth,  are  here 
finely  represented  as  a  beautifully  variegated  "  crown,"  set  upon 
Jier  head  by  the  hands  of  her  great  Creator;  at  wlukse  command, 
the  heavens,  by  collecting  and  distilling  the  drops  of  reiin,  impreg- 
nate her,  and  mak^  her  the  parent  of  terrestrial  blessings.  It  is 
the  same  God,  who  will  crown  with  everlasting  goodness  the  ac- 
ceptable year,  the  year  of  his  redeemed ;  when  the  Sjjirit  shall  have 
accomplished  his  work;  when  God  shall  be  glorified  in  his  saints; 
and  heaven,  as  well  as  earth,  shall  be  full  of  the  goodness  of  Je- 
hovah. 

12.  They  drop  upon  the  pastures  of  the  wilderness;  and  the 
little  hills  rejoice  on  every  side  ;  or,  are  girded  about  with  gladness. 

As  the  rain  which  descendeth  from  heaven  causeth  even  the 
barren  wilderness  to  become  a  green  pasture,  and  investeth  the 
naked  hills  with  the  garments  of  joy  and  gladness;  so  the  Spirh, 
when  poured  out  from  on  high  on  the  Gentile  w  orld,  converted 
that  "  wilderness"  into  a  ''  fruitful  field ;"  while  the  churches, 
there  rising  on  all  sides,  like  little  fertile  "  hills,  rejoiced"  with  joy 
unspeakable,  and  full  of  glory.    See  Isa.  xxxii.  15.  xxxv.  1,  2. 

13.  The  pastures  are  clothed  tvith  flocks;  the  valleys  also  are 
covered  over  icith  corn;  they  shout  for  joy,  they  also  sing. 

The  happy  effects  of  God's  visiting  the  earth  with  rain,  are  val- 
leys covered  with  corn,  verdant  meads,  and  thriving  flocks.  All 
these  ideas,  in  the  prophetical  Scriptures,  are  frequently  transferred 
to  the  times  of  refreshment  and  consolation,  of  peace  and  fruitful- 
ness,  in  the  church;  which  breaks  forth  into  joy,  in  the  one  case, 
as  the  world  is  always  ready  to  do  in  the  other.  Manifold  and 
marvellous,  O  Lord,  are  thy  works,  whether  of  nature  or  of  grace; 
surely,  in  wisdom  and  loving-kindness  hast  thou  made  them  all ; 
the  earth,  in  every  sense,  is  full  of  thy  riches  ! 


170  A  COMiMENTARY  Psal.  LXVI. 


PSALM  LXVI. 

AKGLMENT. 

In  this  Psalm,  tlie  prophet,  1,  2.  exciteth  all  the  world  to  sin^  the  praises  of 
God;  3,  4.  the  power  and  universality  of  his  kingdom;  5 — 12.  the  deli- 
verance of  the  church  from  various  afflictions  and  temptations;  for  wliich 
13 — 15.  we  are  to  offer  the  sacrifices  which  had  been  vowed;  16 — 19.  to 
declare  the  merries  and  loving-kindnesses  of  the  Lord  towards  us;  and, 
20.  to  bless  his  holy  name  continually. 

1 .  MaJce  a  joyful  noise  tiido  God,  all  ijc  lands,  or,  all  the  earth  : 
2.  Sing  forth  the  honour  of  his  name  ;  make  his  praise  glorious. 

"  The  Iioly  church,  throughout  all  the  world,"  is  here  called 
upon  to  lift  up  her  voice,  like  the  jubilee  trumpet  of  old,  in  thanks- 
giving; to  celebrate  that  na.me  which  is  above  every  name;  and 
to  make  the  praise  of  Jesus  glorious,  both  by  word  and  deed  ;  that 
so,  others,  hearing  our  voices,  and  seeing  our  works,  may  be  led  to 
glorify  him  in  like  manner. 

3.  Saij  unto  God,  Hoip  terrible  art  thou  in  thy  works!  Through 
the  greatness  of  thy  power  shall  thine  enemies  submit  themselrcs 
unto  thee. 

The  subjects  proposed  arc  the  various  and  awful  manifestations 
of  divine  "  power;''  of  that  power  which  made,  and  which  con- 
tinues to  support  the  world;  which  overthrows,  and  raises  up  em- 
pires; which  subverted  the  kingdom  of  Satan,  established  that  of 
Christ,  and  caused  its  enemies  either  to  relinquish,  or  dissemble 
their  hostility.  Happy  the  man,  whose  heart  and  affections  "un- 
feignedly  submit  themselves*'  to  tlje  sceptre  of  Messiah, 

4.  All  the  earth  shall  icorship  thee,  and  shall  sing  u?ifo  thee: 
they  shall  sing  to  thy  name. 

What  David  spake  in  tiie  future,  the  church  now  speaketh  in  thf 
present  tense — "  All  the  earth  doth  worship  thee,  the  Father  ever- 
lasting— Day  by  day  we  magnify  thee;  and  we  worship  thy  name 
over  world  without  end."  A  day  is  coming,  when  this  shall  be  the 
case,  in  an  unlimited  sense  of  the  words ;  when  Jews  and  Gentiles, 
quick  and  dead,  heaven  and  earth,  shall  compose  one  perfect  and 
truly  harmonious  choir. 

5.  Come  and  see  the  icorks  of  God :  he  is  terrible  in  his  doing 
toward  the  children  of  men.  6.  lie  turned  the  sea  into  dry  land  : 
they  tocnt  through  the  food  on  foot ;  there  did  we  rejoice  in  him. 

The  prophet,  after  inviting  men  to  contemplate  "  the  works  of 
God,"  sets  before  them,  for  that  purpose,  two  great  miracles 
wroutrht  for  Israel;  namelv,  the  division  of  the  Red  Sea,  and  that 


Day  XII.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  271 

of  the  river  Jordan  ;  by  the  former  they  escaped  Egypt,  by  the  hit- 
ter thev  entered  Canaan.  I'^nder  tliese  two  figurative  transactions, 
the  Christian  church  beht)lds,  and  in  the  words  which  describe 
them,  she  celebrates,  two  corresponding  works  of  mercy  wrought 
for  lierj  namely,  the  deliverance  of  her  children  from  the  domi- 
nion of  sin,  by  the  waters  of  baptism;  and  their  admission  into  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  through  the  grave  and  gate  of  death.  If  the 
Israelites  rejoiced  in  God  their  Saviour,  for  the  former  blessings, 
much  more,  surely,  ought  we  so  to  do  for  the  latter.  ♦ 

7.  He  ruk'th  by  his  power  for  ever  ;  his  eyes  behold  the  nations: 
let  not  the  rebellious,  or,  the  rebellious  shall  not,  exalt  themselves. 

The  uncontrollable  sovereignty,  and  superintending  providence 
of  our  God  and  King,  are  tojjics  on  which  we  should  ever  delight 
to  dwell.  Establish,  O  Lord,  thy  kingdom  within  us,  and  suller 
not  our  "  rebellious"  passions  to  '•'  exalt  themselves*'  against  it. 

8.  0  bless  our  God,  ye  people,  and  make  the  voiee  of  his  praise 
to  be  heard;  9-  If  ho  hnldeth  our  soul  in  life,  and  sujfercth  not  our 
feet  to  be  moved. 

But  chiefly  are  we  bound  to  "  bless"  and  '-  praise"  God,  for 
that  goodness  and  mercy,  by  which  our  feet  are  turned  back  from 
the  ways  of  death,  placed  in  the  path  of  "  life,"  and  enabled  to 
walk  therehi,  without  falling  into  perdition ;  until,  having  finished 
our  pilgrimage  in  the  worlil,  we  lie  down  in  peace,  and  our  flesh 
resteth  sweetly  in  hope. 

10.  For  thou,  O  God,-  hant  proved  us:  thou  hast  tried  us,  as 
silver  is  tried. 

Notwithstanding  the  mercy  of  God,  and  the  salvation  wrought 
for  us,  we  are  here  taught  to  expect  aftliction  and  tribulation; 
which  indeed  are  oftentimes  necessary ;  for,  having  in  our  compo- 
sition a  mixture  of  the  earth  from  whence  we  came,  with  a  base 
alloy  of  concupiscence,  we  stand  as  much  in  need  of  adversity,  as 
metals,  in  like  circumstances,  do  of  the  fire,  to  refine  and  purif}'  our 
tempers.     Try  us,  O  God ;  but  enable  us  to  stand  the  trial ! 

11.  Thou  broughtest  us  into  the  net;  thou  laidest  affliction  up- 
on our  loins.  12.  J^kou  hast  caused  men  to  ride  over  our  heads: 
we  ivent  through  fire  and  through  water;  but  thou  broughtest  us 
out  info  a  tcealthy  place. 

Various  calamities  are  here  mentioned,  which  God  suflers  to  fall 
upon  his  people.  As,  first,  their  being  "  brought  into  the  net," 
or  ensnared  and  taken  captive  by  their  enemies,  whom  they  had 
not  power  to  resist  or  escape.  Secondly,  "  afflictions  upon  tiie 
loins,"  or  hard  servitude  under  heavy  burdens.  Thirdly,  '•  men 
riding  over  their  heads,"  or  the  manifold  ojipressions  of  peisecu- 


272  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXVI. 

ting  tyrants,  trampling  them  under  their  feet,  like  war-horses  in  the 
day  of  battle.  Foinlhly,  passing  "  through  fire  and  water,"  or 
troubles  of  diflerent  and  contrary  kinds,  though  alike  deadly  and 
destructive.  But  he  who  brought  Israel  from  among  the  brick- 
kilns of  Egypt,  and  through  the  waters  of  the  Red  Sea,  and  the  ri- 
ver Jordan,  into  tlie  promised  rest,  will  bring  us  safely  through  every 
fiery  trial,  and  through  the  waves  of  a  troublesome  world,  to  the 
land  of  everlasting  peace  and  comfort. 

'  13.  J  will  go  into  thy  house  with  hurnt-oferings;  I  will  pay 
thee  toy  votes,  14.  Which  my  lips  have  uttered,  and  iny  mouth 
hath  spoketi,  when  I  was  in  trouble.  15.  I  will  offer  unto  thee 
burnt  sacrifices  of  failings,  with  the  incense  of  rams:  I  will  offer 
bullocks  tvith  goats. 

Under  the  Gospel,  the  obligation  of  "  going  to  the  house  of  God," 
and  there  "paying  vows,"  still  continues;  but  the  "offerings"  are 
changed.  The  legal  sacrifices  have  been  abolished  by  the  obla- 
tion of  the  body  of  Christ,  once  for  all.  This  oblation  is  comme- 
morated in  the  eucharist :  at  the  celebration  of  which,  we  now  offer 
up  our  prayers  and  praises,  ourselves,  our  souls  and  bodies,  a  rea- 
sonable, holy,  and  lively  sacrifice,  acceptable  to  God,  in  the  name 
and  through  the  merits  of  the  Redeemer.  These  oflerings,  if  vowed 
in  the  seasons  of  sickness  and  sorrow,  should  be  paid  in  the  days 
of  health  and  gladness. 

If).  Coinc  and  hear,  all  ye  that  f car  God,  and  I  will  declare 
what  he  hath  done  for  my  soul. 

Evorj'^  man  should  be  ready,  like  David,  to  celebrate  the  mer- 
cies of  God  vouchsafed  to  him.  It  is  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  his 
Saviour,  who  is  glorified,  and  a  debt  of  charity  to  his  brethren,  who 
are  edified  thereby;  provided  only,  that  it  be  done  with  sobriety 
and  humility. 

17.  I  cried  unto  him  with  my  mouth,  and  he  icas  extolled  vnth 
my  tongue. 

The  mean  by  which  we  obtain  salvation  is  faith ;  which,  as  it 
showeth  us  both  our  disease  and  our  Physician,  inclineth  us  to  pray 
to  the  latter  for  a  cure  of  the  former.  Prayer  is  one  gift  of  God  : 
and  every  other  gift  is  obtained  by  it. 

1 8.  Jf  I  regard  iniquity  in  my  heart,  the  Lord  will  not  hear  me. 
The  prayer  which  is  '•  heard,"  is  the  pniyer  of  the  penitent, 

heartily  grieved  and  wearied  with  sin,  hating,  and  longing  to  be 
delivered  from  it.  For  God  hoareth  not  hypocrites,  who,  while 
they  outwardly  disavow,  yet  inwardly  "  regard"'  anil  cherish  "  ini- 
quity;" from  which  every  one,  wlio  namcth  the  name  of  Christ, 
uught  to  depart. 


DayXII.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  273 

19.  But  verili/  God  hath  heard  me;  he  hath  attended  to  the 
voice  of  mi/  prayer. 

David  was  heard,  when  God  delivered  him  from  his  enemies, 
and  set  him  on  the  throne  of  Israel:  Christ  was  iieard,  when  God 
raised  i»im  from  the  dead,  and  exalted  him  to  the  rii,du  hand  of  the 
JMajesty  in  the  heavens;  and  every  man  is  heard,  when  God  raises 
him  from  sin  to  righteousness,  as  an  earnest  of  his  future  resurrec- 
tion from  dust  to  glory.  Let  every  such  man  praise  the  Lord,  and 
say,  with  David,  in  the  last  verse  of  our  Psalm, 

20.  Blessed  be  God,  which  hath  not  turned  aivay  my  prayer, 
nor  his  mercy  from  me. 

PSALM  LXVIL 

ARGUMENT. 

In  this  evansjolical  Psalm,  the  Israclitish  church  is  introduced,  as  partly 
praying  for,  and  partly  foretelling,  the  advent  of  Clnist,  and  the  conver- 
sion of  the  nations,  with  the  joy  and  gladness  that  should  he  consequent 
thereupon.  The  Christian  church  now  uses,  and  will  continue  to  use,  the 
PsaJni,  with  propriety,  until  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles  shall  be  come  in, 
the  conversion  of  the  .Te<vs  effected,  and  Christ  shall  appear  the  second 
time,  finally  to  accomplish  the  salvation  of  his  chosen. 

1.  God  he  merciful  unto  us,  and  bless  us;  and  cause  his  face 
to  shine  upon  us. 

The  Israelitish  church,  by  the  mouth  of  the  prophet,  expresseth 
her  ardent  desire  after  Messiah's  advent  and  appearance  in  the 
flesh ;  she  prayeth,  that  God  would  be  '•  merciful  unto  her,"  as  he 
had  promised ;  that,  by  so  doing,  he  would  "  bless"  her  with  the 
blessings  of  pardon  and  peace,  of  grace  and  glory ;  and  in  one 
word,  that  he  would  "  cause  his  face  to  shine  upon  her,"  by  the 
rising  of  the  Sun  of  righteousness,  making  her  to  behold  the  glory  of 
God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ ;  reviving  her  with  the  glad  tidings 
of  the  Gospel,  and  enlightening  her  with  the  light  of  salvation. 

2.  That  thy  loay  may  he  known  upon  earth,  thy  saving  health 
among  all  nations. 

Nor  was  she  studious,  as  her  degenerate  children  have  since  been, 
to  confine  the  favour  of  heaven  within  her  own  pale'.  If  she  had  a 
good  wish  for  herself,  she  had  one  likewise  lor  others;  and  there- 
fore prayed,  that  the  "  way"  to  life  eternal  might  be  "  known," 
not  in  Jewry  alone,  but  over  all  the  '■  earth  ;"  and  that  the  virtues 
of  that  salutary  medicine,  which  was  able  to  restore  "  health"  and 
vigour  to  the  diseased  and  languishing  spirits  of  men,  mijrlu  be  pub- 
lished "  fxmong  all  nations." 
3r> 


274  A  COMMENTARY  Fsal.  LXVIZ. 

3.  Let  the  people  praise  thte,  0  God;  let  all  the  people  praise 
thee. 

As  if  she  had  said — Hitlierto,  indeed,  blessed  Lord,  thou  hast 
thought  fit  to  make  me  the  guardian  and  keeper  of  that  great  de- 
posit, thy  true  religion,  from  whicii  the  nations  revoked  and  fell : 
but  the  time  is  coming,  when,  by  the  Gospel  of  thy  dear  Son,  they 
shall  again  be  called  to  the  knowledge  of  thee.  Thy  glory,  impa- 
tient, as  it  were,  of  any  longer  restraint,  and  demanding  a  larger 
sphere,  shall  difl\tse  itself,  like  the  light  of  heaven,  to  the  ends  of 
the  world.  Hasten,  then,  O  hasten  the  dawning  of  that  happy  day, 
when  congregations  of  converted  Gentiles  shall  every  where  lift  up 
their  voices,  and  perhaps  in  the  words  of  this  very  Psalm,  sing  to 
thy  praise  and  glory  ! 

4.  O  lei  the  nations  he  glad,  and  sing  for  joy  ;  for  thou  shalt 
judge  the  people  righteously,  and  govern  the  nations  upon  earth. 

And  a  very  sufficient  cause,  surely,  is  here  assigned,  why  the 
"nations*'  should  "be  glad,  and  sing  for  joy,"  upon  the  erection 
of  Messiah's  kingdom  in  the  midst  of  them;  namely,  because  he 
would  "judge  the  people  righteously;"  breaking  the  yoke  of  the 
oppressor,  and  the  iron  rod  of  the  prince  of  this  world;  becoming 
himself  an  advocate  in  the  cause  of  his  church;  introducing  her 
into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God,  whose  service 
is  perfect  freedom;  and,  with  a  sceptre,  around  which  justice 
and  mercy  are  wreathed  together,  "  governing  the  nations  upon 
earth." 

5.  Let  the  people  praise  thee,  O  God;  let  all  the  people  praise 
thee.     Chorus  repeated,  as  above,  ver.  3. 

6.  Then  shall  the  earth  yield  her  increase  ;  and  God,  even  onr 
mvn  God,  shall  fdess  us. 

Then,  when  that  long-expected  time  shall  arrive,  "  the  eartli 
shall  yield  her  increase ;"  the  nations  of  the  world  shall  be  converted 
to  the  faith,  and  become  fruitful  in  every  good  word  and  work, 
through  the  benediction  of  Heaven  upon  them.* 

7.  God  shall  bless  us;  and  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  shall  fear 
him. 

The  evangelical  "  blessings,"  predicted  in  this  Psalm,  have  been 
long  since  poured  out  upon  "  the  ends  of  the  earth,"  by  the  bounti- 
ful hand  of  God  in  Christ.  Let  us  beseech  him  to  add  yet  this  to 
all  his  other  mercies,  that  in  return  for  such  unmerited  favours,  the 
redeemed  may  have  grace  evermore  to  pay  him  the  tribute  of  fear 
and  obedience,  of  duty  and  love. 

*  UniversaR  gcntcs  ad  Deuin  convcrtontur,  et  clccti  abundtibmu'  honis  oii^ 
ribus,  reruniqnc  onmiuin  copia.     Dossiul. 


Day  XIII.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSAI.MS.  27.b 

THIRTEENTH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  LXVHI. 

ARGUMENT. 

lliis  beautiful,  sublime,  and  comprehensive,  but  very  difficult  Psalm,  is  ou-^ 
of  those  which  tlie  church  luis  appointed  to  be  used  ou  Whitsunday.  It 
.seems  evidently  to  have  been  comjjosed  on  that  festive  and  joyful  occasion, 
the  removal  of  the  ark  to  mount  Sion.  See  2  Sam.  vi.  1  Chron.  xv.** 
Under  this  figure,  David,  foreseeing  the  exaltation  of  Messiah,  speaks  of 
him,  whom  he  describes,  1,  2.  as  arising,  and  vanquishing  his  enemies  i 
3 — 6.  as  causing  the  faithful  to  rejoice,  and  showing  mercy  to  the  afflicted; 
7 — 15.  as  bringing  his  church  out  of  bondage,  supporting  her  in  the  world 
by  the  Word  and  the  Spirit,  purging  away  her  corruptions,  and  subduing 
her  adversaries ;  the  ground-work  being  laid  ia  the  history  of  the  Egyptian 
deliverance,  the  Manna  and  the  Law  given  in  the  wilderness,  and  the 
overthrow  of  the  Canaanitish  nations.  IG — 20.  David  returns  to  the 
scene  before  him,  celebrates  the  ascension  of  Christ,  witli  power  and  great 
glory,  to  the  heavenly  Sion,  and  the  gifts  he  should  from  thence  pour 
down  upon  men;  21 — 23.  foretells  the  vengeance  he  would  take  on  his 
opposers;  24 — 28.  sets  forth  the  order  of  the  church  in  her  services; 
29 — 31.  predicts  the  conversion  of  the  nations;  all  of  whom,  32 — 35.  he 
exhorts  to  unite  in  chanting  forth  the  praises  of  their  God  and  Saviour. 

1.  Let  God  arise,  let  his  enemies  be  scattered:  let  them  also 
that  hate  him  fee  before  him. 

These  word.s  were  used  by  Moses,  whenever  the  ark  set  forward 
f)efore  the  armies  of  Israel,  in  their  progress  toward  Canaan,  Nmnb. 
X.  35.  David,  in  like  manner,  uses  them  in  this  triumphal  hymn, 
on  the  removal  of  the  ark  to  the  city  of  Zion,  1  Chron.  .xiii.  and 
XV.  Dr.  Chandler  supposes  this  part  of  the  Psalm,  from  ver.  1.  to 
ver.  C.  inclusive,  to  have  been  sung,  when  the  ark  was  taken  up  on 
the  shoulders  of  the  Levites.  The  church  now  celebrates,  in  the 
same  terms,  the  substance  of  the  foregoing  shadows ;  she  sings  the 
praises  of  her  Redeemer,  rising  from  the  dead,  and  preceding  the 

*  The  argument  seems  to  be,  a  prognostication  of  success  to  David  and 
the  kingdom  of  Israel,  and  victory  over  their  enemies,  in  consequence  of 
the  manifestation  of  the  especial  presence  of  God  on  mount  Sion,  and  by 
iiis  power  exerted  in  their  favour.  In  the  mvsitical  sense,  which  is  authorized 
by  St.  Paul,  Eph.  iv.  8.  it  is,  according  to  Vitringa,  "Ascension  Christi  in 
coulos,  et  scssio  ad  destram  Patris ;  et  iilius  elVccta,  quje  sunt  coUectio 
et  conversatio  ccclesia-,  ac  destructio  hoslium  sibi  et  ecclesi;e  adversorum." 
Bishop  Loicfh,  in  Merrick's  Jhinotalions.  Dr.  Chandler,  in  his  '•  Critical 
History  of  tlie  Life  of  David,"  has  given  an  admirable  exposition  of  the  li- 
teral, or  historical  sense  of  this  Psalm,  and  a  very  ingenious  division  of  it 
into  five  parts,  founded  on  the  supposition  of  its  being  performed  at  the  re- 
moval of  the  ark.  The  author  has  been  greatly  assisted  in  the  ensuing  com- 
ment by  the  Doctor's  exposition,  and  the  reader  will  find  his  division  of  the 
Psului  in>ert':d 


276  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.LXVIH. 

Israel  of  God,  to  the  true  land  of  promise;  when  "his  enemies," 
the  j)owers  of  darkness,  sin  and  death,  "  were  scattered,  and  they 
that  hated  him  fled  before  him."'  And  the  Christian,  in  the  hour 
of  temptation,  will  always  find  this  verse  a  most  powerful  and  pro- 
fitable ejaculation. 

2.  As  smoke  is  driven  airai/,  so  drive  them  meat/:  as  wax 
melteth  before  theJirCy  so  let  the  wicked  perish  at  the  presence  of 
God. 

The  sudden  and  utter  destruction  of  the  enemies  of  God,  and 
of  his  people,  is  resembled,  firS"[,  to  the  dissipation  of  "  smoke,-' 
which,  though  it  rises  from  tlie  earth  in  black  and  tremendous 
clouds,  is  by  the  wind  presently  brougiit  to  nothing;  secondly, 
to  the  melting  of  "  wax,"  which  though  to  appearance  of  a  firm  and 
solid  consistence,  yet  when  hekl  to  the  fire  for  a  iew  minutes,  dis- 
solves, and  makes  no  more  resistance.  So  let  all  tliine  enemies 
})erish,  O  Lord,  within  us.  Let  our  vain  imaginations  be  dispersed 
before  thy  Spirit,  and  our  corruptions  melt  and  die  away,  at  the 
presence  of  thy  light  and  thy  truth. 

3.  But  let  the  righteous  be  glad;  let  them  rejoice  before  God: 
yea,  let  them  exceedingly  rejoice. 

A  variety  of  expressions  is  used  in  the  Hebrew,  to  denote  the 
festive  "  joy"  and  "  delight"  with  which  the  righteous  celebrate 
the  triumphs  of  their  God  over  his  and  their  enemies,  under  each 
dispensation  respectively.  When  the  heart  is  full  of  these  sensa- 
tions, it  has  no  desire  to  resort  to  the  world  for  pleasure. 

4.  Sing  unto  God,  sing  praises  to  his  name :  extol  him  that 
rideth  upon  the  heavens  by  his  name  jah,  a?id  rejoice  before  him. 

The  prophet  exhorts  the  people  of  God  to  magnify,  with  psalms, 
and  hymns,  and  spiritual  songs,  the  eternal  and  incommunicable 
"  name"  of  him  "  who  was,  and  is,  and  is  come;"  who,  deriving 
being  from  none,  gives  it  to  all :  anil  wlio,  as  Redeemer  of  his  peo- 
ple, is  exalted  above  the  "  heavens,"  and  all  powers  therein  ;  above 
the  gods  of  the  nations ;  acknowletlged  and  glorified  by  saints  and 
angels,  feared  and  trembled  at  by  ungodly  men,  and  evil  spirits.* 

5.  A  father  of  the  fatherless,  and  a  judge  of  the  loidoics,  is 
God  in  his  holy  habitation. 

'  Thf  idea  of  '•  lidinp:  on  tlic  hravcns,"  fiiniTshed  by  our  translation,  is 
here  followed,  iH-caiise  a'Oiy^  IIDI*?  in  the  33d  verse,  seems  to  be  exaetlv 
parallel.  But  Bishop  Lowth,  JMr.  Merriek,  and  Dr.  Chandler,  render 
r\i:}"\;?3  "lyV)  no  "  Prepare  the  way  for  him  who  rideth  through  the  de- 
serts," i.e.  who  rode  upon  llnr  <herul)im,  through  the  wilderness;  alhulini; 
to  the  passing;  of  the  Ark.  This  construction  sccins  most  a^nieable  to  the 
common  usage  of  the  words  employed  in  (lie  original.  Either  wav,  the 
idea  is  truly  great  and  sublime. 


Day  XIII.  iM.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  27T 

After  a  description  of  God's  '•  majesty,"  the  Psalmist  proceeds 
to  make  memion  of  liis  "  mercy"  towards  the  aftUcted  Israelites, 
who  liad  sudered  so  much  in  Etrypt  and  in  the  wilderness.  The 
cause  of  the  "  tatherless  and  widow"  he  takes  into  his  own  hands, 
lUil  never  did  he  do  this  in  so  full  and  extensive  a  manner,  as  when, 
by  becoming  man,  he  betrothed  the  church  to  himself,  in  righteous- 
ness, and  became  a  Father  to  her  fatherless  children. 

6.  God  scttcih-  the  solitary  in  families  :  lie  bringeth  out  those 
wliieh  are  bound  in  ehains:  but  the  rebellious  dwell  in  a  dry  land. 

The  "  solitarx',  or  destitute,"  in  this  verse,  are  the  same  persons 
with  the  "  tatherless  and  widow,"  in  the  foregoing ;  those,  as  Dr. 
Chandler  observes,  whose  fathers  and  families  had  been  destroyed 
in  Egypt,  or  fallen  in  the  wilderness ;  who,  therefore,  were  left 
alone,  desthute  of  help.  These,  God  afterwards  "  made  to  sit 
down  in  families,"  blessed  them  with  a  numerous  progeny,  and  the 
[)eaceable  enjoyment  of  domestic  felicity.  Thus  hath  since  been 
manifested  the  same  tender  care  of  Heaven,  in  calling  home  the 
wretched  outcasts  among  the  nations,  and  admitting  them  into  the 
holy  and  happy  family  of  the  children  of  God.  Another  instance 
of  God's  mercy,  mentioned  in  this  verse,  is,  that  he  '•  bringeth  out 
those  which  are  bound  with  chains,"  delivering  his  people  from  a 
spiritual,  as  he  once  did  Israel  from  a  temporal  bondage.  "  But 
the  rebellious,"  the  ungodly  and  impenitent,  "  dwell  in  a  dry  land," 
in  a  spiritual  desert,  where  no  waters  of  lite,  of  comfort,  and  sal- 
vation flow.  Such  is  the  state  of  the  rebellious  Jews  at  this  day, 
like  that  of  their  murmuring  predecessors  in  the  w  ilderness.  This 
allusion,  says  Bishop  Lowth,  to  the  deliverance  from  tiie  Egyptian 
bondage,  and  the  destruction  of  the  murmurers  in  the  desert,  brings 
in  with  great  ease,  the  full  subject  of  the  exodus  in  the  next  verse. 

7.  0  God,  when  thou  wentest  forth  before  thy  people,  when 
thou  didst  march  through  the  wilderness:  8.  The  earth  shook,  the 
heavens  also  dropped  at  the  presence  of  God:  even  Sinai  itself 
^vas  moved  at  the  presence  of  God,  the  G,od  of  Israel. 

This  part  of  the  Psalm,  from  ver.  J.  to  ver.  14.  is  the  second  in 
Dr.  Chandler's  division.  It  is  supposed  to  have  been  sung  when 
the  procession  began,  and  to  have  lasted  till  mount  Sion  was  in 
view.  The  prophet  goes  back  to  commemorate  the  wonders 
wrought  for  Israel,  when  Jehovah,  by  his  presence  in  the  cloudy 
pillar,  conducted  thcra  through  the  wilderness;  when  descending 
to  deliver  the  law,  he  bowed  the  heavens,  and  shook  the  earth,  and 
caused  Sinai  to  quake  from  its  foundations.  The  Christian  church, 
singing  this  Psalm  on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  commemorates,  under 
ihese  terms  and  figuies,  her  redemption  from  the  spiritual  Egypt, 


2r8  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXVIII. 

by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus,  with  mighty  signs  and  wonders,  and 
tlie  succeeding  delivery  of  the  new  law  from  mouiit  Sion,  after  the 
descent  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  by  which  the  old  Jewish  dispensation 
was  shaken  and  removed,  to  make  way  for  one  that  should  last  for 
ever.     See  Heb.  xii.  18—28. 

9.  Thou,  O  God,  didst  send  a  plentiful,  Heb.  a  free,  lihercd,  or, 
gracious,  rain,  toherehy  thou  didst  confirm  thine  inheritance  lohen 
it  was  weary. 

As  the  heavens  at  the  command  of  God,  rained  down  manna, 
&c.  to  strengthen  and  refresh  the  well-nigh  famished  people  in  the 
wilderness;  so  by  tlie  descent  of  the  Spirit  from  above,  bringing 
with  him  the  word  of  life,  the  church,  in  her  infant  and  languid 
state,  was  mightily  confirmed  and  invigorated. 

10.  The  congregation  hath  dwelt  therein:  thou,  O  God,  hast 
jyrcjmred  of  thy  goodness  for  the  poor. 

In  the  former  verse,  the  Psalmist  tells  us,  that  God  hath  con- 
firmed, refreshed,  and  revived  his  inheritance,  by  the  plentiful,  and 
as  it  were  voluntary,  showers  of  bread  and  flesh,  that  he  rained 
down  upon  them.  In  these  words.  Dr.  Chandler  apprehends,  he 
speaks  of  the  manner,  as  well  as  abundance  of  the  food  thus  given 
them :  and  renders  this  verse  thus — "  "]n'n,  Thy  food,  or.  As  to 
thy  food,"  the  food  which  thou  gavest  them,  "  riD  I3iy',  They  dwelt 
in  the  midst  of  it ;  Thou  didst  prepare,  O  God,  by  thy  goodness,  for 
the  poor."  Thus  the  history  informs  us,  that  the  manna  covered 
by  the  dew,  "  lay  round  about  the  host ;"  and  that  the  quails  were 
"  let  fall  by  the  camp,  about  a  day's  journey  on  one  side,  and  a 
day's  journey  on  the  other,  round  about  the  camp,"  Exod.  xvi.  13. 
Numb.  xi.  31.  This  was  literally  "  dwelling  in  the  midst  of  the 
food  God  had  provided  for  them."  F>y  the  ministration  of  the  word 
and  sacraments  in  the  Christian  church,  the  true  manna,  the  bread 
which  cometh  down,  with  the  dew  of  God's  blessing,  from  heaven, 
is  continually  furnished,  for  the  nourishment  of  those  who  "  hunger 
and  thirst  after  righteousness."  It  "  falls  round  about  the  camp," 
and  "  as  to  this  thy  food,"  O  God,  we,  thy  favoured  people,  have 
the  happiness  to  "  dwell  in  the  midst  of  it :"  thus  "  thou  hast  pre. 
pared,  of  thy  goodness,  for  the  poor  in  spirit." 

11.  The  Lord  gave  the  word:  great  was  the  company  of  those 
that  published  it. 

He  who  supplied  his  people  with  food  in  the  wilderness,  ena- 
bled them  likewise  to  vanquish  the  numerous  enemies  that  opposed 
them  in  their  passage  through  it,  the  Amalekites,  the  Amorites,  the 
Midianites,  the  Moabitcs,  &c.  With  respect  to  all  these  enemies, 
'•■  the  Lord  gave  the  word."     The  Israelites  engaged  them  by  his 


Day  Xni.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  179 

ordpr;  See  Numb.  xxi.  34.  xxv.  IT-  and,  under  his  condiicl  and 
blessing,  obtained  the  victory  over  them.  When  the  enemies  ol 
man's  salvation  were  vanquished  by  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  and 
the  heathen  nations  were  to  own  his  power,  atrain  "  the  Lord  gayc. 
the  word."  It  was  published,  at  fust,  by  apostles,  confessors,  and 
martyrs,  and  hath  been  since  published  continually,  by  all  the 
churches,  who  celebrate  in  their  services  the  victories  of  their  Re- 
deemer ;  as  in  old  time,  prophets  and  prophetesses,  Moses,  Aaron, 
Miriam,  Deborah,  and  others,  with  the  armies  of  Israel,  sang 
triumphal  songs,  on  occasion  of  temporal,  but  figurative  conquests. 

12.  *  A'/M^5[with  their]  armies  did  fiee  apace  ;  Web.jivdavmy: 
and  she  that  tarried  at  home  divided  the  spoil. 

When  God,  by  the  hand  of  Moses,  and  his  successor  Joshua, 
led  his  people  through  the  wilderness,  into  the  land  of  promise, 
the  kings  of  Canaan,  with  their  mighty  hosts,  were  discomfited ; 
and  the  women  of  Israel,  who  "  tarried  at  home,  divided  the 
spoil"  of  their  vanquished  enemies.  After  the  conquest  of  the 
Midianites,  as  Dr.  Chandler  observes,  God  ordered  the  prey  to  be 
divided  between  them  who  went  out  on  that  expedition,  and  the 
rest  of  the  congregation,  who  continued  in  their  tents,  Numb.  xxxi. 
27.  Thus,  in  the  spiritual  war,  apostles,  confessors,  and  martyrs 
went  out  to  the  battle,  fought,  and  conquered ;  while  the  benefits  of 
the  victory  extended  to  thousands  and  millions,  who  without  being 
exposed  to  their  conflicts  and  torments,  have  enjoyed  the  fruit  of 
their  labours. 

13.  Though  ye  have  lain  among  the  pots,  yet  shall  ye  be  aSp^Ae 
icings  of  a  dove  covered  ivith  silver,  and  her  feathers  icith  yellow 
gold. 

By  "  lying  among  the  pots,"t  or  '•  in  dust  and  ashes,"  is  evi- 
dently denoted  a  state  of  aflliction  and  wretchedness,  like  that  of 
Israel  in  Egypt,  which  was  exchanged  for  one  of  the  utmost  dignity 
and  splendour,  in  Canaan ;  one  is  difierent  from  the  former,  as  a 
caldron,  discoloured  by  smoke  and  soot,  is  from  the  bright  and 
and  beautiful  plumage  of  an  eastern  dove,  glistering  interchangea- 
bly, as  with  silver  and  gold.     Thus  the  church  of  Christ  emerged 

•  Bishop  Lowth  thinks,  with  Dr.  Hammond,  that  this  verse  was  the  Song, 
sung  by  the  choir,  mentioned  in  tlie"  verse  preceding.  Dr.  Chandler  adds 
the  next  verse  to  it. 

t  My  worthy  and  learned  friend,  Mr.  Parkhur.st,  in  his  Hebrew  Lexicon, 
gives  the  following  account  of  the  word  CD'HiDSy  (derived  from  the  word 
naC',  to  "  put  or  set  any  tiling  in  order) — rows  of  stones,  on  which  the 
caldrons  or  pots  were  placed.  Lying  among  these  denotes  the  most  abject 
:.lavery ;  for  this  was  the  place  of  re.tt  allotted  to  the  vil<!st  slaves."  So 
our  translators  render  it  in  the  margin  of  I^zck.  \\.  -i'i.  Dr.  Cliandlcr  adopt.> 
the  same  interpretation  of  the  word 


280  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXVIII. 

from  a  state  of  persecution  and  tribulation,  into  one  of  splendour 
and  niagnitkence.  And  such  is  the  cliani,'e  made  in  the  spiritual 
condition  of  any  man,  when  he  passes  I'rom  the  bondage  of  cor- 
ruption, into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  sons  of  God :  he  is  invested 
with  the  robe  of  righteousness,  and  adorned  with  the  graces  of  the 
Spirit  of  holiness. 

14.  JFhen  the  Almighty  scattered  kings  in  it,  it  was  white  as 
snow  in  Salmon. 

The  purport  of  this  difficult  verse  seems  to  be,  that  all  was  white 
as  snow,  i.  e.  all  was  brightness,  joy,  and  festivity,  about  mount 
Salmon,  pn^y!)  jStyn  when  the  Almighty,  fighting  for  his  people 
Israel,  vanquished  their  enemies,  T\2  in,  or  about  that  part  of  the 
country. 

15.  The.  hill  of  God  is  as  the  hill  of  Bushan  ;  an  high  hill,  as 
the  hill  of  Bashan. 

When  the  ark  came  in  view  of  mount  Sion,  the  place  of  its 
fixed  residence  for  the  future,  and  i)robably  when  they  began  to  as- 
cend it,  Dr.  Chandler  apprehends,  this  and  the  two  following  verses 
were  sung.  And  if  these  words  be  read  with  an  interrogation,  he 
conceives  they  will  appear  suitable  to  the  occasion,  and  worthy  of 
the  genuine  spirit  of  poetry.  "  The  hill  of  God,"  that  hill  which 
God  hath  chosen  to  hihabit,  "  is  it  the  hill  of  Bashan,  the  hill  with 
its  craggy  eminences,  the  hill  of  Bashan?  Bashan  may  boast  of  its 
proud  eminences,  its  high  summits;  but  is  that  the  hill,  where  God 
will  fix  his  residence  ?  The  prophet  speaks  of  Bashan  with  con- 
tcrnpt  and  disdain,  in  comparison  of  Sion.  And  this  agrees  well 
with  what  immediately  follows — 

16.  Why  leap  ye,  or,  lohy  look  ye  askance  with  envy,  ye  high 
hills?  this  is.  the  hill  which  God  desircth  to  divell  in;  yea,  the 
Lord  ioill  dwell  in  it  for  ever. 

The  Psalmist,  in  commemorating  God's  former  mercies  and 
loving-kindnesses,  having  been  led  to  mention  the  towering  hills 
of  Salmon  and  Bashan,  by  a  masterly  transition,  suddenly  resumes 
his  original  subject,  with  a  beautiful  apostrophe  to  those  mountains, 
letting  them  know,  that  however  proudly  they  might  lift  up  their 
hcails  above  the  rest,  or,  in  the  language  of  poetrj^,  '•  look  askance 
with  envy,"  on  mount  Sion,  yet  this  was  the  mount  which  Jehovah 
had  determineil  to  honour  with  his  special  presence ;  thither  he  was 
now  ascending,  with  the  ark  of  his  strength;  and  there,  between 
the  cherubims,  in  the  place  prepared  for  him,  he  would  "  dwell  for 
t:ver;"  till  the  old  dispensation  would  be  at  an  end,  till  the  glory  of 
the  Lord  should  be  revealed  in  human  nature;  till  God  should  be 
manifest  in  the  flesh;  and  the  true  tabernacle  and  temple  should 


Day  XIII.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  281 

succeed  the  typical.  After  that,  the  privileges  of  Sion  were  trans- 
ferred to  the  Christian  churcli ;  she  became,  and  while  the  world 
lasts,  will  qontinue  to  be,  the  "  hill  in  which  God  dclighteth  to 
dwell:"  she  will  therefore  be  justly  entitled  to  the  pre-eminence 
over  all  that  may  seem  to  be  great  and  glorious  in  the  world. 

17.  The  chariots  of  God  are  twenty  thousand,  even  thousands 
of  angels;  or,  thousands  repeated:  the  Lord  is  among  them,  as 
/«  Sinai,  in  the  holy  place;  or,  Sinai,  in  the  sanctuary. 

The  Psalmist,  in  tiie  preceding  verse,  had  declared  Sion  to  be  the 
habitation  of  Jehovah.  In  this  verse  is  described  the  majesty  and 
magnificence  of  his  appearance  there,  as  a  mighty  conqueror  of  the 
enemies  of  his  people,  riding  upon  the  cherubim,  as  in  a  trium- 
phal chariot,  with  all  the  hosts  of  heaven,  as  it  were,  in  his  retinue. 
Thus  (iod  descended  on  Sinai,  with  the  fire,  the  cloud,  and  the 
glory  ;  thus  he  manifested  himself,  when  taking  possession  of  "the 
holy  place"  prepared  for  him  in  Sion;  2  Chron.  v.  13.  and  in 
some  such  manner  we  may  suppose  king  Messiah  to  have  entered 
heaven  at  his  ascension,  when  he  went  up  in  the  clouds,  with  power 
and  great  glory,  and  all  the  attendant  spirits  joined  his  train,  re- 
joicing to  minister  to  their  Lord,  and  increase  the  pomp  and  splen- 
dour of  that  glorious  day. 

1 8.  Thou  hast  ascended  on  high,  thou  hast  led  captivity  cap- 
tive :  thou  hast  received  gifts  for  men  ;  yea,  for  the  rebellious 
also,  that  the  Lord  God  might  dwell  among  them. 

When  the  ark  had  ascended  mount  Sion,  and  was  deposited  in 
the  place  assigned  for  it,  the  singers  are  supposed  by  IXr.  Chandler, 
to  have  proceeded  with  this  part  of  the  Psalm,  in  which  they  cele- 
brate the  ascension  of  their  God  and  King,  by  the  symbol  of  his 
presence,  to  the  heights  of  Sion,  after  having  subdued  theirenemies, 
and  enriched  his  people  with  the  spoil  of  the  vanquished,  and  the 
gifts  of  the  tributary  nations ;  of  which  much  was  probably  em- 
ployed in  the  service  of  the  tabernacle,  and  afterwards  in  the  build- 
ing of  the  temple,  first  designed  by  David,  "  that  the  Lord  God 
might  dwell,"  and  have  a  fixed,  permanent  habitation,  among  his 
people.  But  this  whole  transaction,  like  many  others  of  old,  being 
a  figurative  one,  the  apostle,  Eph.  iv.  8.  has  applied  the  words 
before  us  to  our  blessed  Saviour,  (the  true  ark  on  which  the  glory 
rested,)  who  personally  ascended  up  to  the  highest  heavens,  led 
captivity  captive,  by  triumphing  over  his  conquered  enemies,  and 
having  received  gifts  from  his  heavenly  Father,  as  the  fruits  of  his 
victory,  gave  them  unto  men,  as  was  most  conducive  to  the  esta- 
blishment of  his  church,  "that  the  Lord  God  might  dwell  among 
them."  "  Thou  hast  ascended  on  hieh;"  Thou,  O  Christ,  who 
36  ' 


282  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXVIII. 

didst  descend  from  tlie  right  hand  of  tlie  Majesty  in  the  heavens  to 
the  lower  parts  of  the  earth,  art  again  ascended  from  the  lower  parts 
of  the  earth  to  the  right  hand  of  the  Majesty  in  the  heavens  ;  "thou 
hast  led  captivity  captive;"  thou  hast  conquered  the  conqueror, 
bound  the  strong  one,  redeemed  human  nature  from  the  grave,  and 
triumphantly  carried  it,  with  thee,  to  the  throne  of  God  ;  "thou  hast 
received  gifts  for  men,  yea,  for  the  rebellious  also;"  and  being 
thus  ascended  into  thy  glory,  thou  hast  received  of  the  Father  the 
promise  of  the  Spirit,  with  all  his  gifts  and  graces,  to  bestow  upon 
the  sons  of  men  ;*  even  upon  such  as  heretofore  have  not  only 
broken  thy  laws,  but  appeared  in  arms  against  thee ;  yet  of  such 
as  these,  converted  by  the  power  of  thy  Gospel,  wilt  thou  form  and 
rstablish  a  church  ;  "  that  the  Lord  God  may  dwell  among  them  ;" 
that  so,  of  thy  faithful  people,  gathered  from  all  parts  of  the  world, 
may  be  built  up  a  living  temple,  "  an  habitation  of  God  through 
the  Spirit." 

19-  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  daili/  loadeth  us  with  benefits, 
Heb.  carries,  ov,  supports  us  ;  even  ihe  God  of  our  salvation.  20. 
He  that  is  our  God  is  the  God  of  salvation ;  and  unto  God  the 
Lord  belong  t/ie  issues  from  death,  Heb.  the  goings  forth  to  death, 
or,  of  death. 

The  preceding  survey  of  God's  dispensations  constraineth  the 
church  to  break  out  into  an  act  of  praise,  and  to  bless  the  Preser- 
ver of  men,  the  author  of  eternal  "  salvation;"  in  whose  hands  are 
'•■  the  goings  foith  of  death ;"  in  other  words,  who  has  "  the  keys 
of  death  and  the  grave;"  Rev.  i.  18.  who  is  possessed  of  power  to 
confine  and  to  release;  to  kill,  and  to  make  ahve. 

21.  But  God  shall  wound  the  head  of  his  oianies,  and  the  hairy 
scalp,  or,  crmcn,  of  such  an  one  as  goeth  on  still  in  his  trespasses. 

The  meaning  is — God  shall  strike  deep,  or  exhaust  the  blood  of 
the  head  of  his  enemies,  even  the  hairy  crown  of  him  that  goes  on 
in  his  guilty  practices  ;  where  the  emphasis  consists  in  the  descrip- 
tion of  God's  enemies,  who  were  such  as  persevered  in  their  crimi- 
nal actions.  This  verse  begins  a  prediction  of  that  vengeance, 
which  the  person,  who  was  "  ascended  on  high,"  would  infallibly 
execute  upon  his  imp(?nitent  enemies,  and  which  was  shadowed 
forth  in  the  destvuction  of  ilie  enemies  of  Israel  by  David,  after  that 

*  The  Psalmist  mentions  tliese  gifts  as  received:  "  thou  hast  received  gifts 
for  men  :"  the  apostle,  in  his  citation,  sliowefli  us  the  end  for  which  they 
were  received;  "  IJe  gave  gifts  unto  men."  Or  rather,  as  (lie  best  critics 
have  observed,  in  tlie  Hebrew  idiom,  to  "  take  gilts  for  another,"  is  the 
same  as  to  "  give  them  to  another."  Thus  we  read,  1  Kings  iii.  24.  "  Take 
me  a  sword  ;"  i.  e.  give,  or  bring  it  me.  Gen.  xviii.  5.  "I  will  take  a  bit  of 
bread;"  i.  e.  for  you,  or  to  give  it  you — *'  and  comfort  ye  your  hearts." 


Day  XIII.  IM.  P.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  283 

the  ark  of  God  was  placed  upon  tlie  hill  of  Sion.  See  2  Sam.  viii. 
The  expressions,  ''  the  head,"  and  the  hairy  '•  crown,"  denote 
the  principal  part,  the  strength,  the  pride,  and  the  glory  of  the  ad- 
versary, which  was  to  be  crushed,  according  to  tlie  original  sen- 
tence; ''lie  shall  bruise  thy  head,"'  Gen.  iii.  15. 

22.  The  honx)  said,  I  inilbnn!.r  again  from  Bashan;  I  ivill 
bring  my  people  again  from  the  depths  of  the  sea;  23.  That  thy 
foot  may  be  dipped  in  the  blood  of  thine  enemies,  and  the  tongue 
of  thy  dogs  in  the  same. 

Abner,  in  his  conference  with  the  elders  of  Israel,  to  bring  them 
over  to  David's  interest,  tells  them,  '•  The  F^ord  hath  spoken  of 
David,  saying,  By  the  hand  of  my  servant  David  I  will  save  my 
people  Israel,  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Philistines,  and  out  of  the 
hand  of  all  their  enemies,"  2  Sam.  iv.  S.  Thus  Jehovah  had  pro- 
mised to  repeat  in  Israel,  by  David,  his  glorious  acts ;  to  work  as 
signal  victories  and  deliverances  for  his  people,  as  he  had  formerly 
done  in  the  field  of  Bashan,  and  at  the  Red  Sea ;  when  they  saw 
their  enemies  dead  at  their  t'eet.  By  the  glorious  resurrection,  and 
triumphant  ascension  of  king  IMessiah,  by  the  conc^uests  of  the  Gos- 
pel, and  the  unparalleled  overthrow  of  its  opposers,  were  these 
figures  realized,  and  these  shadows  changed  into  substances. 

24.  They  have  seen  thy  goings,  or,  marches  in  procession,  O 
God;  even  the  goings,  or,  marches,  of  my  God,  my  King,  in,  or, 
into,  the  sanctuary. 

When  the  ark  was  safely  deposited,  the  sacrifices  were  offered, 
the  solemnity  well  nigh  concluded,  and  the  whole  assembly  about 
to  return  back.  Dr.  Chandler  supposes  the  singers  to  have  struck 
up,  and  joined  in  the  remaining  part  of  this  noble  anthem.  These 
words  contain  a  sort  of  triumph,  because  this  great  work  of  trans- 
lating the  ark  was  now  so  happily  accomplished.  The  people  of 
Israel  had  a  pledge  and  earnest  of  those  mighty  things  which  God 
would  do  for  them,  by  the  joyful  and  victorious  manner  in  which, 
with  the  ark  of  his  presence,  he  had  taken  possession  of  the  place 
prepared  for  him  on  mount  Sion,  and  gone  <'  into  the  sanctuary." 
A  like  pledge  and  earnest  of  her  liiture  enlargement  and  exaltation, 
was  the  ascension  of  her  Lord  and  Head,  to  the  Christian  church. 

25.  The  singei's  went  before,  the  players  on  instruments  fol- 
lowed after  ;  among  them  were  the  damsels  playing  with  timbrels. 

The  joy  and  gladness  expressed  by  David,  and  the  house  of  Is- 
rael, when  in  solemn  procession,  with  the  sound  of  vocal  and  in- 
strumental music,  they  "  brought  up  the  ark  of  Jehovah,  and  set 
it  in  its  place,"  2  Sam  vi.  5.  15.  17.  may  be  considered  as  a  pre- 
lude to  that  voice  of  universal  exultation,  with  which  the  Christian 


284  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXVIII. 

church,  in  her  holy  services,  doth  now  celebrate  the  resurrection 
and  ascension  of  her  Rodecincr. 

26.  Bless  ye  God  in  the  congregations,  even  the  hoRD,  from  the 
fountain  of  Israel. 

"  Bless  ye  God  in  the  congregations ;"  in  this  form  of  words,  the 
Israelites  are  supposed,  when  accompanying  the  ark,  to  have  re- 
ciprocally exhorted  and  encouraged  each  other  to  exert  their  ut- 
most powers  in  the  sacred  employment  of  blessing  and  thanking 
God  :  "  even  the  Lord,  from  the  fountain  of  Israel ;"'  "  the  fountain 
of  Israel"  is  the  same  with  the  "  stock,  or  family  of  Israel."  See 
Isa.  xlviii.  1.  The  sense  of  this  latter  clause  therefore  is,  "Bless 
the  Lord,  ye  who  are  sprung  from  the  stock  of  Israel ;"  thus  is  the 
duty  of  blessing  and  thaidisgiving  enforced  on  the  congregations  of 
the  faithful  in  all  ages. 

27-  There  is  little  Benjamin  with  their  ruler,  the  princes  of  Jii- 
tlah  and  their  council,  the  princes  of  Zchulun,  and  the  princes  of 
NapJtfcdi. 

The  literal  rendering  of  this  verse  is — ''  There  is  little  Benja- 
min their  ruler,  the  princes  of  Judah  and  their  council,  the  princes 
of  Zebuhm,  and  the  princes  of  Naphtali."  In  this  enumeration  of 
•the  tribes  of  Israel,  that  were  present  at  the  removal  of  the  ark, 
four  only  are  mentioned  5  Benjamin  and  Judah,  who  dwelt  nearest 
to  the  city  of  David;  Zebulun  and  Naphtali,  who  were  the  farthest 
distant  from  it ;  to  show,  as  Dr.  Chandler  observes,  the  unanimity 
of  the  whole  nation,  and  of  all  the  tribes  far  and  near,  in  attending 
this  solemnity,  to  testify  their  willing  acknowledgment  of  David  for 
their  king,  and  the  city  of  David  for  their  capital,  where  all  the 
great  solemnities  of  religion  should  be  performed,  and  their  annual 
festivals  continually  celebrated.  Benjamin,  though  the  youngest 
tribe,  is  named  first,  and  called  the  "  ruler ;"  because  from  that 
tribe  sprang  Saul,  the  first  king  of  Israel.  The  attendance  of  this 
tribe  showed,  that  all  envy  and  opposition  to  David  from  Saul's 
party  was  at  an  end.  Upon  David's  accession  to  the  crown,  Judah 
became  the  royal  tribe,  and  supported  the  throne  by  its  counsels. 
Zebulun  and  Naphtali  were  tribes  of  eminent  learning  and  know- 
ledge. See  Gen.  xlix.  21.  Judges  v.  14.  Thus,  after  the  publi- 
cation of  the  Gospel,  the  nations  flocked  into  the  church,  both  those 
that  were  near,  and  those  that  were  afar  off;  power,  wisdom,  and 
learning,  submitted  themselves  to  the  kingdom,  and  conspired  to 
set  forth  the  glory  of  Messiah. 

28.  Thy  God  hath  commanded  thy  strength:  strengthen,  0 
God,  that  lohich  thou  hast  wrought  for  us. 

The  former  part  of  this  verse  contains  a  comfortable  assurance 


Day  XIII. -^I.  p.         OxN  THE  PSALMS.  285 

given  to  the  clmicli,  that  God  had  made  provision,  and  issued  out 
orders,  for  her  establishment  and  security.  In  the  hitter  chiuse  is 
a  prayer,  that  he  would  accomplish  all  his  counsels  concerning  her, 
and,  as  he  had  begun  a  good  work,  so  that  he  would  vouchsafe  to 
perfect  it,  unto  the  day  of  the  Lord. 

29.  Because  of  thy  temple  at  Jerusnlem  shall  kings  bring  pre- 
sents unto  thee. 

David  furetels,  that  on  the  establishment  of  the  then  church  and 
worship  m  Jerusalem,  the  kings  of  the  Gentiles  should  come,  and 
make  their  oblations  at  the  *teniple  of  God;  which  happened  in  his 
days,  and  those  of  his  son  Solomon,  as  an  earnest  and  figure  of  that 
plenary  accession  of  the  kings  of  the  earth  to  the  church  of  Christ, 
which  was  to  take  place  in  the  latter  days,  under  the  Gospel.  See 
2  Sam.  viii.  9 — 11.  1  Kings  v.  1.  x.  1.  24.  2  Chron.  ix.  23.  Isa. 
Ix.  3.  G.  IMatt.  ii.  11.  Rev.  xxi.  24. 

30.  Rebuke  the  company  of  spearmen,  the  multitude  of  the  bulls, 
tcith  the  calves  of  the  people,  till  every  one  submit  himself  with 
pieces  of  silver:  scatter  thou  the  people  that  clcUglit  in  war. 

Wc  have  here  a  prophetical  prayer  against  .the  enemies  of  the 
Israelitish  church.  The  whole  verse,  when  literally  translated, 
runs  thus — "•  Rebuke  the  wild  beasts  of  the  reeds,  the  congregation  . 
.of  the  mighty  among  the  calves  of  the  nations,  skipping,  or  exult- 
ing, with  pieces  of  silver ;  scatter  the  people  that  delight  in  war." 
By  the  '•  wild  beast  of  the  reeds,"  is  to  be  understood  the  Egyp- . 
tian  power,  described  by  its  emblem,  the  crocodile,  or  river-horse, 
creatures  living  among  the  "  reeds"  of  the  Nile.  The  "  calves  ol 
the  nations"  intend  the  objects  of  worship  among  the  Egyptians, 
their  Apis,  Osiris,  &c.  around  which  the  "  congregation  of  the 
mighty"  assembled.  And  by  their  skipping  with,  "  or  exulting  in, 
pieces  of  silver,"  may  either  be  meant  their  dancing  at  their  idola- 
trous testivals  with  the  tinkling  instruments  called  "  Sistra," 
which  might  be  made  of  ''  silver;"  or  else  it  may  imjjly  their 
''  glorying  in  pieces  of  silver,"  or  in  their  '•'  riches."  The  last 
member  of  the  verse  is  plain,  "  Scatter  the  people  that  delight  in 
wai-."  The  whole  is  evidently  a  prayer  of  the  prophet  to  this 
effect,  that  it  would  please  God  to  bring  down  and  overthrow  the 
strength,  the  pride,  and  the  idolatry  of  Egypt,  that  ancient  adver- 
sary and  oppressor  of  Israel.t — The  Christian  church,  in  like  man- 

*  The  tabernacle  is  caUcd  ^2T\,  1  Sam.  iii.  3  This  iiiisht  otlierwiso 
>ocm  inconsi.stent  with  tlic  supposed  occasion  of  the  psalm,  and  the  times  oi 
Oavid,  when  there  was  yet  no  temple  there.     Bishop  Louth. 

t  Increpa  reajem  jt^ypti  populo  tiio  invidentem,  increpartiam  optimates 
qui  inter  populQS  houure  et  virihus  eminent,  argenteis  clavis,  vel  aliis  iii- 
i-ij^nibus  ornati.     Bossuel.     Snc  Bishop  Louth,  VvxK'Ct.  \\.  a.d  fin.  edit.  Svo. 


286  A  COMMEiNTARY  Psal.  LXYHI. 

ner,  through  faith  in  the  power  of  lier  Lord,  risen  from  the  dead, 
and  ascended  into  heaven,  praycth  for  the  confusion  of  her  impla- 
cable enemies,  who  delight  in  opposing  the  kingdom  of  Messiah. 

31.  Princes,  or,  ambassadors,  shall  come  out  nf  Egypt ;  Ethi- 
opia shall  soon  stretch  out  her  hands  unto  God. 

The  hostile  powers  being  overthrown,  and  the  church  of  Israel 
fully  established,  the  nations  around  her,  even  those  wliich  had 
been  most  given  to  idolatry,  sued  for  her  friendship,  and  came  to 
Jerusalem  with  their  gifts  and  oblations;  as,  in  like  manner,  after 
the  defeat  of  Maxentius  and  ]Maximin,  the  Roman  empire,  with  all 
its  tributary  provinces,  was  added  to  the  church  of  Christ. 

32.  Sing  unto  God,  ye  kingdoms  of  the  earth;  0  sing  praises 
nnto  the  Lord. 

"  Rapt  into  future  times,' '  the  prophet  exhorteth,  not  Judea  only, 
but  all  "  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth,"  to  unite  in  chanting  forth  the 
praises  of  their  God  and  Saviour.  In  the  fulness  of  time,  this  ex- 
hortation was  heard  and  obeyed.  For  Eusebius  thus  describes  the 
state  of  the  church  in  the  days  of  Constantine.  "  There  was  one 
and  the  same  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  passed  through  all 
the  members;  one  soul  in  all ;  the  same  alacrit}'  of  foith  ;  one  com- 
mon consent  in  chanting  forth  the  praises  of  God."  Euseb.  Eccles. 
Hist.  B.  X.  Chap.  2.  And  it  deserves  notice,  that  the  primitive 
Christians,  when  delivered  from  the  rage  of  persecuting  tyrants, 
they  freely  celebrated  their  holy  festivals,  could  find  no  words  so 
well  calculated  to  express  the  joy  and  gladness  of  their  hearts, 
as  the  songs  of  Moses,  and  David,  and  the  prophets,  which  seemed 
to  have  been  divinely  penned  on  purpose  for  their  use,  upon 
that  glorious  occasion.  The  reader  may  see  several  very  curi- 
ous and  beautiful  instances  of  this,  in  the  opening  of  the  tenth  book 
of  Eusebius's  History,  and  in  the  panegyric  there  recorded  to  have 
been  spoken  by  him,  in  a  full  ecclesiastical  assembly,  to  Pauhnus, 
bishop  of  Tyre,  upon  the  consecration  of  that  church. 

33.  To  him  that  ridcth  upon  the  heavens  of  heavens,  which  were 
of  old ;  lo,  he  doth  send  out  his  voice,  and  that  a  mighty  voice. 

The  praises  of  the  church  are  sung  to  him  who,  after  his  sufler- 
ings  here  below,  reascended  to  take  possession  of  his  ancient  throne. 

The  sense  of  the  verse  cannot  be  better  expressed  than  it  is  by  Mr.  MerricK. 
in  his  versjoi) : 

The  bpast,  that  from  his  rooily  bed, 
On  Nile's  proud  li;n;k<,  iiplilfs  tho  IieatI, 
JU'buke,  imii:  1  ■  ii  .  n  ..   >nr  ihroug 
Forget,  from  V  I    i      i  ir.l  tongue 

The  hrifiTaii.i  r  ^      1       :       i.'cr, 
Thooflor'tl  vi>u  (ill  .  i;     )  ,M^  liiar; 
Whilf  to  the  silver's  tiiiklii);,'  sound. 
Their  feet  in  solemn  dance  reUonii  J. 


Day  XIII.  E.  P.  OX  THE  PSALIMS.  28? 

high  above  all  heavens ;  who  from  thence  spcaketh  to  the  world 
by  his  glorious  Gospel,  mighty  and  powerful,  as  thunder,  in  its  cf- 
fects  upon  the  hearts  of  men.  See  Psalm  xxix.  throughout.  The 
power  of  Christ's  voice,  when  he  was  on  earth,  appeared  by  the 
c'fll'cts  which  followed,  when  he  said,  "  Young  man,  arise;"  "Laza- 
rus, come  forth ;"  "  Peace,  be  still :''  and  it  will  yet  farther  appear, 
when  "  all  that  are  in  the  graves  shall  hear  the  voice  of  the  Son 
of  man,  and  come  forth." 

34.  Ascribe  yc  strength  unto  God:  his  excellency  is  over  Is- 
rael, and  his  strength  is  in  the  clouds,  Ileb.  the  skies. 

God  requires  his  people  to  ascribe  unto  him  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory ;  to  acknowledge  him  as  the  author  of 
life,  health,  and  salvation,  of  all  they  are,  and  all  they  have,  in 
nature  and  in  grace  ;  to  glorify  him  as  the  Creator  and  Governor 
of  the  world,  the  Redeemer  and  Sanctifier  of  his  church. 

35.  O  God,  thou  art  terrible  out  of  thy  holy  places  :  the  God  of 
Israel  is  he  that  giveth  strength  and  power  unto  his  people. 
Blessed  be  God. 

The  Psalmist,  here  exemplifying  the  precept  laid  down  in  the 
foregoing  verse,  ascribes  to  God  the  glory  of  his  appearance  in  the 
sanctuar}',  as  the  God  and  King  of  Israel,  terrifying  and  dismaying 
his  enemies,  comforting  and  invigorating  his  people.  Such  is  the 
presence  of  a  glorified  Saviour,  by  his  Spirit,  in  the  Christian 
church.  For  this,  and  all  other  his  mercies,  she  is  bound  continu- 
ally to  say,  and,  by  her  holy  services  continually  doth  she  say, 

BLESSED  BE  GoD. 


THIRTEENTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  LXIX. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  application  of  many  passages  in  this  Psalm  to  our  Lord,  made  by  him- 
self and  his  apostles,  as  well  as  the  appointment  of  the  whole,  by  the 
church,  to  be  used  on  Good  Friday,  direct  us  to  consider  it  as  uttered  by 
the  Son  of  God  in  the  dayof  his  passion.  1 — o.  He  describcth  his  suffer- 
ings, undergone  for  the  sins  of  men ;  6,  7.  prayeth  that  his  disciples  may 
not  be  ofl'ended  at  the  pain  and  shame  of  the  cross;*  8 — 12.  relatcth  the 
usage  he  met  with  at  the  hand  of  the  Jews ;  13 — 19.  maketh  his  prayer 
to  the  Father;  20,  21.  complaineth  of  his  desolate  estate,  of  the  reproach 
cast  upon  him,  and  the  gall  and  vinegar  administered  to  him;  22 — 28. 

*  In  confesso  est  apud  Christianos,  in  Psalmo  Ixix.  nobis  oh  oculos  poni 
Christum,  eunique  paKsuni.  Nos  addimus,  cumquc  crucifixnm;  quia  evan- 
»clisla;  Matthaeus,  Marcus,  ot  .Tohauucs,  vigesimum   secundum   crrtrp  cii 


28S  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXIX. 

foietelleth  tlie  judgments  of  lieavcn,  about  to  fall  upon  the  Jewish  nation; 
29.  returneth  to  the  consideration  of  his  own  sorrows,  and  praycth  for 
deliverance;  30,  31.  praiseth  the  Father  for  the  accomplishment  of  that 
deliverance;  32,  33.  exhortetli  all  men  to  come  and  partake  of  it,  and  34. 
the  whole  creation  to  join  in  a  chorus  of  thanksgiving  for  it ;  35,  36.  i>re- 
dicteth  the  salvation,  edification,  and  perpetuity  of  the  church. 

1.  Save  me,  O  God,  for  the  loaters  are  come  in  unto  my  soul. 
2.  I  S}nk  in  deep  mire,  loliere  there  is  no  standing :  I  am  come  in- 
to deep  waters,  lohere  the  floods  overjtoiv  me. 

The  Gospels  inform  iis  concerning  the  constancy  and  patience  of 
Christ  under  his  sufferings  :  the  sufferings  themselves  (those  in  par- 
ticular of  his  soul)  are  largely  described  in  the  Psalms ;  niany  of 
which,  and  this  among  the  rest,  seem  to  have  been  indited  before- 
hand by  tlie  Spirit,  for  his  use  in  the  day  of  trouble.  As  the  head 
of  the  church,  he  here  bescecheth  the  Father  to  "  save,"  through 
him,  his  mystical  body.  He  compares  the  sad  situation  into  which 
he  was  brought,  to  that  of  a  drowning  man.  The  Divine  displea- 
sure, like  a  stormy  tempest,  was  let  loose  upon  him ;  the  sins  of  the 
world,  as  deep  mire,  enclosed  and  detained  him,  whilst  all  the  wa- 
ters of  affliction  went  over  his  head,  and  penetrated  to  his  vitals. 

3.  I  am  iceary  of  my  crying :  my  throat  is  dried:  mine  eyes 
fail  ichile  I  wait  for  my  God. 

This  verse  describes  the  eflects  of  those  supplications,  which  the 
Son  of  God  offered  up,  "  with  strong  crying  and  tears,  in  the  days 
of  his  flesh ;"  Heb.  v.  7- ;  of  that  thirst,  which  through  loss  of  blood 
on  the  cross,  "  dried  his  throat;"  and  of  that  long  and  patient  en- 
durance, when  his  "  eyes  failed,"  and  were  closed  in  darkness, 
while  his  faith  "  waited"  for  the  deliverance  promised  by  the  Fa- 
ther. The  hour  is  coming,  when  our  eyes  must  fail,  and  be  closed; 
but  even  then,  "  let  us  wait  for  our  God  :"  in  this  respect  "  let  us 
die  the  death  of  that  righteous"  person,  who  died  for  us ;  "  and 
let  our  last  end  be  like  his." 

4.  They  that  hate  me  without  a  cause  are  more  than  the  hairs  of 
my  head:  they  that  tvotdd  destroy  me,  being  7ni7ie  enemies  tcrong- 
fidhj,  are  mighty  :  then  I  restored  that  which  I  took  not  away. 

The  Jews,  the  Ro)nans,  and  the  spirits  of  darkness,  made  up  thai 
multitude  of  enemies,  which,  like  an  herd  of  evening  wolves,  sur- 
rounded the  Lamb  of  God,  thirsting  after  his  blood,  nor  resting, 

cnm-stantim  crncillxionisCliri.sti  applicarunt — Notatum  igitnr  volnmus.  Chris- 
tum in  tola  hac  sua  ad  pancm  sup])licationo,  (est  pnini  ejusdom  argument! 
cum  Ps.  xxii.)  describerc  mortis  et  calamitatis  sua)  genus,  ut  maximc  pu- 
dendum, el  ignominiosum.  Item,  ad  ver.  8.  21),  21. — Christus  nullas  hie  nc- 
gligit  voces,  qua;  probrum  aut  ignominiam  status,  in  quo  tunc  orat,  dcsiguare 
vaient.     Vitringa,  Obscrr.  Sacr.  Lib.  II.  Cap.  x. 


Day  XIII.  E.  P.  OiN  THE  PSALMS.  289 

till  they  liad  drawn  forth  the  very  last  drop  of  it  from  his  heart. 
And  thus,  the  only  innocent  person  in  the  world  suffered  for  all  its 
guilt,  making  satisfaction  for  wrongs  which  he  never  did,  and  '•  re- 
storing that  which  he  took  not  away."* 

5.  O  God,  thou  hioivest  my  foolishness  ;  and  my  sins  are  not 
hid  from  thee. 

Tliesc  words,  in  the  mouth  of  David,  or  any  other  sinful  son  of 
Adam,  are  plain  enough.  They  may  nevertheless  be  spoken,  as 
the  rest  of  the  Psalm  is,  in  the  person  of  Christ,  concerning  the  ini- 
quities committed  by  us,  but  "laid  on  him;*'  which  he  therefore 
mentions  as  if  they  had  been  his  own;  the  head  complaining  of  dis- 
eases incident  only  to  the  members. t 

6.  Let  not  them  that  wait  on  thee,  O  Lord  God  of  hosts,  be 
ashamed  for  my  sake  :  let  not  those  that  seek  thee  he  confounded 
for  my  sake,  O  God  of  Israel.  7-  Because  for  thy  sake  I  have 
borne  reproach  ;  shame  hath  covered  my  face. 

The  Son  of  God  prefers  a  petition  to  the  Father,  that  his  disci- 
ples may  not  be  scandalized  on  account  of  his  passion,  or  be  tempted 
to  relinquish  their  trust  in  God,  at  beholding  his  only  and  beloved 
Son  forsaken  on  the  cross;  since  it  was  not  for  any  demerit  of  his 
own,  but  for  the  sake  of  God's  glory,  as  well  as  man's  salvation, 
that  he  "  bore  reproach,  and  shame  covered  his  face."  It  ought 
to  be  the  prayer  of  every  Christian,  especially  if  he  be  a  minister 
of  the  Gospel,  that  his  sufferings  in  the  world  may  not  give  just 
offence  to  the  brethren,  or  the  church  ;  which  they  never  will  do, 
if  he  suffer  in  a  good  cause,  with  a  good  conscience. 

8. 1  am  become  a  stranger  unto  my  brethren,  and  an  alien  unto 
my  mother^s  children.  9.  For  the  zeal  of  thine  house  hath  eaten 
me  up;  and  the  reproaches  of  them  that  reproached  thee  arc 
fallen  upon  me. 

The  Jews  were  Christ's  '•  brethren,"  according  to  the  flesh.  To 
them  he  was  a  "  stranger  and  an  alien."  "  He  came  to  his  own, 
end  his  own  received  him  not."  "  We  know,"  said  they,  «  that 
God  spake  unto  Moses ;  but  as  for  this  fellow,  we  know  not  from 
whence  he  is."  And  again,  "  Thou  art  a  Samaritan,  and  hast  a 
devil,"  John  i.  1 1 .  ix.  29.  viii.  4.  8.    The  ground  of  all  this  enmity 

*  "  Qiire  non  rapui" — Ex  persona  Chiisti :  ita meciiin  agif ur,  ac  si  rapta  ab 
altcro,  ah  altero,  eoqiie  iniioxio,  repetas  :  ncque  ciiiin  iinpiorem  exeniplo, 
Deo  lapiii  honorciii  (lel)itum ;  pro  eis  solve  quicunque  rapuerunt ;  sicut  scrip- 
turn  est:  "  Propter  scclus  populimei,  percussi  eum."     Isa.  liii.  8.    Bossuet. 

t  So  this  verse  is  interpreted  by  the  Fathers,  and  many  of  the  commenta- 
tors, cited   by  Poole,  in  his  Synopsis— Thus  also  Bossuet — "  Insipientiam 
mcam  ct  delicta  inea" — Quse  in  me  suscopi.     "  Quia  posuit  in  eo  Dominu? 
iniquitates  omnium  nostrum.'     Isa.  liii.  0. 
57 


jyo  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXIX. 

was  the  '•'  zeal  •'  of  Christ  for  the  reformation  and  purification  of 
the  church,  which  he  manifested  in  his  reproofs  and  exhortations, 
as  also  by  the  emblematical  act  of  driving  the  buyers  and  sellers 
out  of  the  temple.  Upon  this  latter  occasion  the  evangelist  tells  us, 
'•'  His  disciples  remembered  that  it  was  written,"  that  is,  it  was 
predicted  of  Messiah  in  this  Psalm,  "  The  zeal  of  tliinc  house  hath 
eaten  me  up,"  John  ii.  17-  Therefore,  as  he  adds  immediately, 
•■'  The  reproaches  of  them  that  reproached  thee  fell  on  me."  In 
calumniating  and  blaspheming  the  works  of  the  Son  of  God,  the 
Jews  reproached  both  the  Father  who  gave  him  those  works  to  do, 
and  the  Spirit  by  which  he  did  them ;  all  which  reproaches  fell  on 
the  man  Christ,  as  the  visible  instrument  employed  in  the  doing  of 
them.  This  last  passage  is  thus  quoted  and  applied  by.  St.  Paul — 
•'•'  Even  Christ  pleased  not  himself;  but  as  it  is  written.  The  re- 
proaches of  them  that  reproached  thee  fell  on  me,"  Rom.  xv.  3. 
The  usage  our  Lord  met  with  from  his  brethren,  because  of  his 
zeal  for  the  house  of  God,  should  comfort  those  who  meet  with  the 
same  usage  on  the  same  account. 

10.  WhenI  loept,  and  chastened  my  soul  withfastingj  that  loas 
to  my  reproach.  11. 1  made  sackcloth  also  my  garment;  and  1 
became  a  proverb  to  them.  12.  They  that  sit  in  the  gate  speal 
against  me  ;  and  I  was  the  S07ig  of  the  drunlcards. 

To  expiate  the  sins  of  his  creatures,  the  King  of  glory  became 
a  man  of  sorrows ;  he  put  on  mortal  flesh,  as  a  penitential  garment  y 
he  fasted,  and  prayed,  and  mourned,  and  wept,  and  humbled  him- 
self to  the  dust,  as  if  he  had  been  the  offender,  and  we  the  righteous 
persons,  that  needed  no  repentance;  and  what  return  was  made 
him  ?  "  It  was  to  his  reproach,  and  he  became  a  proverb  to  them" 
for  whom  he  suffered.  "  They  sat  in  the  gate,"  or  on  the  "judg- 
ment-seat," which  used  to  be  in  the  gates  of  cities,  even  the  senators 
and  judges  of  the  land,  the  chief  priests  and  elders,  "  spake  against 
him,"  with  cool  and  deliberate  malice ;  while  he  was  "  the  song  of 
the  drunken"  and  prolligate,  who  more  grossly  insulted  and  derided 
him.  The  true  followers  of  the  holy  Jesus  will  often  experience 
the  like  treatment  from  an  evil  and  adulterous  generation. 

13.  But  as  for  me,  my  prayer  is  unto  thee,  O  Lord-,  in  an  ac- 
ceptable time :  O  God,  in  the  multitude  of  thy  mercies  hear  mc, 
in  the  truth  of  thy  salvation. 

The  Son  of  God  himself,  in  the  midst  of  sorrows  and  sufierings, 
has  recourse  to  prayer,  jileading  for  his  church  the  "  mercies"  of 
the  Father,  set  forth  in  the  promises,  and  his  "  truth,"  engaged  to 
make  those  promises  good,  in  the  "  salvation"  of  his  chosen, 
through  their  head  and  representative.     The  "  acceptable  time," 


Day  XIII.  E.  P.  OxN  THE  PSALiMS.  399 

in  which  (Mirist  prayed,  was  the  time  when  he  offered  the  threat 
propitiatory  sacrifice.  Through  the  merit  of  that  sacrifice  it  is. 
that  we  have  an  "  acceptable  time,  and  a  day  of  salvation"  allowed 
us.  Behold,  now  is  that  time,  behold  now  is  that  day !  Let  u« 
not  delay  one  moment,  to  use  and  improve  it  aright. 

]  4.  Deliver  me  out  of  the  mire,  and  let  vie  not  si7ik :  let  me  ht 
ihiivercd  from  them  that  hate  me,  and  out  of  the  deep  watera. 
15.  Let  not  the  loater-fiood  overflow  me,  neither  let  the  deep  swal- 
loiD  me  up,  and  let  not  the  pit  shut  her  mouth  upon  me. 

JINIessiah  petitions  for  deliverance  from  calamities,  under  the 
same  images  which  were  employed  at  the  beginning  of  the  Psalm, 
to  describe  those  calamities.  The  purport  of  the  petition  is,  that 
the  sins  of  the  world,  and  the  sufferings  due  to  them,  may  not  finally 
overwhelm  him,  nor  the  grave  "  shut  her  mouth  upon  him"  for 
ever ;  but  that  the  morning  of  his  resurrection  may  at  length  suc- 
ceed the  night  of  his  passion.  Such  is  also  the  hope  and  the 
prayer  of  the  church,  and  of  the  Christian,  here  below. 

16.  Hear  me,  0  Lord;  for  thy  loving-kindness  is  good:  turn 
unto  me,  according  to  the  midtitude  of  thy  tender  mercies.  If. 
And  hide  not  thy  face  from  thy  servant ;  for  I  am  in  trouble: 
hear  me  speedily.  18.  Draw  nigh  iinto  7ny  soul,  and  redeetn  it : 
deliver  me,  because  of  mine  enemies.  19.  Thou  hast  knotvn  my  re- 
proach, and  my  shame,  and  my  dishonour :  mine  adversaries  are 
all  before  thee. 

As  afflictions  increase,  the  prayers  are  redoubled.  Christ 
pleads  with  the  Father  for  redemption  from  death,  on  account  of  his 
divine  "  loving-kindness  and  mercy:"  of  his  own  great  "  trouble  !" 
of  his  "  enemies,"  that  they  might  be  converted  or  confounded : 
of  the  '•  reproach,  shame,  and  dishonour,"  undergone  by  him,  that 
they  might  be  wiped  off,  and  done  away :  of  the  wrong  he  suffered 
from  his  adversaries,  whose  iniquitous  proceedings  were  "  all 
before  God,"  and  known  to  him.  Deliverance  from  tribulation 
and  persecution  is  prayed  for  by  the  church,  and  by  her  faithful 
children,  upon  the  same  grounds. 

20.  Reproach  hath  broken  my  heart ;  and  I  am  full  of  heavi- 
ness: and  I  looked  for  some  to  lake  pity,  but  there  was  none;  and 
for  comforters,  but  I  found  none.  21.  They  gave  me  also  gall 
for  my  meat ;  and  in  my  thirst  they  gave  me  vinegar  to  drink. 

The  argument  urged  by  Christ,  in  these  most  affecting  words, 
is,  that  in  the  extremity  of  his  passion,  he  was  left  alone,  without 
a  comforter,  a  friend,  or  an  attendant;  while  all  that  were  around 
about  him  studied  to  infuse  cverv  hitter  and  a^'rimonious  iiierodi- 


292  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXIX. 

ent  into  his  cup  of  sorrows.  This  was  literally,  as  well  as  meta- 
phorically true,  when  "  they  gave  him  to  drink  vinegar  mingled  with 
gall."  See  Matt,  xxvii.  34.  John  xix.  28.  Such  are  the  comforts 
often  administered  by  the  world  to  an  afflicted  and  deserted  soul. 

22.  Tlieir  table*  shall  become  a  snare  before  them;  and  that 
which  should  have  been  for  their  welfare,  Heb.  their  peace- 
offerings,  shall  become  a  trap. 

At  this  verse  beginneth  a  prediction  of  those  dreadful  judgments, 
which  Heaven  has  since  inflicted  upon  the  crucifiers  of  the  Lord  of 
glory.  By  their  "  table  becoming  a  snare,  and  their  peace- 
offerings  a  trap,''  is  pointed  out  the  consequences  of  the  Jews  ad- 
hering to  the  legal  services,  in  opposition  to  him  who  is  "  the  end 
of  the  law  for  righteousness."  After  his  sufierings  and  exaltation, 
to  continue  under  the  law  became  not  only  unprofitable  but  de- 
structive, inasmuch  as  it  implied  a  denial  of  Messiah's  advent,  and 
a  renunciation  of  every  evangelical  benefit  and  blessing.  The  re- 
ligion of  God's  own  appointment  was  an  abomination  to  him,  when 
reduced  to  the  form  of  godliness,  deserted  by  its  power.  Christians, 
who  pride  themselves  in  the  one,  while  they  deny  and  deride  the 
other,  would  do  well  to  consider  this. 

23.  Thou  ivilt  darken  their  eyes  that  theij  shall  not  sec;  and 
make  their  loi)is  continually  to  shake. 

They  who  loved  darkness  rather  than  light,  by  the  righteous 
judgment  of  God,  were  permitted  to  walk  on  in  darkness,  while 
the  blind  led  the  blind.  And  such  still  continues  to  be  the  state 
of  the  Jews,  notwithstanding  that  intolerable  weight  of  wo  M'hich 
made  "  their  loins  to  shake,"  and  bowed  down  their  backs  to  the 
earth.  "  The  veil  remaineth  yet  upon  their  hearts  in  the  reading 
the  Old  Testament,"  nor  can  they  see  therein  "  the  things  which 
belong  unto  their  peace."  These  two  last  verses  are  cited  as  spoken 
of  Israel,  by  St.  Paul,  Rom.  xi.  9,  10.  Afilict  us,  blessed  Lord,  if 
thou  scest  it  good  for  us  to  bo  afilicted ;  only  take  not  from  us  in 
our  affliction  the  "  light"  of  thy  truth,  and  the  ''  strength"  of  thy 
grace. 

*  I  have  taken  thn  liberty  to  give  a  future  rendering  to  the  verbs  in  this 
and  tlie  following  verses.  That  they  are  to  be  so  understood,  saith  Dr.  Ham- 
mond, i.  e.  in  the  futur  tense,  by  way  of  prediction,  and  not  as  an  impreca- 
tion, see  St.  Aug.  de  Civ.  1.  17.  c  19.  Ha;c  non  optandu  sunt  dicta,  scd 
nptandi  specie,  prophctando — "Tliese  things  are  nqt  said  by  the  way  of 
wishing,  but  under  the  show  or  scheme  of  wisliingby  prophecy."  And  in- 
deed the  Hebrew  TT'  is  in  the  future,  and  is  most  fitly  rendered,  "  sliall  be." 
And  so  doth  the  .Jewish  Arab  interpreter  observe,  that  such  seeming  impre- 
cations, as  here  and  elsewhere  occur  in  this  book  of  Psalms,  are  not  so  much 
by  way  of  imprecation,  as  by  way  of  prophecy,  or  prediction  of  what  in 
«»od's  best  judgment  would  certainly  befall  man.     Hammond  in  he. 


Day  XIII.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  2SS 

24.  Thou  toill  pour  out  thine  indignation  upon  them,  and  thij 
wrathful  anger  will  take  hold  of  them. 

Never  was  "  indignation  so  poured  out,"  never  did  "  wrath  so 
rake  hold"  on  any  nation,  as  on  that  which  once  was  beyond  every 
other,  beloved  and  favoured.  '•  The  wrath,"  says  St  Paul,  1 
Thess.  ii.  l6.  "  is  come  upon  them  to  the  uttermost,  ei?  tj Ao«,  to  the 
end,"  to  the  very  last  dregs  of  the  cup  of  fury.  Lot  every  church 
which  boasteth  of  favours  l)cstowed.  and  privileges  conferred  upon 
her,  remember  the  consequences  of  their  being  abused  by  Jerusa- 
lem j  and  let  every  indivichial  do  the  same. 

25.  J'heir  habitation  .shall  be  desolate,  and  none  shall  djccll  in 
their  tents. 

Our  Lord  seems  to  have  had  this  passage  in  his  view,  wlien  he 
said  to  the  Jews,  "  Behold,  your  house  is  left  unto  you  desolate," 
Matt,  xxiii.  38.  Jerusalem  was  by  the  Roman  armies  destroyed 
from  the  foundations.  It  hath  been  since  indeed  rebuilt,  and  in- 
habited by  Gentiles,  by  Christians,  and  by  Saracens,  but  no  more 
by  tlie  Jewish  people.  It  is  remarkable,  that  this  verse  is  applied 
Acts  i.  20.  to  Judas,  considered  as  the  head  and  rejiresentative  of 
that  apostate  nation  which  rejected  and  delivered  up  its  Prince  and 
Saviour  to  be  crucified.  "  He  was  guide  to  them  that  took  Jesus," 
Acts  i.  l6.  The  punishment  therefore,  as  well  as  the  sin  of  Israel, 
is  portrayed  in  his  person,  and  the  same  prophecy  is  applicable  to 
him  and  to  his  countrymen.* 

26.  For  they  persecute  him  zohom  thou  hast  smitten,  and  they 
talk  to  the  grief  of  those  ivhom  thou  hast  ivounded.f 

The  cause  of  the  foregoing  calamities,  inflicted  on  the  Jews,  is 
here  assigned,  namely,  that  instead  of  mourning  and  sympathizing 
with  Messiah,  in  the  day  when  Jehovah  laid  on  him  the  iniquities 
of  us  all,  and  afflicted  him  for  our  sakes,  the}',  by  reproaches  and 
blasphemies,  aggravated  his  suflerings  to  the  uttermost ;  and  af- 
terwards continued  to  use  his  disciples  in  the  same  manner.  It 
were  to  be  wished  that  the  sorrows  of  the  penitent,  when  wounded 
with  a  sense  of  sin,  never  subjected  him  to  the  scorn  and  contempt 
of  those  who  would  be  thought  Christians. 

27.  Thou  wilt  add  iniquity  to  their  iniquity  ;  and  they  shall 
not  come  into  thy  righteous7iess. 

*  "Fiat  habitatio  eorum  dcserta' — Dc  Jiula  proditorc  cyponitur,  Act  1. 
•20.  Congruit  etiam  Judsis,  evcrsa  Hicrosolynia,  quod  Chiistus  predixciat : 
'•  £cce  relinquetur  vobis  domiis  vestra  dcscrta,  Luc.  xiii.  'Ao.     Bosuet. 

t  Datur  his  in  verbis  ratio  lonj^c  ina.\ima  et  gravis.sinia,  propter  quam 
Jiid.Ti  terra  sua  essent  ejuriendi,  ac  nomine  et  prcrogativis  Fopuli  Dei  pri- 
vandi,  quia  nimirum  "euin  persequntur,  qucm  a  Deo  percussum  '  vident, 
hoc  est,  ()uem  vident  ira  Divina  niaximopere  pressum,  et  ad  suinmam  oi/ii- 
f/wuv  rcdu'tura.     Vitrin^n,  Obserrat.  SVrc/-.  Lib.  ii.  Cap.  ix. 


'2\)4  A  COMMENTARY  Fsal.  LXIX. 

As  they  added  affliction  to  the  afllictions  of  Christ,  so  God  per- 
mitted* them  to  go  on,  blinded  and  deserted,  in  their  wickedness-, 
"  adding  sin  to  sin,"  fiUing  up  the  measure  of  their  fathers,  still 
obstinately  refusing  to  come  into  the  church,  and  partake  of  the 
"  righteousness"  which  is  by  faith.  From  all  thy  judgments,  good 
Lord,  deliver  us;  but,  above  all,  from  that  which  publishes  one 
sin  with  another,  and  seals  up  the  reprobate  to  destruction. 

28.  Thei/  shall  be  blotted  out  of  the  book  of  the  living,  and 
not  be  tvritten  among  the  righteous. 

By  "  the  book  of  the  living,"  in  which  the  names  of  the  righ- 
teous are  written,  is  to  be  understood  the  register  of  the  true  ser- 
vants and  worshippers  of  God,  of  those  who  are  "justified,"  or 
made  "  righteous,"  through  faith.  In  this  register,  the  names  of 
Abraham,  Isaac,  and  .Jacob,  the  ancient  fathers  of  the  Israelitish 
race,  with  their  true  children,  stand  recorded ;  but  the  degenerate 
and  apostate  Jews  have  been  long  since  "  blotted  out ;"  they  are 
no  longer  the  peculium  of  heaven,  nor  have  they  any  part  or  por- 
tion in  the  inheritance  of  the  sons  of  God.  Thus  Ezekiel,  "  They 
shall  not  be  in  the  assembly  of  my  people,  nor  shall  they  be  writ- 
ten in  the  writing  of  the  house  of  Israel,"  xiii.  Q.  And  our  Lord, 
in  his  conversations  with  the  Jews,  took  every  opportunity  to  tell 
them,  that  they,  for  their  unbelief,  should  be  "  cast  out,"  and  that 
the  Gentiles,  obeying  the  call  of  the  Gospel,  should  come  from  all 
quarters  of  the  world,  and  "sit  down  with  Abraham,  and  Isaac, 
and  Jacob,  in  the  kingdom  of  God." 

29-  But  I  am  poor  and  sorrouful :  let  thy  saving  health,  0 
God,  or,  thi/  salvation  shall,  or,  can,  set  me  up  on  high. 

Messiah  returns  to  the  subject  of  his  own  sufferings,  which  were 
not  a  little  enhanced  by  the  consideration  that  so  many  of  his  peo- 
ple would  not  be  the  better  for  them.  "  I  am  poor  and  sorrow- 
ful;" "poor,"  for  he  was  divested  of  his  very  garments;  "sor- 
rowful," for  he  was  covered  over  with  stripes  and  wounds.  But 
he  knew  the  hour  was  coming,  when  the  salvation  of  God  would 
raise  him  from  the  dead,  and  "set  him  up  on  high."  Thus  should 
a  disciple  of  Jesus  depart  out  of  the  world,  joyfully  relinquishing 
its  goods,  j)atiently  bearing  its  evils,  and  confidently  expecting  a 
resurrection  to  glory. 

30.  I  will  praise  the  name  of  God  loith  a  song,  arid  viagnify 
him  with  thanksgiving. 

Here,  as  in  the  xxiid,  and  many  other  Psalms,  the  scene  changes 
from  sorrow  to  joy ;  from  a  state  of  suffering  to  one  of  triumph  ; 

*  Descrcndo,  et  pcrmittondo,  uon  opcraudoj  ut  Thcologi  noiiiiU.  Bossiic*. 


Day  XIII.  E.  P.         ON  THE  PS  ALMS.  295 

from  tlie  passion  to  the  ressurrection.  Jesus,  risen  from  tlic  dead, 
declares  his  resolution  of  praising  and  magnifying  the  J'ather,  for 
the  salvation  of  the  world,  happily  accomplished  by  his  labours 
and  suiTerings,  which  were  now  for  ever  at  an  end.  The  church 
does  the  satne  incessantly,  on  earth,  and  in  heaven. 

31.  This  also  shall  please  the  Lord  better  than  an  ox  or  hiii' 
lock  that  hath  horns  and  hoofo. 

A  bullock  was  in  its  prime  for  sacrifice  under  the  law,  when  it 
began  to  put  forth  its  "  horns  and  hoofs."  The  infinite  distance 
therefore,  in  point  of  value,  between  the  best  legal  sacrifices, 
and  those  of  obedience,  love,  and  praise,  as  offered  by  Christ,  and, 
through  him,  by  his  church  under  the  Gospel,  is  pointed  out  in  this 
verse.     See  Psalm  xl.  6,  &c.  1.  23. 

32.  The  humble  shall  see  this,  and  be  glad ;  and  your  heart 
shall  live  that  seek  God;  or,  be  seeking  God,  and  your  heart  shall 
live. 

It  is  foretold,  that  the  "  humble,"'  or  the  "  poor  in  spirit,"  i.  e. 
the  meek  and  lowly  followers  of  the  holy  Jesus,  should  find  ever- 
lasting joy  and  comfort  in  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation;  all  man- 
kind are  exhorted  to  "seek  after  God,"  as  manifested  in  the  Gos- 
pel of  his  Son ;  and  the  reward  promised  is  "  life"  spiritual  and 
eternal.* 

33.  For  the  Lord  heareth  the  poor,  and  dcspiseth  not  his  pri- 
soners. 

An  argument  for  our  "  seeking  after  God,"  is  the  experience  of 
patriarchs,  prophets,  and  saints,  who  in  all  ages  have  sought  and 
found  him  by  repentance  and  faith :  and  that  the  Lord  "  despisetli 
not  his  prisoners,"  is  evident  from  what  he  did  and  suftered,  to  de- 
liver their  souls  from  the  bondage  of  sin,  their  bodies  from  the  pri- 
son of  the  grave,  and  both  from  the  dungeon  of  hell.     Therefore, 

34.  Let  the  heaven  and  earth  praise  him,  the  seas,  and  every 
thing  that  moveth  therein. 

The  mercies  of  God  in  Christ  are  such,  that  they  cannot  wor- 
thily be  praised  by  any  thing  less  than  a  universal  chorus  of  the 
whole  old  and  new  creation  ;  and  what  should  such  a  chorus  cele- 
brate, but  those  mercies,  by  which  all  things  have  been  made,  pre 
served,  and  redeemed  ? 

35.  For  God  will  save  Zion,  and  will  build  the  cities  of  Judah  : 
that  they,  i.  e.  men,  may  dwell  there,  and  have  it  in  possession. 

The  salvation  and  edification  of  the  church  followed  the  passion 
and  resurrection  of  Christ.     "  God  will  save  Zion,"  that  is,  thf^ 

*  HaDC  et  scqueutia  ad  redcmptionriii  per  (.'liri«tiuii;  subfipnra  soluta- ««)i) 
tlvitatis,  videntur  pertiiierc.     Bossw! 


29G  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.LXXL 

church,  which  at  first  consisted  of  the  apostles,  who  were  Jews, 
and  others  of  that  nation,  by  them  converted  to  the  faith.  "And 
buih  the  cities  of  Judah,"  or  cause  churches  to  arise  in  all  the 
world,  which  shall  from  thencpforth  take  the  names  and  inherit  the 
privileges  of  "  Israel  and  Judah  j  that  men,"  even  such  as  God 
shall  call  from  among  the  nations,  "  may  dwell  there,"  as  cities  of 
the  new  Jerusalem,  "  and,"  instead  of  rejected  Jews,  "  have  it  in 
their  possession." 

S6.  The  seed  also  of  Jus  servants  shall  inherit  it ;  and  they  that 
love  his  name  shall  dwell  therein. 

The  continuation  of  the  church  in  the  posterity  of  the  faithful 
is  here  predicted.  Accordingly,  the  descendants  of  the  proselyted 
Gentiles  have  been  in  possession  of  the  Gospel  privileges  for  above 
1700  years.  And  thus  it  will  be,  while  they  abide  in  the  faith,  and 
"love  the  name"  of  Jesus.  Should  the  Gentiles  apostatize  as  the 
Jews  did,  and  the  Jews  be  converted  as  the  Gentiles  were,  then  the 
Gospel  would  go  from  the  Gentiles  to  the  Jews,  as  before  it  went 
from  the  Jews  to  the  Gentiles;  then  would  there  "come  out  of 
Sion  the  Deliverer,  to  turn  away  ungodliness  from  Jacob,"  Rom. 
xi.  26. 

PSALM  LXX. 

The  words  of  this  Psalm  occur,  without  any  material  variations, 
in  Psalm  xl.  verse  13,  to  the  end.  The  reader  is  therefore  re- 
ferred thither  for  the  exposition ;  as  before,  in  the  case  of  the  liiid 
and  xivth  Psalms. 


FOURTEENTH  DAY— MORiMNG  PRAYER. 
PSALM  LXXL 

ARGUMENT. 

The  Psalmist,  sorely  distressed  in  his  old  age  (sec  ver.  9.  and  18.),  by  fiic  re- 
bellion of  Absalom,  which  was  his  great  aflliction  at  that  period  of  life, 
ver.  1.  prayctli  for  the  Divine  assistance,  pleadine:,  -■  CJod's  righteonsness, 
3.  and  promise  ;  4.  the  iniquity  of  his  persecutors  ;  5,  6.  the  mercies 
vouchsafed  him  from  his  birth  ;  7.  8.  his  bcing^  deserted  and  given  up  by 
man  ;  9.  his  old  ag:e;  10,  11.  the  taunts  and  insults  of  his  adversaries;  12. 
he  repeateth  his  request ;  13.  propliesieth  the  downfal  of  his  enemies  ;  de- 
clareth,  14.  his  hope,  15.  his  gratitude,  1(>.  his  faitli ;  17,  18.  wislieth  to 
be  preserved,  that  he  miglit  show  forth  tlie  power  and  glory  of  God, 
whose  righteousness  and  marvellous  acts,  19.  he  cxtollcth,  and  thence. 


Day  XIV.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  297 

20,  21.  promiseth  himself  a  final  redemption  from  all  his  troubles,  and  a 
restoration  to  honour  and  comfort ;  when,  22 — 24.  he  shall  sing  and  speak 
the  praises  of  tlie  Lord. 

1 .  In  thee,  0  Loud,  do  I  put  my  trust ;  let  me  never  he  put  to 
confusion. 

The  promises  of  salvation  are  made  to  those,  who,  renouncing 
all  confidence  in  the  world  and  themselves,  trust  in  God  alone  for 
it.  For  this  reason  the  Psalmist  so  often  bejjins  his  prayer  with  a 
declaration  of  his  "  f.iith,"'  which  is  to  the  soul  in  allliction  what 
an  anchor  is  to  a  ship  in  distress. 

2.  Deliver  me  in  thy  righteousness,  and  cause  me  to  escape:  in- 
cline thine  ear  unto  me,  and  save  me. 

A  second  argument,  here  used,  is  the  "  righteousness"  of  God, 
who  cannot  but  be  faithful  and  just  to  his  own  gracious  word. 
By  that  word,  he  had  engaged  to  establish  the  temporal  throne  of 
David,  and  the  eternal  throne  of  the  Son  of  David.  And,  by  the 
same  word,  he  has  engaged  to  bring  those  who  believe  in  him, 
through  suflerings,  to  glory. 

3.  Be  thou  my  strong  habitation,  ivhcreunto  I  may  continually 
resort:  thou  hast  given  commandment  to  save  me;  for  thou  art 
^y  rock  and  my  fortress. 

The  protection  of  the  Almighty,  to  which  the  troubled  soul 
"  resorts"  by  faith  and  prayer,  is  compared  to  that  which  a  well- 
fortified  castle,  or  town,  affords  to  those  within  it,  in  time  of  war. 
And  the  plea,  upon  which  this  petition  is  enforced,  is  in  a  man- 
ner the  same  with  the  former,  namely,  the  declared  purpose  of  God 
to  be  the  Saviour  of  his  servants;  "  Thou  hast  given  command- 
ment to  save  me." 

4.  Deliver  me,  0  my  God,  out  of  the  hand  of  the  wicked,  out  oj 
the  hand  of  the  unrighteous  and  cruel  man. 

The  Divine  assistance  is  implored  by  the  Psalmist,  thirdly,  on 
the  foot  of  the  goodness  of  his  cause,  and  the  iniquity  of  his  ene- 
mies. Such  were  Absalom,  Ahitophel,  &c.  to  David ;  Judas  and 
the  Jews  to  Christ ;  and  such  are  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the 
devil,  to  the  Christian.  Against  them  he  is  to  pray  and  fight  con- 
tinually ;  ever  remembering,  that  wickedness  is  at  least  as  dan- 
gerous when  it  tempts,  as  when  it  persecutes ;  and  can  smile  as 
well  as  frown  a  man  dead. 

5.  For  thou  art  my  hope,  0  Lord  God:  thou  art  my  trust  from 
my  youth.  6.  By  thee  have  I  been  holden  up  from  the  zcomb : 
thou  art  he  that  took  me  out  of  my  mother^s  bowels :  my  praise 
shall  be  continually  of  thee. 

38 


298  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXI. 

Former  mercies  are  urged,  as  a  fifth  motive,  for  the  Divine 
goodness  to  continue  those  mercies.  The  watchful  care  of  heaven 
over  us,  at  an  age  when  we  are  able  to  take  no  care  of  ourselves, 
deserves  consideration.  The  love  of  Jesus,  shown  in  passing 
through  a  state  of  childhood  for  us,  deserves  a  still  more  deep  and 
devout  consideration. 

7.  I  am  as  a  iconder  unto  maiuj :  hut  thou  art  my  strong 
refuge. 

David,  banished  from  his  kingdom,  was  regarded  as  a  "  won- 
der," or  a  prodigy  of  wretchedness ;  Christ,  in  his  state  of  humi- 
liation upon  earth,  was  a  "  sign,"  every  where  "  spoken  against," 
as  Simeon  foretold  he  would  be,  Luke  i.  34.  The  Christian,  who 
lives  by  faith,  who  quits  possession  for  reversion,  and  who  chooses 
tosufi'er  with  his  Saviour  here,  that  he  may  reign  with  him  hereafter, 
appears  to  the  men  of  the  world,  as  a  monster  of  folly  and  enthu- 
siasm.    But  God  is  the  "  strong  refuge"  of  all  such. 

8.  Let  my  mouth  he  filled  with  thy  praise  and  with  thy  honour 
all  the  day. 

Whatever  men  say  or  think  of  him,  the  royal  prophet  desires 
still  to  strengthen,  and  to  delight  himself,  in  doing  the  will,  singing 
the  praises,  and  setting  forth  the  glory  of  God.  Such  likewise  was 
thy  desire,  O  blessed  Jesus,  in  the  days  of  thy  flesh.  Ever  grant 
that  it  may  be  ours. 

9.  Cast  me  not  off  in  the  time  of  old  age;  forsake  me  not  tvhen 
my  strength  faileth. 

David,  mindful  of  the  noble  actions  which,  through  God's  as- 
sistance, he  had  achieved  in  his  youth,  beseeches  him  not  to  desert 
his  servant,  when  persecuted  by  a  rebellious  son  in  his  old  age. 
The  weaknesses  and  temptations  peculiar  to  that  time  of  life,  ren- 
der this  petition  necessary  for  us  all  to  make,  before  we  are  over- 
taken by  it.  The  church  findeth  but  too  much  occasion  to  make 
the  same,  now  that  she  is  sunk  in  years;  when  faith  languisheth, 
rharity  waxeth  cold,  and  the  infirmities  of  a  spiritual  old  age  are 
coming  fast  upon  her. 

10.  For  mine  enemies  sjjeak  against  me;  and  they  that  lay 
tcait  for  my  soul  take  coitnscl  together,  11.  Saying,  God  hath 
forsaken  him:  i^ersecute  and  take  hiiji;  for  there  is  none  to  de- 
liver him. 

They  who  saw  David  ascending  mount  Olivet  in  tears,  when 
Absalom  had  driven  him  from  Jerusalem,  and  they  who  beheld 
Jesus  led  forth  out  of  the  same  Jerusalem,  to  be  crucified  on 
mount  Calvary,  were  tempted  to  regard  both  the  one  and  the 
other  as  finally  deserted  by  God.     They  who  view  the  church,  01 


Day  XIV.  M.  P.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  299 

any  member  tbcreof,  under  nffliction  and  persecution,  are  too  fre- 
quently tempted  to  think  tUe  same,  and  to  act  accordingly;  though 
I  hey  are  so  plainly  taught  the  contrary,  by  the  restoration  of  the 
king  of  Israel,  and  the  resurrection  of  the  Son  of  God. 

12.  O  God,  be  not  far  from  me:  O  my  God,  make  haste  to  7ny 
help-  13.  Let  them,  or,  they  shall,  be  confounded  and  consumed 
that  arc  adversaries  to  my  soul;  let  them,  or,  they  sJuill,  be  co- 
vered with  reproach  and  dishonour  that  seek  my  hurt. 

As  the  insolence  of  his  persecutors  increaseth,  the  distressed  mo- 
narch crieth  more  earnestly  unto  God ;  and  is  so  far  from  relin- 
quishing his  hope,  that,  in  the  midst  of  his  sorrows,  he  foreseeth 
and  foretelleth  the  final  confusion  of  his  enemies.  The  Christian, 
who  has  faith  in  the  j)romises,  may  do  likewise,  in  the  worst  of 
times,  and  the  worst  of  circumstances.  For  the  day  cometh,  when 
all  the  workers  of  wickedness  shall  be  destroyed,  "  and  death  and 
Iiell  shall  be  cast  into  the  lake  of  fire,"  Rev.  xx.  14. 

14.  But  I  icill  hope  continucdly,  and  toill  yet  praise  thee  more 
and  7nore.  15.  My  mouth  shall  shew  forth  thy  righteousness  and 
thy  salvation  all  the  day;  for  I  know  not  the  numbers  thereof. 

As  there  is  no  end  to  the  loving-kindness  of  Jehovah,  there 
should  be  none  to  our  gratitude.  The  "  hope"  of  a  Christian 
<•  giveth  songs  in  the  night,"  and  enableth  him  to  be  thankful,  even 
in  the  dark  season  of  allliction.  Paul  and  Silas  not  only  prayed,  but 
also  "sang  praises"  to  God,  in  a  prison  at  midnight,  Acts  xvi.  25. 

16.  J  toill  go  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord  God:  I  will  make 
mention  of  thy  righteousness,  even  of  thine  only. 

He  who  goeth  to  the  battle  against  his  spiritual  enemies,  should 
go,  confiding,  not  in  his  own  "  strength,"  but  in  that  of  the  Lord 
God ;  not  in  his  own  '•  righteousness,"  but  in  that  of  his  Redeemer. 
Such  an  one  engageth  with  Onuiipotence  on  his  side,  and  cannot 
but  be  victorious. 

17.  O  God,  thou  hast  taught  me  from  my  youth  ;  and  hitherto 
have  J  declared  thy  wondrous  works.  IS.  Now  also  when  I  am 
old  and  grey-headed,  0  God,  forsake  me  not;  until  I  have  sheiced 
thy  strength  unto  this  generation,  and  thy  power  to  every  one  thai 
is  to  come. 

It  was  the  God  of  Israel,  who  "  taught"  David,  as  a  warrior, 
to  conquer,  and,  as  a  Psalmist,  to  "'  declare  the  wondrous  works" 
of  his  great  Benefactor.  He  requests  to  be  preserved  in  his  old  age, 
until,  by  completing  his  victories,  and  his  Psalms  composed  to  ce- 
lebrate them,  he  had  *'  showed  the  strength  and  power  of  God," 
not  only  to  the  men  of  the  "  generation"  in  which  he  lived,  but 
also  to  "  every  one  that  should  come,"  or  arise  in  after  times,  and 


300  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXI. 

chant  those  divine  hymns  in  tlie  assenibhes  of  the  faitlifiil,  through- 
out all  ages.  Doth  St.  Paul  wish  to  have  his  life  continued  upon 
earth?  It  is  only,  that  he  may  edify  the  church,  and  glorify  God. 
Otherwise,  it  is  far  "  better,"  says  he,  "  to  depart,  and  to  be  with 
Christ." 

19.  Thij  righteousness,  O  God,  is  vcrT/  high,  who  hast  done 
great  things  :  O  God,  tcho  is  like  iinto  thee  ! 

What  a  force  is  now  added  to  these  words,  by  the  actual  exalta- 
tion of  the  righteous  Saviour  "  very  high"  above  all  heavens,  and  by 
the  "  great  things"  which  he  hath  "  done"  for  our  souls  !  Let  us 
think  on  these  things,  and  we  shall  most  affectionately  say,  with  Da- 
vid, "  O  God,  who  is  like  unto  thee  !"  Delightful  is  thy  love,  O  Lord 
Jesu,  beyond  all  pleasure,  more  precious  than  much  fine  gold,  and 
honourable  above  the  thrones  of  the  mighty  !  The  world  languish- 
eth  and  fadeth  away  at  thy  presence,  whose  beauty  is  immortal, 
whose  treasures  diminish  not,  and  whose  glory  endureth  through 
the  unnumbered  ages  of  eternity. 

20.  Thou,  xohieli  hast  shelved  me  great  and  sore  trouble,  shalt 
quicken  me  again,  and  shalt  bring  me  up  again  from  the  depths 
of  the  earth.  21.  Thou  shalt  increase  my  greatness,  and  com- 
fort me  on  every  side. 

In  David,  delivered  out  of  his  troubles,  and  restored  to  his 
throne,  we  behold  our  Lord,  after  his  ''  great  and  sore  trouble,  lite- 
rally quickened,  or  revived,  brought  up  again  from  the  depths  of 
the  earth,  increased  in  greatness,  and  comforted  on  every  side."  In 
Iiim  we  were  virtually,  by  his  grace  we  are  actually,  raised  from 
sin  and  sorrow,  to  righteousness  and  comfort ;  ajid  through  his 
power  we  shall  be  raised,  from  dust  and  corruption,  to  glory  and 
immortality. 

22.  I  toill  also  praise  thee  zvith  the  psaltery,  even  thy  truth,  O 
my  God:  unto  thee  tvill  I  sing  with  the  harp,  0  thou  Holy  One  of 
Israel.  23.  My  lijjs  shall  greatly  rejoice  when  I  sing  unto  thee; 
and  my  soul,  which  thou  hast  redeemed.  24.  My  tongue  also 
shall  talk  of  thy  righteousness  all  the  day  long :  for  they  arc  con- 
founded, for  they  are  brought  unto  shame,  that  seek  my  hurt. 

The  truth  of  God,  in  accomplishing  his  promises  by  the  re- 
demption of  our  souls,  and  the  confusion  of  our  spiritual  enemies, 
is  a  subject  which  demands  a  never-ceasing  tribute  of  gratitude  and 
love,  of  praise  and  thanksgiving.  To  celebrate  it  aright,  with  the 
melody  of  instruments,  voices,  and  alTections,  all  in  perfect  con- 
cord, is  the  duty  and  delight  of  the  church  militant;  which,  when 
thus  em])loyed,  aflords  the  best  resemblance  of  the  church  trium- 
phant. 


DayXIV.  M.  r.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  c.Ol 

PSALM  LXXn. 

ARGUMENT. 

David,  praying  for  Solomon,  forctelloth  his  pcacpful  and  glorious  reign,  and 
under  that  figure,  in  most  lively  and  beautiful  colours,  portraycfh  the 
kingdom  of  Messiah  ;  1 — 4.  its  righteous  administration;  5.  its  duration; 
6,  7.  its  blessings;  8.  its  extent;  9 — 11.  the  accession  of  the  Gentiles  to 
it ;  12 — 14.  the  redemption  to  be  wrought,  and  15.  the  prayers  and  praises 
to  be  offered  up  in  it;  IG.  its  miraculous  increase  and  fruitfulness;  17.  its 
perpetuity  and  universality ;   18,  19.  a  do.\ology  sung  to  God  for  it. 

1 .  Cwe  the  king  thj  jndgments,  0  God,  and  thy  righteousness 
unto  the  king's  son*  2.  He  shall  Judge  thy  people  with  righ- 
teousness, and  thy  poor  with  judgment, 

h\  this  prophetical  prayer,  the  aged  mon.arch  of  Israel,  about  to 
resign  the  kingdom  into  the  hands  of  his  son  Solomon,  makes  unto 
God  the  request  of  a  wise  father  for  him.  He  asks  such  a  portion 
of  wisdom  and  integrity  from  above,  as  might  enable  the  young 
prince  to  govern  aright  the  people  of  God,  and  to  e.\hibit  to  the 
world  a  fair  resemblance  of  that  King  of  Israel,  who  was,  in  the 
fulness  of  time,  to  sit  upon  "the  throne  of  his  father  David ;"  Luke 
i.  32.  "  to  reign  in  righteousness;''  Isa.  x.x.xii.  1,  and  "  to  have  all 
judgment  committed  unto  him,"'  John  v.  22. 

3.  The  mountains  shall  bring,  or,  bear,  peace  to  the  people,  and 
the  little  hills,  by,  or,  in  righteousness. 

In  other  words,  peace,  manifested  by  its  consequence,  ])lenteous- 
ness,  shall  be  upon  all  the  mountains  and  little  hills  of  Judea, 
by  means  of  that  righteous  judgment,  which  Solomon  will  e.xecutc 
in  the  land.  And  thus  in  the  days  of  Messiah,  "  Beautiful  upoj< 
the  mountains  were  the  feet  of  them  that  brought  the  glad  tidings 
of  peace;"  which  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit,  in  the  churches,  plainly 
showed  to  have  been  derived  from  above,  through  the  righteous- 
ness of  the  Redeemer,  producing  "  peace  on  earth." 

4.  He  shall  judge  the  poor  of  the  people,  he  shall  save  the  chil- 
dren of  the  needy,  and  shall  break  in  pieces  the  oppressor. 

It  is  the  part  of  justice,  in  well-ordered  governments,  to  see  that 
the  "  poor  and  needy  have  right ;"  to  break  the  teeth  of  "  oppres- 
sion," and  pluck  indigence  from  its  devouring  jaws.  This  Christ 
performed,  when,  having  undertaken  the  cause  of  his  people  against 

"  The  "  king,"  and  the  "  king's  son,"  arc  the  same  person  ;  a  character 
that  belongs  to  none  so  properly  as  to  Solomou,  wlio  was  tlie  first  prince 
that  was  at  the  same  time  "king,"  and  "  son  of  a  king."  Mwlgc.  Dr. 
Chandler  is  of  the  same  opinion. 


302  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXII. 

the  adversary,  he  "  saved"  them  by  his  resurrection,  and  "  broke 
in  pieces"  the  power  of  the  great  oppressor. 

5.  They  shall  fear  thee  as  long  as  the  sun  and  moon  endure, 
throughout  all  generations. 

The  kingdom  of  Solomon  continued  in  his  own  person  only 
for  forty  years ;  but  in  his  seed,  that  is  Christ,  it  is  established 
throughout  all  generations.  He  reigneth  "  over  the  house  of  Ja- 
cob for  ever,  and  of  his  kingdom  there  shall  be  no  end,"  Luke  i. 
35.  His  dominion  over  the  world  by  his  providence,  and  in  the 
church  by  the  influences  of  his  grace,  is  to  be  coeval  with  that  of 
the  celestial  luminaries  in  nature.  And  when  "  the  moon  shall 
be  confounded,  and  the  sun  ashamed,"  when  ^he  heavens  shall  be 
dissolved,  and  the  earth  burnt  up,  "  the  Lord  of  hosts  shall  reign 
on  mount  Zion,"  in  the  Jerusalem  above,  in  glory  everlasting.  See 
Isa.  xxiv.  23. 

6.  lie  shall  come  down  like  rain  upon  the  mown  grass;  as 
showers  that  toater  the  earth. 

Refreshing  and  salutary  as  the  drops  of  heaven  to  the  shorn  and 
parched  grass,  is  the  mild  administration  of  a  wise  and  pious  prince 
to  his  subjects.  And  what  image  can  convey  a  better  idea  of 
those  most  beneficial  and  blessed  effects,  which  followed  the  descent 
of  the  Son  of  God  upon  the  earth,  and  that  of  the  Spirit  at  the  day 
of  Pentecost?  The  prophets  abound  with  descriptions  of  those 
great  events,  couched  in  terms  borrowed  from  the  philosophy  of 
rain  and  dew.  See  Isa.  xliv.  3.  Iv.  10.  Hosea  xiv.  5.  Heb.  vi. 
7.  In  the  last  words  of  David,  the  reign  of  Messiah  is  described 
under  this  figure ;  "  He  shall  be  as  the  tender  grass  springing  out 
of  the  earth  by  clear  shining  after  rain."  I  cannot  help  subjoining 
Bishop  Sherlock's  masterly  illustration  of  this  passage — "  There 
cannot  be  a  more  lively  image  of  a  flourishing  condition  than  what 
is  conveyed  to  us  in  these  words.  The  grass,  which  is  forced  by 
the  heat  of  the  sun,  before  the  ground  is  well  prepared  by  rains,  is 
weak  and  languid,  and  of  a  faint  complexion ;  but  when  clear 
shining  succeeds  the  gentle  showers  of  spring,  the  field  puts  forth 
its  best  strength,  and  is  more  beautifully  arrayed  than  even  Solo- 
mon in  all  his  glory."    Disc.  vol.  v.  p.  89. 

7.  In  his  days  shall  the  righteous  flourish  ;  and  abundance  of 
peace  so  long  as  the  moon  endurcth. 

By  means  of  rain  and  dew,  the  grass  springeth  out  of  the  ground. 
In  the  kingdom  of  Solomon,  dnough  the  influences  of  his  wisdom, 
good  men  were  encouraged,  righteousness  flourished,  and  the  land 
enjoyed  tranquillity.  In  the  days  of  Messiah,  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit 
was  righteousness,  and  the  fruit  of  righteousness  was  "  abundance 


Day  XIV.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  303 

of  peace."  He  was  the  true  "  IMelchisedek,"  or  "  King  of  righ- 
teousness," and  therefore  the  true  Solomon,  the  '•  King  of  Salem, 
the  Prince  of  peace."  And  his  peace  is  to  endure,  when  the  mooi» 
shall  have  ceased  to  vary  her  appearances,  and  when  a  period  shall 
be  put  to  all  sublunary  vicissitudes. 

8.  He  shall  have  dominion  also  from  sea  to  sea,  and  from  the 
river  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth,  or,  land. 

As  applicable  to  the  kingdom  of  Solomon,  this  verse  describes 
the  extent  and  limits  of  the  promised  "  land  :"  if  it  be  interpreted 
of  the  wide-extended  empire  of  Christ,  that  empire  knows  no 
bounds  but  those  of  the  "  earth"  itself.  The  Hebrew  word  ;'-\x, 
is  often  used  for  both,  and,  as  the  dominion  of  Solomon  represented 
that  of  a  greater  than  Solomon,  both  are  comprehended  in  the 
same  words.  And  it  is  observable,  that  when  the  prophet  Zacha- 
riah  foretels  tiie  advent  of  "  the  king  of  Sion,"  in  great  humility, 
'•'  meek,  and  riding  on  an  ass,"  he  describes  the  extent  of  his  king- 
dom in  these  words — '•  His  dominion  shall  be  even  from  sea  to 
sea,  and  from  the  river  even  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,"  Zech.  ix. 
9,  10. 

9.  The}/  that  dwell  in  the  icilderness  shall  bozo  before  him :  and 
his  enemies  shall  lick  the  dust. 

Distant  nations  submitted  themselves  to  the  sceptre,  and  pros- 
trated themselves  before  the  throne  of  Solomon,  foreshowing  the 
conversion  of  the  heathen  world  (in  the  figurative  language  of 
prophecy,  frequently  styled  "  the  wilderness")  to  the  Gospel,  and 
the  lowly  adoration  to  be  made  by  penitent  sinners,  at  the  foot- 
stool of  the  King  of  glory.  They  who  take  not  the  advantage  of 
the  day  of  grace,  will  feel  the  rod  of  his  power  in  the  day  of  ven- 
geance, when  his  "  enemies"  shall  be  subjected  to  him ;  when 
death  himself  shall  be  destroyed;  and  "  dust  shall  be  the  serpent's 
meat,"  Tsa.  Ixv.  25.  Gen.  iii.  14. 

10.  The  kings  of  Tarshish  and  of  the  isles  shall  bring  presents : 
the  kings  of  Sheba  and  Seba  shall  offer  gifts. 

This  verse  suggesteth  to  our  meditation  several  curious  and  in- 
teresting particulars,  all  tending  to  one  and  the  same  end.  As, 
1.  The  munificent  presents  and  immense  treasures  brought  to 
Solomon  from  Tarshish,  and  the  isles  of  the  Gentiles,  1  Kings  x. 
22,  &c.  2.  The  coming  of  the  queen  of  Sheba  from  the  south, 
with  her  gifts  and  acknowledgments,  to  Jerusalem.  3.  The  of- 
ferings made  l)y  the  eastern  Magi,  as  the  first-fruits  of  the  Gentiles, 
to  the  Saviour  of  the  world.  And  lastly,  the  accession  of  the  na- 
tions to  the  faith,  feven  these  ''  isles  of  the  Gentik^s,*')  brinr^ing 


304  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXII. 

their  glory  and  honour  into  the  city  of  God.     See  Isa.  xlix.  Ix.  Rev. 
xxi.  24. 

11.  Yea,  all  kings  shall  fall  down  before  him  ;  all  nations  shall 
serve  him. 

It  is  said,  2  Chron.  ix.  that  "  all  the  kings  of  the  earth  sought 
the  presence  of  Solomon,  to  hear  his  wisdom :  that  he  rei<rned  over 
all  the  kings,  from  the  river  even  unto  the  land  of  the  Philistines, 
and  to  the  border  of  Egypt ;  and  that  they  brought  unto  him  horses 
out  of  Egypt,  and  out  of  all  lands."  The  dominion  of  Christ  is 
universal;  and  it  will  appear  to  be  so  at  the  last  day ;  when  before 
men  and  angels,  he  shall  prove  his  claim  to  the  title,  "  King  of 
kings,  and  Lord  of  lords." 

12.  For  he  shall  deliver  the  needy  ivhcn  he  crieth  ;  the  poor 
also,  and  him  that  hath  no  helper.  13.  He  shall  spare  the  poor 
and  needy,  and  shall  save  the  soids  of  the  needy.  14.  He  shall 
redeem  their  soul  from  deceit  and  violence:  aiid  precious  shall 
their  blood  be  in  his  sight. 

These  three  verses,  considered  as  describing  the  just  and  merci- 
ful administration  of  Solomon,  need  no  exposition.  As  propheti- 
cal of  Messiah's  reign,  they  may  be  thus  connected  with  the  con- 
text, and  paraphrased — The  kings  and  nations  of  tiie  earth  shall 
accede  to  the  church  of  Christ,  induced  so  to  do  by  the  fame  of  his 
mercy,  no  less  than  by  that  of  his  majesty.  They  shall  hear  of  the 
great  deliverance  wrought  by  him  for  the  poor  in  spirit,  who  make 
their  prayer  unto  him,  confessing  their  sins,  and  acknowledging  the 
inability  of  any  creature,  in  heaven  or  earth,  to  recover  them  from 
their  lost  estate.  These  he  shall  spare,  and  pardon,  and  save  from 
sin,  and  from  death,  and  from  hell.  lie  shall  for  this  purpose, 
break  the  snares  and  destroy  the  power  of  their  great  oppressor, 
the  devil ;  and  so  dear  shall  their  blood  be  in  his  sight,  that  ho 
shall  shed  his  own  for  h;  after  which,  arising  to  a  new  and  im- 
mortal lift;,  he  shall  accomplish  the  eternal  redemption  of  his  ser- 
vants. 

15.  And  he  shall  live,  and  to  him  shall  be  given  of  the  gold  of 
Sheba:  prayer  also  shall  be  made  for  him  continually,  and  daily 
shall  he  be  praised. 

As  Solomon'.^  reign  was  long  and  prosperous,  that  of  Messiah  is 
everlasting  and  glorious ;  as  the  rich  brought  presents  to  the  one, 
so  the  nations  oOered  up  themselves,  their  possessions,  their  souls, 
and  their  bodies,  to  the  other ;  as  the  former  was  continually  prayed 
for,  and  blessed  by  his  subjects,  who  owed  peace  and  plenteous- 
ness  to  his  government ;  so,  with  regard  to  the  latter,  prayer  is 


Day  XIV.  iM.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  S05 

made  ever  in  the  church  for  the  increase  and  consummation  of  his 
kingdom;  and  daily  is  he  praised,  by  his  people,  for  all  the  riches 
of  grace,  for  all  the  comforts  of  the  Spirit,  and  for  all  the  hopes  of 
glory,  which  they  possess,  and  enjoy,  throutrh  him. 

16.  There  shall  be  an  handful  of  corn  in  the  earth  upon  the  top 
of  the  mountainH ;  the  fruit  thereof  .shall  shake  like  Lebanon: 
and  they  of  the  city  shall  fourish  like  ffrass  of  the  earth. 

It  is  here  foretold,  that  in  the  days  of  Solomon,  wonderful  should 
be  the  fruitfulness  of  Judea;  of  the  country  in  corn,  by  which  the 
city  is  supported;  and  of  the  city  in  people,  who,  by  their  num- 
bers, constitute  the  strength  of  the  king.  The  fruitfulness  of  the 
country  was  to  be  so  great,  that  from  an  "  handful  of  corn,"'  and 
that  sown  on  the  most  barren  spot,  the  ''  top  of  a  mountain,"  should 
issue  a  produce,  the  ears  of  which  would  "  shake,''  and  wave  in 
the  wind,  like  the  woods  of  "  Lebanon  ;"  while  in  the  city,  a  fresh 
progeny  of  Israelites  was  still  springing  up,  and  advancing  to  ma- 
turity, like  the  unnumbered  blades  of  grass  in  a  field  which  the 
Lord  hath  blessed.  See  1  Kings  iv.  20,  &c.  Such,  under  the 
reign  of  King  Messiah,  was  the  amazing  increase  of  the  "  word," 
when  sown  in  hearts  barren  before;  such  the  astonishing  multipli- 
cation of  citizens  in  the  Christian  church  ;  as  it  is  written,  Acts  vi. 
7.  "  And  the  word  of  God  increased;  and  the  number  of  the  dis- 
ciples multiplied  in  Jerusalem  greatly."  So  let  it  be,  blessed  Lord, 
wheresoever  thy  Gospel  is  preached  throughout  the  world. 

17-  His  name  shall  endure  for  ( ver:  his  name  shall  be  conti- 
nued, Heb.  propagated,  as  long  as  the  sun ;  and  men  shall  be 
blessed  in  him:  all  nations  shall  call  him  blessed. 

The  person  and  kingdom  of  Solomon  have  been  used  all  along 
as  a  channel,  through  which  to  convey  a  most  illustrious  prophecy 
concerning  those  of  Christ.  But  here,  the  type  seems  to  be  wholly 
absorbed  in  the  great  antitype.  liis  "  name,"  his  saving  name, 
"shall  indeed  remain  for  ever,  propagated,"  with  the  faith, 
through  all  the  generations  of  men,  while  the  "sun,"  another  of 
his  representatives,  shall  continue  to  maintain  his  station  in  the 
heavens,  and  to  diffuse  his  light  upon  the  earth.  In  him,  as  it  was 
promised  to  Abraham,  shall  all  the  true  children  of  Abraham  be 
"  blessed"  with  the  blessings  of  eternity;  "  all  nations  shall  call 
HIM  blessed,"  as  they  are  taught  to  do  in  the  remaining  verses  of 
this  exalted  composition. 

IS.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God,the  God  of  Israel,  who  only  docth 
wondrous  things.  19.  And  blessed  be  his  glorious  name  for  ever; 
and  let  the  tohole  earth  be  filled  with  ^fs  glory.  Amen,  and  Amen. 

Blessed,  therefore.be  thou,  O  Lord  Jesus;  for  thou  art  the  Lord 
;10 


306  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXIII. 

God,  even  the  God  of  Israel,  who  hast  wrought  such  miracles  of 
mercy  for  the  salvation  of  the  church:  and  blessed,  by  the  tongues 
of  men  and  angels,  be  thy  holy  and  glorious  name;  and  let  the 
whole  earth  be  filled  with  the  amazingly  transcendent  and  incon- 
ceivable majesty  of  thy  most  excellent  glory,  for  evermore  !  So 
be  it,  so  be  it. 

FOURTEENTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  LXXIII. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  person  speaking-  in  tins  Psalm,  relates,  1 — 3.  the  process  of  a  tempta- 
tion occasioned  by  his  beholding  «he  prosperity  of  wicked  men  upon  earth; 
which  he  describes,  4 — 11.  with,  12 — 14.  the  suggestions  of  nature  on  the 
occasion ;  but  in  opposition  to  these,  grace  urges,  15.  the  examples  of 
saints,  16.  the  difficulty  of  judging  concerning  God's  dispensations,  and, 
above  all,  17 — 20.  the  final  issue  of  things  at  the  last  day,  and  the  end  of 
that  prosperity  which  had  excited  his  envy.  Perfectly  satisfied  with  these 
considerations,  21,  22.  he  owns  his  uneasiness  to  have  sprung  from  his 
ignorance;  and,  23 — 28.  closes  the  Psalm  with  the  most  afl'ectionate  ex- 
pressions of  his  full  tiust  and  confidence  in  the  Divine  mercy  and  good- 
ness. No  temptation  is  more  common  or  more  formidable,  than  that 
above-mentioned.  A  more  powerful  and  eifectual  antidote  to  it  cannot  be 
devised,  than  this  most  instructive  and  beautiful  Psalm  affords. 

3.  Truly  God  is  good  to  Israel,  even  to  such  as  arc  of  a  clean 
heart. 

This  declaration  seems  to  be  the  result  of  a  long  struggle  in  the 
mind  of  the  Psalmist,  between  nature  and  grace,  in  which  the  lat- 
ter proves  victorious,  and,  notwithstanding  all  appearances  to  the 
contrary,  determines,  against  the  suggestions  of  the  former,  that 
God  is  the  same  good  and  merciful  God  to  his  church  and  peoj)le, 
if  they  do  but  preserve  inviolable  their  fidelity  to  him,  whether,  in 
this  world,  they  enjoy  prosperity  or  endure  aflliction. 

2.  But  as  for  me,  my  feet  were  almost  gone  ;  my  steps  had  well 
nigh  slipped.  3.  For  I  was  envious  at  the  foolish,  when  /  saw  the 
prosperity  of  the  wicked. 

Temptations  impede  the  progress  of  tlie  Christian  in  the  way  of 
righteousness,  and  incline  him  to  fall :  as  it  iiappens  to  one  who 
walks  in  a  slippery  path.  The  temptation  here  complained  of,  is 
that  excited  by  seeing  M'ealth  and  honour  in  the  hands  of  infidelity 
and  villany,  while  the  faithful  servants  of  God  are  covered  with 
infamy,  and  oppressed  by  poverty.  A  prospect  of  this  sort  is  apt 
"to  make  us  distrust  the  love  of  heaven  towards  us,  and  its  provi- 


Day  XrV.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALIMS.  '  SOT 

dcnce  over  us.     For  our  benefit,  tlierefore,  in  the  course  of  this 
Psalm,  the  disease  is  particularized,  and  the  remedy  prescribed. 

4.  For  there  are  no  bands,  or,  pangs,  in  their  death  ;  hut  their 
strength  is  Jirm. 

Health  and  strength  are  to  be  reckoned  among  those  temporal 
blessings,  which  the  long-suflering  of  God  sometimes  permits  the 
ungodly  to  enjoy.  And  accordingly,  we  find  men  of  that  cast,  who 
live  without  sickness,  and  die  in  a  manner  without  pain :  while 
others,  of  a  contrary  character,  are  worn  with  chronical,  or  racked 
with  acute  ilisordcrs,  which  bring  them  with  sorrow  and  torment 
to  the  grave. 

5.  They  are  not  in  trouble  as  other  men;  neither  are  they 
plagued  like  other  men. 

Calajiiities,  which  overwhelm  the  small  concerns  of  the  poor 
righteous  man,  approach  not  the  borders  of  the  wealthy  sinner. 
Far  from  poverty,  as  free  from  disease,  he  seems  to  pass  his  days 
exempted  from  the  miseries  of  mankind,  without  labour  or  anxiety : 
and  not  so  much  as  to  think  of  those,  who,  distressed  on  all  sides, 
can  scarcely  earn  their  bread  by  the  sweat  of  their  brows.  See  tills 
sentiment  beautifully  dilated.  Job  xxi.    See  also  Jer.  xii.  1. 

6.  Therefore  pride  compasseth  them  about  as  a  chain;  violence 
covcreth  them  as  a  garment. 

Among  men  who  have  not  the  love  of  God  in  their  hearts,  or 
his  fear  before  their  eyes,  pride  and  oppression  are  the  oflspring  of 
worldly  prosperity.  The  daughters  attend  the  mother,  wherever 
she  goeth,  and  show  themselves  openly  without  reserve.  "  Pride 
compasseth  them  about  as  a  chain ;''  they  wear  it  for  an  ornament 
about  their  necks,  as  gold  chains,  collars,  or  necklaces,  were  worn; 
see  Cant.  iv.  9.  discovering  it  by  their  stately  carriage;  see  Isa.  iii. 
15.  "Violence  covereth  them  as  a  garment;"  it  appeareth  out* 
V,  ardly,  in  all  they  say  or  do,  and  engrosseth  the  whole  man ;  they 
are,  as  the  English  phrase  is,  "  made  up  of  it." 

7.  Their  eyes  stand  out  with  fatness :  they  have  more  than 
heart  could  tcish. 

"  A  man  may  be  known  by  his  looks,"  saith  the  son  of  Sirach, 
Eccles.  xix.  29.  The  cholerick,  the  lascivious,  the  melancholy, 
the  cunning,  &c.  &c.  frequently  bear  their  tempers  and  ruling  pas- 
sions strongly  marked  on  their  countenances :  but  more  especially 
doth  the  soul  of  a  man  look  forth  at  his  "  eyes."  The  "  pride" 
of  the  ungodly,  occasioned  by  great  and  unexpected  success  in  the 
world,  hardly  ever  fails  to  bewray  itself  this  way. 

8.  They  are  corrupt;  and  speak  icickedhi  concerning  oppres- 
sion :  they  speak  loftily. 


308  A  COlVIMENTARY  Fsal.  LXXIII. 

Prosperity  in  an  irreligious  heart  breeds  "  corruption,"  which 
from  thence  is  emitted  by  the  breath  in  conversation,  to  infect  and 
taint  the  minds  of  others.  A  circle  of  fawning  dependents  is  never 
wanting,  to  whom  the  poor,  vain,  and  ignorant  wretch,  exalted  in 
his  own  conceit  above  the  level  of  mortality,  may,  from  the  chair, 
without  control,  dictate  libertinism  and  infidelity,  bidding  defiance 
to  the  laws  of  God  and  man. 

9.  Theij  set  their  mouth  against  the  heavens,  and  their  tongue 
walkelh  through  the  earth. 

The  blessings,  for  which  a  Christian  praises  his  God,  only  cause 
the  infidel  to  blaspheme  him.  So  true  is  that  of  Solomon,  "  The 
prosperity  of  fools  destroyeth  them."  What  a  pity  is  it,  that  the 
former  should  ever  be  less  zealous  and  indefatigable  in  diffusing  his 
piety,  than  we  know  the  latter  is  in  propagating  his  blasphemies 
through  the  earth  ? 

10.  Therefore  his  people  return  hither ;  and  maters  of  a  full 
cup  are  im-ung  out  to  them. 

It  seemeth  impossible  to  ascertainj  with  any  degree  of  precision, 
the  meaning  of  this  verse,  or  to  whom  it  relates.  Some  think  it 
intends  those  people  who  resort  to  the  company  of  the  wicked,  be- 
cause they  find  their  temporal  advantage  by  it;  while  others  are 
of  opinion,  that  the  people  of  God  are  meant,  who,  by  continually 
revolving  in  their  thoughts  the  subject  here  treated  of,  namely,  the 
prosperity  of  the  wicked,  are  sore  grieved,  and  enforced  to  shed 
tears  in  abundance.  Mr.  Mudge  translates  the  verse  thus — 
"  Therefore  let  his  (God's)  peoj)le  come  before  them,  and  waters 
in  full  measure  would  be  wrung  out  from  them."  That  is,  "  Should 
God's  people  fall  into  their  hands,  they  would  squeeze  them  to  the 
full;  they  w^ould  wring  out  all  the  juice  in  their  bodies."  He  takes 
"  waters  in  full  measure,"  to  have  been  a  proverbial  expression. 

1 1 .  And  they  say,  How  doth  God  know  ?  and  is  there  hioicledge 
in  the  Most  High  ? 

They  who  interpret  the  foregoing  verse  of  the  people  of  God, 
tempted  by  the  success  of  the  ungodly  to  distrust  his  providence, 
suppose  this  and  the  following  verses  to  be  uttered  by  "  them," 
as  questioning  whether  God  had  any  regard  to  what  passed  here 
below.  liut,  to  avoid  confusion  of  persons,  I  would  rather  suppose 
the  foregoing  verse  (to  whomsoever  it  may  belong)  to  be  paren- 
thetic, and  the  verse  now  under  consideration  to  be  an  epicurean 
atheistical  speech  in  the  mouth  of  the  wicked,  above  described  at 
large;  after  which  the  Psalmist  goes  on,  in  his  own  person,  as 
from  the  beginning,  to  relate  the  temptation  which  he  underwent, 
and  the  issue  of  it. 


Day  XIV.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  '    309 

12.  Behold,  these  are  the  ungodly,  trho  proftpcr  in  the  innrM ; 
they  inerease  in  riehes. 

The  temptation  is  now  stated  in  its  full  force.  "  These"  worth- 
less, ungodly,  blasphemous  wretches,  whose  characters  I  have 
been  delineating,  "  these"  are  tiie  men  who  prosper  in  the  world, 
who  succeed  in  every  thing  they  undertake,  and  roll  in  riches  ! 
What  are  we  to  think,  of  CJod,  his  providence,  and  his  promises  ? 

13.  Verily,  I  have  cleansed  my  heart  in  vain,  and  joashed  my 
hands  in  innocency.  14.  For  all  the  day  long  have  I  been  plagued, 
and  chastened  every  morning. 

Nature  will  be  apt  upon  this  occasion  to  suggest,  that  all  ray 
faith,  my  charity,  and  my  devotion,  all  my  watching  and  fastings ; 
in  short,  all  the  labour  and  pains  I  have  taken  in  the  way  of  good- 
ness, have  been  altogether  vain  and  fruitless;  since,  while  the  re- 
bellious enemies  of  God  enjoy  the  world  and  themselves  at  pleasure, 
I,  who  continue  his  servant,  am  in  perpetual  tribulation  and  afflic- 
tion. 

15.  If  I  say,  I  will  speak,  or,  declare,  or,  preach,  thus  ;  behold, 
I  should  offend  against  the  generation  of  thy  children. 

The  Psalmist,  having  thus  particularized  the  disease,  proceeds 
now,  like  a  skilful  physician  of  the  soul,  to  jjrescribe  a  medicine 
for  it,  which  is  compounded  of  many  salutary  ingredients.  And 
first,  to  the  suggestions  of  nature,  grace  opposes  the  examples  of 
the  children  of  God,  who  never  fell  from  their  hope  in  another 
world,  because  of  their  suflerings  in  this.  For  a  man,  therefore,  to 
distrust  the  Divine  goodness  on  that  account,  is  to  belie  their  hope, 
renounce  their  faith,  and  strike  his  name  out  of  their  list. 

16.  When  I  thought  to  knoto  this,  it  was  too  painful  for  me. 

A  second  reason  why  a  man  should  not  be  too  forward  to  arraign 
God's  dispensations  of  injustice,  is  the  extreme  difliculty  of  under- 
standing and  comprehending  the  whole  of  them,  which  indeed  is 
not  to  be  done  by  the  human  mind,  unless  God  himself  shall  vouch- 
safe it  the  necessary  information.  "  It  was  too  painful  for  me," 
says  the  Psalmist. 

17.  Until  I  loent  into  the  sanctuary  of  God;  then  understood 
I  their  end. 

The  third  argument,  with  which  we  may  repress  the  spirit  of 
murmiuring  and  distrust,  so  apt  to  be  excited  by  the  prosperity  of 
the  wicked,  is  one  communicated  to  us  by  the  word  of  God,  which 
alone  can  acquaint  us  with  what  is  to  be  the  "  end,"  the  final  por- 
tion of  sinners  at  the  last  day.  This  is  an  arrow  from  the  heavenly 
quiver,  which  brings  down  our  enemy  at  once,  and  lays  Dagon 
prostrate  before  the  ark. 


310  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXIII. 

18.  Surely  thou  didst,  or,  dost ,  set  them  in  slippery  places; 
thou  castedst  them  down  into  destruction. 

Worldly  prospciity  is  as  the  narrow  and  slippery  summit  of  a 
mountain,  on  wliich,  to  answer  the  designs  of  his  providence,  God 
permits  the  wicked,  during  his  pleasure,  to  take  their  station;  till 
at  length  the  fatal  hour  arrives,  when  by  a  stroke  unseen,  they  fall 
from  thence,  and  are  lost  in  the  fathomless  ocean  of  sorrow,  tor- 
ment, and  despair. 

19.  How  arc  they  brought  into  desolation,  as  in  a  moment  / 
they  are  7itterly  consumed  with  terrors. 

The  sudden  alteration  which  death  makes  in  the  state  of  a 
powerful  and  opulent  sinner,  cannot  but  aflect  all  around  him, 
though  they  behold  but  one  part  of  it.  How  much  more  would 
they  be  astonished  and  terrified,  if  the  curtain  between  the  two 
worlds  were  undrawn,  and  the  other  half  of  the  change  disclosed  to 
view!  Let  faith  do  that  which  sight  cannot  do;  and  then  the  un- 
godly, however  wealthy  and  honourable,  will  surely  cease  to  be  the 
objects  of  our  envy. 

20.  As  a  dream  when  one  atcakcfh;  so,  O  Lor.D,  when  thou 
awakest,  or,  causcst  them  to  awake,  thou  shalt  desjusc  their  image. 

The  life  of  the  ungodly  is  a  sleep  ;  their  happiness  a  dream,  illu- 
sive and  transitory ;  at  best  a  shadow;  afterwards,  nothing.  At 
the  day  of  death,  the  soul  is  roused  out  of  this  sleep,  and  the  dream 
vanishes.  When  God  shall  thus  awaken  them,  he  will  "  despise 
their  image,"  he  will  bring  to  nought,  and  render  utterly  contemj)- 
tible,  even  in  their  own  sight,  as  well  as  that  of  himself,  of  his  holy 
angels,  and  the  spirits  of  the  righteous,  those  imaginary  and  fan- 
tastic pleasures,  for  which  they  have  lost  the  substantial  joys  and 
glories  of  his  heavenly  kingdom.  Now,  therefore,  while  it  will 
not  be  in  vain,  "  Awake,  thou  that  sleepest,  and  arise  from  the 
dead,  and  Christ  shall  give  thee  light."  Eph.  v.  14.  See  Job 
XX.  4,  &c.  Isa.  xxix.  8. 

21.  Thus  my  heart  was  grieved,  Heb.  in  a  ferment,  and  I  was 
pricked  in  my  reins.  22.  So  foolish  wdiS  I,  and  ignorant :  I  was 
as  a  beast  before  thee. 

The  Psalmist,  fully  satisfied  with  the  conduct  of  Providence,  re- 
flects upon  the  folly  of  his  former  uneasiness,  and  humbly  owns 
that  his  doubts  were  occasioned  solely  by  his  ignorance  of  God's 
ways ;  while  he  formed  his  judgment  of  them  without  having  duly 
taken  into  consideration  the  final  issue  of  things.  The  last  day, 
when  it  comes,  will  bring  with  it  a  solution  of  all  difficulties.  He 
who  bears  impressed  upon  his  nfuid  such  an  idea  of  that  day  as 
the  Scriptures  can  give  him,  may  solve  them  now. 


M. 


Day  XIV.  E.  p.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  311 

23.  Nevertheless  I  am  continuaUi/  with  thee :  thou  hast  holden 
me  by  mij  right  hand. 

The  remainder  of  the  Psalm  contains  the  most  dutiful  and  aflec- 
lionate  expressions  of  a  mind  perfectly  at  ease,  and  reposing  itself 
with  comfortable  assurance  on  tiie  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord,  of 
which  it  had  experienced  a  fresh  instance  in  its  support  under  the 
late  temptation,  and  complete  victory  over  it.  "  I  am  continually 
with  thee,''  as  a  child  under  the  tender  care  of  a  parent ;  and,  as 
a  parent,  during  my  danger  of  falling  in  a  slippery  jjath,  "  thou 
hast  holden  me,''  thy  child,  "  by  my  riglit  hand." 

24.  Thou  shall  guide  me  teith  thy  counsel,  and  afterward  re- 
ceive me  to  glory. 

He  who,  but  a  little  while  ago,  seemed  to  question  the  providence 
of  God  over  the  aflairs  of  men,  now  exults  in  happy  confidence  of 
the  Divine  mercy  and  favour  towards  himself;  nothing  doubting 
but  that  grace  would  ever  continue  to  guide  him  upon  earth  till 
glory  should  crown  him  in  heaven.  Such  are  the  blessed  eflects  of 
"  going  into  the  sanctuary,"  and  consulting  the  "  lively  oracles," 
in  all  our  doubts,  ditFiculties,  and  temptations. 

25.  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  tljee  ?  and  there  is  none  upon 
earth  that  I  desire  besides,  Heb.  with,  or,  in  comparison  of,  thee. 

The  believing  soul  seems  here  to  speak  in  the  person,  and  with 
the  affection,  of  a  spouse,  declaring,  that  not  only  earth,  but  heaven 
itself  would  be  unsatisfactory  and  comfortless  without  the  presence 
of  her  beloved  Redeemer,  the  God  of  her  salvation.  But  there  is 
a  pathos  in  the  words  themselves,  which  though  the  Christian  feels, 
the  commentator  cannot  express. 

26.  My  flesh  and  my  heart  faileth :  but  God  is  the  strength  of 
my  heart,  and  my  portion  for  ever.  * 

None  of  those  things,  in  the  abundance  of  which  the  wicked 
place  their  happiness,  can  deliver  us  in  the  day  of  death.  "  Flesh" 
must  revert  to  dust,  and  the  "  heart"  must  cease  its  beating.  He 
alone,  therefore,  is  the  proper  object  of  our  faith  and  love,  who  can 
support  and  carry  us  through  the  dreadful  hour,  and  then  raise  us 
again  to  be  our  "  portion  for  ever."  Lord  Jesus,  who  hast  so  gra- 
ciously promised  to  become  our  portion  in  the  next  world,  prevent 
us  from  choosing  any  other  in  this. 

27.  For  lo,  they  that  are  far  from  thee  shall  perish  :  thou  hast 
destroyed,  or,  icilt  destroy,  all  them  that  go  a  whoring  from  thee. 

They  who  are  "  far  from  God,"  are  just  so  far  from  salvation  ; 
and  of  course,  if  they  remain  in  that  situation,  must  "  perish." 
Nor  have  they  reason  to  expect  any  other  fate,  who  in  their  hearts 
depart  from  the  holy  Jesus,  after  he  has  betrothed  them  to  himself 


J12  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.LXXIV. 

in  righteousness ;  and  prefer  to  hira  the  vilest  and  basest  of  liis  ene- 
mies, the  world  and  the  flesh,  by  whose  wicked  hands  he  was  cru- 
cified and  slain. 

28.  But  it  is  good  for  me  to  draw  near  to  God:  I  have  put  my 
trust  in  the  Lord  God,  that  I  may  declare  all  thy  toorks. 

As  if  the  Psalmist  had  said,  in  other  words — Hear,  therefore, 
the  conclusion  of  the  whole  matter.  Let  others,  dazzled  by  the 
blaze  of  worldly  prosperity,  forsake  God,  to  obtain  a  share  of  it  ; 
or  murmur  against  him,  because  they  cannot  obtain  it.  I  am  per- 
suaded, it  now  is,  and  finally  will  be,  "  good,"  delightful,  profita- 
ble, and  honourable,  "for  me  to  draw  near,"  and  join  myself  "  to 
him ;"  which,  in  this  life,  I  can  do  no  otherwise  tlian  by  believing 
and  hoping  in  his  holy  name;  "I  will  put  my  trust  in  the  Lord 
God,"  and  excite  others  to  do  the  same,  by  "  declaring  his  works," 
and  dispensations ;  that  all  may  perceive  what  an  amazing  differ- 
ence will  one  day  be  made  between  him  who  lusteth  after  the  crea- 
ture, and  him  who  loveth  the  Creator. 


PSALM  LXXIV. 


ARCJUMENT. 

Uj)on  whatever  occasion  this  Psalm  mig-lit  have  beeu  originally  couiposcd, 
it  is  plainly  intended  for  the  use  of  the  church  in  time  of  persecution.  1. 
She  bemoans  herself  as  deserted  by  God;  the  return  of  whose  favour  she 
entreats;  2.  on  account  of  his  having  redeemed  her;  3 — 9.  the  ravages 
made,  and,  10.  the  reproaches  thrown  out  by  the  enemy  ;  11 — 15.  she  re- 
minds him  of  the  wonders  formerly  wrouf;ht  in  her  behalf,  and,  16,  17. 
ef  his  power  and  goodness,  manifested  in  the  common  course  of  nature ; 
19.  of  the  relation  in  which  she  stands  to  him;  20.  of  his  covenant;  21, 
22.  of  the  honour  of  his  name,  and  23.  the  increasing  fury  of  her  adver- 
saries, just  ready  to  swallow  her  up. 

1.  O  God,  why  hast  thou  cast  vs  off  for  ever?  why  doth  thine 
anger  smoke  against  the  sheep  of  thy  pasture. 

God  not  only  permits,  but,  by  his  prophet,  who  indited  this  form 
of  words,  directs  the  church,  under  persecution,  to  expostulate  with 
him,  for  having  to  all  appearance  finally  deserted  her.  And  that, 
in  such  deplorable  circumstances,  she  may  move  his  compassion, 
and,  as  it  were,  revive  his  love  towards  her,  she  is  taught  to  remind 
him  of  that  endearing  relation  which  once  subsisted  between  him 
and  his  people,  the  relation  of  a  "  shepherd"  to  his  "  sheep." 
The  soul,  when  led  into  captivity,  and  detained  in  it,  by  a  prevail- 
ing lust  of  passion,  may  make  her  prayer  likewise  in  these  woi'ds. 
adapted  to  her  case. 


Day  XIV.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  318 

2.  Remember  thy  congregation,  wliich  thoxi  hast  purchased  of 
old ;  the  rod,  or,  tribe,  or,  portion,  of  thine  inheritance,  vvhicli 
thou  hast  redeemed;  this  mount  Zion  ivherein  thou  hast  dwelt. 

The  Israelitisli  church  pleads  for  mercy  upon  these  considera- 
tions, that  God  had  formerly  vouchsafed  to  redeem  her  from  the 
Egyptian  bondage,  and  to  fix  his  residence  on  mount  Zion,  all 
which  would  prove  to  have  been  done  in  vain,  should  he  leave  her 
at  last  in  the  hands  of  her  enemies.  The  redemption  by  Jesus 
Christ,  and  his  habitation  in  the  church  Christian,  by  his  Spirit, 
are  the  corrcspondins;  arjiuments  to  be  urged,  on  similar  occasions, 
by  her,  and  by  the  believing  soul. 

3.  Lift  up  thy  feet  unto  the  perpetual  desolations  ;  even  all  that 
the  enemy  hath  done  wickedly  in  the  sanctuary. 

God  is  represented  as  having  withdrawn  himself,  and  departed 
afar  ofl";  he  is  therefore  entreated  to  return  without  delay,  to  view 
the  long  lasting  desolations  of  the  once  highly  favoured  city,  and  the 
ravages  made  by  aliens  in  the  sanctuary  ;  which  could  not  but  excite 
in  him  compassion  for  his  people,  and  indignation  against  their  ene- 
mies. Tlie  outwiU'd  calamities  of  a  persecuted  church  should  cause 
us  to  reflect  on  the  sad  havoc  and  devastation  made  by  sin  and  Sa- 
tan in  the  soul^  whicli  before  was  the  city  and  temple  of  the  living 
God. 

4.  Thine  enemies  roar  in  the  midst  of  thy  congregations,  or, 
places  of  ivorship  ;  they  set  up  their  ensigns  for  signs. 

No  sound  can  be  more  shocking  than  the  confused  clamour  of 
an  heathen  army  sacking  the  temple;  no  sight  so  afflicting  as  that 
of  "  the  abomination  of  desolation  standing  in  the  holy  place." 
Turbulent  passions  are  the  enemies  which  raise  an  uproar  of  con- 
fusion in  the  heart;  wealth,  power,  and  pleasure,  are  the  idols 
which  profane  that  sanctuary. 

5.  A  man  was  famous  according  as  he  lifted  up  axes  upon  the 
thick  trees.  6.  But  now  they  break  down  the  carved  work  thereof 
with  axes  and  hammers. 

The  difliculty  of  these  verses  lies  altogether  in  the  first  word, 
i'lr,  without  which  their  literal  construction  is  as  follows — "As 
he  who  lifted  up  axes  in  the  thick  wood,  so  now  they,"  the  ene- 
mies above-mentioned,  "  break  down  the  carved  work  thereof,"  of 
the  sanctuary,  "  with  hatchets  and  hammers."  Some  interpreters 
render  :fnr  impersonally ;  not  "  He  was  famous,"  'out  "  it  is  well 
known,"  it  is  manifest,  O  God,  to  all  the  world,  "  that  as  he  who 
lifteth  up  axes,  so  now,"  &c.  Or,  may  not  the  sense  be — "  as  ^nv, 
a  knowing  skilful  person,  one  who  understands  his  business,  lilted 
up  the  axe  in  the  thick  wood,  so  now  men  set  themselves  to  work  to 
40 


314  A  COMMEx\TARY  Psal.  LXXIV. 

demolish  the  ornaments  and  timbers  of  the  sanctuary."  The  words 
suggest  anotlier  reason  why  God  should  arise  and  have  mercy  upon 
Sion,  lest  his  name  should  be  blasphemed  among  the  nations,  when 
they  saw  and  heard  of  the  sacrilegious  and  horrible  destruction 
wrought  by  the  enemy;  whom  neither  the  majesty  of  the  temple, 
nor  the  reverence  of  its  Divine  inhabitant,  could  restrain  from  de- 
facing the  beauty  of  holiness.  The  ornaments  of  the  internal  and 
spiritual  temple  sometimes  suffer  as  much  from  the  fury  of  inordi- 
nate alVections,  as  the  carvetl  work  of  the  sanctuary  ever  did  from 
the  armies  of  Nebuchadnezzar  or  Antiochus. 

7.  Thexj  have  cast  jire  into  the  sanctuary ;  they  have  defiled^ 
or,  desecrated,  by  casting  down  the  dwelling-iilace  of  thy  name  to 
the  ground. 

The  gates  of  the  second  temple  were  set  on  fire  by  Antiochus  ; 
see  1  Mac.  iv.  38.  but  the  whole  fabric  of  the  first  was  burnt  by 
Nebuchadnezzar.  When  animosities  break  forth,  and  contentions 
are  raised  in  the  church,  "  fire  is  cast  into  the  sanctuary:''  when 
the  soul  sinks  under  a  temptation,  "  the  dwelling-place  of  God's 
name  is  desecrated  to  the  ground." 

8.  They  said  in  their  hearts,  Let  lis  destroy  them  together: 
they  have  burnt  up  cdl  the  synagogues  of  God  in  i^  land. 

Such  is  the  rage  of  infidels,  when  it  pleases  God,  for  the  sins 
of  his  people,  to  let  them  loose  upon  the  church,  as  beasts  of 
prey.  From  scenes  like  these,  we  learn  the  temper  and  disposi- 
tion of  that  raging  adversary  of  mankind,  and  his  associates ;  who. 
if  permitted,  would  root  out  Christianity  out  of  every  heart. 
"  Watch,  therefore,  and  pray,"  saith  the  Captain  of  our  salvation. 
to  all  his  soldiers. 

9.  We  see  not  our  signs:  there  is  no  more  any  prophet:  nei- 
ther is  there  among  us  any  that  knou:eth  how  long. 

Darkness  is  horrible  in  itself,  and  adds  horror  to  every  thing 
else.  The  church,  therefore,  -complains,  that  in  the  midst  of  all 
her  other  troubles,  she  was  deserted  by  the  light  of  heaven. 
No  "  signs,"  or  miracles,  were  exhibited  for  her  comfort ;  there 
was  no  "  prophet,"  to  inform  her  concerning  the  will  of  God,  or 
to  promise  her  an  "  end"  of  her  afllirtions,  as  Daniel  diil,  when 
she  was  a  captive  in  iJabylon.  Sin  darkens  the  understanding, 
•taking  from  it  that  liglit,  the  direction  of  which  it  then  stands  most 
in  need  of. 

10.  O  God,  houj  long  shall  the  adversary  reproavh?  shall  t hi 
enemy  blaspheme  thy  name  for  ever?  11.  Why  withdrawest  thou 
thine  hand,  even  thy  right  hand?  Pluck  it  out  of  thy  bosom. 

To  an  enumeration  of  calamities  succeeds  a  prayer  for  deliver- 


Day  XIV.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALIMS.  S|| 

ancc,  "/louiided  on  tlie  necessity  of  (iod's  vindicating  the  honour 
of"  liis  name  from  the  insolent  and  blasphemous  repioaches  and 
scofls  of  the  enemy.  See  Ezek.  xx.  19.  He  is  therefore  entreated 
to  make  bare  his  arm  in  the  sight  of  the  nations,  and  to  let  his  right 
hand  become  glorious  in  the  vindication  of  his  name,  and  the  de- 
lence  of  his  inheritance. 

12.  For  God  is  /hj/  Kiiiff  of  old,  working  salvation  in  the  midst 
nf  the  earth. 

And  that  he  will  do  so,  there  is  alxyays  reason  for  the  afflicted 
church  to  hope,  because,  as  iier  "  King,*'  he  conducted  and  pro- 
tected her  of  old,  and  wrought  "  salvation"  for  her  upon  the  earth; 
temporal  salvation  by  the  hand  of  Moses  ;  eternal  salvation  by  the 
power  of  (Jhrist. 

13.  Thou  didst  divide  the  sea  by  thij  strength:  thou  brakest 
the  heads  of  the  dragons  in  the  jcaters. 

The  first  part  of  this  verse  alludes  to  that  marvellous  act  of  Om- 
nipotence, which  divided  the  Red  Sea,  for  Israel  to  pass  over;  the 
second  part,  to  the  return  of  hs  waves  upon  the  heads  of  the  Egyp- 
tians, who,  like  so  many  sea-monsters,  opening  their  mouths  to  de- 
vour the  people  of  God,  were  overwhelmed,  and  perished  in  the 
mighty  waters.  The  Christian  church  is  taught  to  contemplate, 
under  this  figure,  the  salvation  of  her  children,  and  the  destruction 
of  their  spiritual  enemies,  by  the  waters  of  baptism.  See  1  Cor. 
\.  2.  and  the  Oflke  for  Baptism  in  the  Church  of  England.  Pa- 
rallel to  this  passage  in  our  Psalm  is  that  most  sublime  one,  Isa.  li. 
9,  10,  11.  "  Awake,  awake,  put  on  strength,  O  arm  of  the  Lord; 
awake,  as  in  the  ancient  days,  in  the  generations  of  old.  Art  thou 
not  it,  that  hath  cut  Rahab,  and  wounded  the  dragon  ?  Art  thou 
not  it,  that  hath  dried  the  sea,  the  waters  of  the  great  deep ;  that 
hath  made  the  depths  of  the  sea  a  way  for  the  ransomed  to  pass 
over.  Therefore,  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord  shall  return,  and  come 
with  singing  unto  Zion,  and  everlasting  joy  shall  be  upon  their 
heads;  they  shall  obtain  gladness  and  joy,  and  sorrow  and  mourn- 
ing shall  flee  away."' 

14.  Thou  brakest  the  heads  of  the  leviathan  in  pieces,  diwd  gavest 
him  to  be  meat  to  the  people  inhabiting  the  wilderness. 

"  Leviathan-'  stands  for  Pharaoh,  or  the  Egyptian  power,  repre- 
sented by  the  Egyptian  animal,  the  "crocodile"  of  Nile,  the  Egyp- 
tian river.  The  "  heads"  of  leviathan  are  the  princes  of  Egypt, 
the  leaders  of  the  Egyptian  armies.  And  '•'  the  people,  or  inha- 
l)itants  of  the  wilderness,"  to  whom  they  were  given  for  a  prey, 
are  not  men,  but  a  species  of  wild  beasts,  haunting  the  deserts,  for 
which  the  word  O'lV  is  used,  Isa.  \iii.  21.  and  xxxiv,  11.     The 


316  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXIV  . 

sense  therefore  is,  that  the  bodies  of  Pharaoh  and  his  captains  were 
thrown  on  shore  by  the  sea,  anfl  so  became  food  for  the  wild  beasts 
of  the  neighbouring  deserts.  The  final  destruction  of  the  adversa- 
ries of  Mcssiali's  kingdom  is  described  at  large  under  a  like  image, 
Rev.  xix.  17,  &c. 

15.  Thou  didst  cleave  the  fountain  and  the  food,  (that  is,  draw 
forth  the  fountain  and  the  food  by  cleaving  the  rock:)  thou  driest 
up  mighty  rivers. 

Two  other  remarkable  exertions  of  the  Divine  power,  in  favour 
of  the  Israelites,  are  here  referred  to.  Water  was  brought  out  of 
the  rock  to  satisfy  their  thirst  in  the  time  of  drought;  and  the  river 
Jordan  was  dried  up,  to  open  the  passage  for  them  into  Canaan. 
In  the  former  of  tliese  transactions,  faith  beholds  the  water  of  life 
springing  from  the  Rock  of  Salvation ;  in  the  latter  are  discerned 
the  mystic  death  ami  resurrection  of  Christians,  as  a  prelude  to  the 
corporeal;  when,  rising  from  the  depths  of  the  grave,  they  shall  en- 
ter into  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

IG.  The  day  is  thine,  the  night  also  1%  thine ;  thou  hast  pre- 
pared the  light  and  the  sun.  17 .  Thou  hast  set  all  the  borders  of 
the  earth :  thou  hast  made  summer  and  winter. 

From  the  miraculous  interpositions  of  God  in  the  behalf  of  his 
people,  the  church  passes  to  those  ordinary  and  standing  evidences 
of  his  goodness  towards  us,  the  sweet  vicissitudes  of  light  and  dark- 
ness, and  the  grateful  succession  of  times  and  seasons;  by  which 
man  is  taught,  in  the  most  sorrowful  night,  to  look  for  a  joyful 
morning ;  and,  during  the  severest  winter,  to  expect  a  reviving 
spring.  Thus  is  the  revolving  year  our  constant  instructer  and 
monitor ;  incessantly  inculcating  the  duties  of  faith  and  hope,  as 
Avell  as  those  of  adoration,  gratitude,  and  praise. 

18.  Remember  this,  that  Me  enemy  hath  reproached,  O  Lord, 
and  that  the  foolish  people  have  blasphemed  thy  name.  19.  O 
deliver  not  the  soul  of  thy  turtle-dove  unto  the  multitude  of  the 
wicked :  forget  not  the  congregation  of  thy  poor  for  ever. 

After  endeavouring  to  support  her  own  faith,  and  excite  the  zeal 
of  God  for  his  inheritance,  by  a  rehearsal  of  former  mercies,  the 
church  again  urges  the  argument  of  "  reproach,"  touched  on  be- 
fore, at  ver.  10;  and  then  reminds  her  Saviour  of  that  endearing 
appellation  of  his  "turtle-dove,"  by  which  he  had  not  disdained 
to  address  her  in  times  past.  This  turtle-dove,  simple,  defenceless, 
solitary,  meek,  timid,  and  mournful,  was  in  danger  of  being  speedily 
devoured  by  her  inveterate  and  implacable  enemies;  who,  like 
birds  of  prey,  beset  her  on  all  sides,  thirsting  impatiently  for  her 
blood.    What  an  irresistible  force  do  these  circumstances  give  to 


Day XIV.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  317 

the  words — '•  O  deliver  not  the  soul  of  thy  turtle-dove  unto  the 
multitude  of  the  wicked ;  and  forget  not  the  congregation  of  thy 
poor  for  ever  .'•'  Let  us  not  fail,  in  the  hour  of  temptation,  to  use 
them,  and  try  the  success  of  them. 

20.  Have  respect  unto  the  covenant :  for  the  dark  places  of 
the  earth,  or,  the  land,  are  full  of  the  habitations  of  cruelty. 

The  main  anchor  of  the  holy  ark,  in  storms  and  tempests,  is  faith 
in  the  covenant  of  grace,  made  from  the  beginning  in  Messiah; 
communicated  to  Noah,  Abraham,  David,  &:c.  as  his  illustrious  re- 
presentatives, and  in  them  to  the  house  of  Israel;  accom[)lished  (as 
Zacharias  beareth  witness  by  his  song,  Luke  i.  7~,  &c.)  at  the  birth 
of  Christ,  and  then  extended  to  tiie  Gentiles.  To  this  covenant, 
and  the  promises  made  therein,  the  church  here  appeals,  at  a  time 
when  the  enemy  ravaged  the  promised  land  at  pleasure,  and  every 
thing  seemed  to  forebode  the  utter  extirpation  of  the  law  and  peo" 
pie  of  God.  Hither,  therefore,  the  soul  is  to  fly  for  refuge,  when 
nothing  else  seems  capable  of  affording  any. 

21.  Olet  not  the  oppressed  return  ashamed:  let  the  poor  and 
needy  praise  thy  name. 

It  is  for  the  honour  of  God,  that  they  who  have  recourse  to 
him  for  help,  should  not,  by  '''returning"  without  it,  suffer  "shame'' 
and  confusion,  in  the  presence  of  their  insulting  adversaries.  And 
another  motive  to  engage  his  assistance  is,  that  for  every  lost  soul, 
there  will  be  a  voice  the  less  in  that  choir  which  is  to  "  praise  his 
name"  to  all  eternity. 

22.  Arise,  O  God,  plead  thine  own  cause  :  remember  how  the 
foolish  man  blasphcmeth  thee  daily.     23.  Forget  not  the  voice  of 

thine  enemies :  the  tumult  of  those  that  rise  up  agaiiist  thee  in- 
creaseth  continually. 

The  church,  growing  more  importunate  in  her  petitions,  as  the 
danger  increases,  beseeches  God  to  appear  in  her  cause,  as  being  in 
effect  his  own,  on  account  of  his  promises,  his  attributes  of  righte- 
ousness and  truth,  and  the  reproaches  cast  on  Him,  through  his 
people.  While  speaking,  she  seems  to  hear  the  tumultuous  cla- 
mours of  the  approaching  enemy  growing  every  minute  louder,  as 
they  advance ;  and  we  leave  the  "  turtle-dove,"  without  the  Divine 
assistance,  ready  to  sink  imder  the  talons  of  the  rapacious  eagle. 


'US  A  COMMENTARY  P.al.  LXXV. 

FIFTEENTH  DAY.— 3I(JRM.\G  PRAYER. 
PSALM  LXXV, 

AUGOIENT. 

The  prophet,  ].  gives  thanks,  with  the  chuicli,  to  God  for  the  inaiiifcstatioii 
of  liis  NAME,  and  the  wonders  of  salvation  wroug^ht  thereby.  2.  He  de 
Clares  his  resolution  of  executing'-  judgment  and  justice  in  his  kingdom, 
which,  3.  had  been  in  disorder  and  confusion:  4,  5.  he  rebukes  the 
wic'ced ;  6 — 8.  reminds  tliem  of  the  power,  providence,  connsels,  and 
judpnents  of  God;  9,  10.  he  concludes  with  repeating  his  resolution  to 
pr  ise  God;  to  break  the  power  of  wickedness;  and  to  establish  righte- 
ousness. 

1.  Unio  thcr,  0  God,  do  loc  give  thanks,  unto  thee  do  tvc  give 
ihanks:  for  tluit  thy  name  is  7iear,  thy  wondrous  toorls  declare. 

The  church  oflers  uj)  her  re[)eated  j)raises  to  God  for  deliverance  ; 
she  acknowledges  the  ijresence  of  his  name  in  the  midst  of  her, 
which  had  been  evidenced  by  the  "  wonderful  works"'  wrought  for 
her  salvation.  Upon  whatever  occasion  these  words  were  o)  igi- 
nally  indited,  the  Christian  church  now  celebrates  in  them  that 
great  deliverance.,  which,  by  so  many  miracles  of  mercy  and  power, 
hath  been  accomplished  for  her,  through  Messiah,  who  is  in  Scrip- 
ture frequently  styled,  "  the  name  of  Jehovah."    See  Isa.  xxx.  27. 

2.  When  I  shall  receive  the  congregation,  I  xciUjudge  jqn-ightly. 
The  first  verse  was  spoken  by  many  persons;  "  Unto  thee,  O 

God,  do  WE  give  thanks;"  here  the  speaker  is  one, and  that  one  is 
jjlainly  a  ruler,  who  promises,  that  when  he  shall  have  "  received 
the  congregation,"  or,  as  some  render  it,  '"  when  he  shall  have 
gotten  an  ajipointed,  or  fit  time,  or  season,"  that  is,  when  he  shall 
be  established  in  power  and  authority,  at  a  fit  time  and  place,  he 
will  "  judge  uprightly,"  and  introduce  a  thorough  reformation  into 
a  kingdom,  which,  as  we  shall  find  by  the  following  verse,  stood 
greatly  in  need  of  it.  From  these  circumstances  it  should  seem 
most  probable,  that  David  is  speaking  of  his  advancement  to  the 
throne  of  Israel,  and  the  intended  rectitude  of  his  administration, 
when  he  should  be  settled  thereon.  What  David  did  in  Israel,  was 
done  in  the  church  universal  by  him  who  sat  upon  the  throne  of 
David,  when  he  "  received"  for  his  inheritance  the  great  "  congre- 
gation" of  the  Gentiles,  and  the  earth  was  full  of  the  "  righteous- 
ness" of  Jehovah. 

3.  The  earth,  or,  the  land,  and  all  the  inhabitants  thereof,  arc, 
or,  tvere,  dissolved:  I  bear  vp  the  pillars  of  it. 

Civil  distractions,  and  the  continual  irruptions  of  foreign  ene- 


D.vyXV.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  31<J 

inies,  liad  thrown  the  Israelitish  afTairs  into  confusioU;  and  "  dis- 
solved'" the  IVame  of  government;  until,  by  the  re-establishment  oi 
royal  Authority,  countenance  and  support  were  ai^ain  given  to  all 
the  subordinate  magistrates;  who  are,  in  their  respective  stations, 
the  -  pillars"'  of  a  community.  Such  v/as  the  universal  corruption 
and  dissolution  of  manners  both  among  Jews  and  Gentiles,  when 
Messias,  entering  upon  his  regal  oflice,  reformed  the  world,  raised 
the  glorious  fabric  of  the  church,  and  made  his  apostles  and  their 
successors  the  "  pillars"  of  his  spiritual  kingdom.  Let  men  sup- 
port religion  ;  and  God  will  support  them. 

4.  1  said  unto  the  fools,  Deal  not  foolishly  ;  and  to  the  wickedj 
Lift  not  up  the  horn:  5.  Lift  not  up  your  horn  on  high;  speak 
not  with  a  stijf'neck. 

"  Where  the  word  of  a  king  is,  there  is  power."  The  prophet 
addresses  himself  to  the  opposers  of  his  government,  and  the  dis- 
turbers of  Israel :  he  urges  the  '•'  folly "  of  exalting  themselves 
against  their  prince;  and  exhorts  them,  for  their  own  sakes,  to  hu- 
mility and  obedience.  Is  not  this  the  very  message  which  the 
ministers  of  Christ  have  received  from  their  King,  and  are  com- 
manded to  deliver  to  the  world  ? 

C.  For  promotion  comet  h  neither  from  the  east,  nor  from  the 
west,  nor  from  the  south  :  7-  But  God  is  the  Judge;  he  putteth 
doivn  one,  and  setteth  up  another. 

The  opposition,  mentioned  in  the  preceding  verse,  was  called 
"  folly."  In  these  verses  it  is  proved  to  be  such ;  as  being  an  op- 
position, in  eftect,  to  the  counsels  of  heaven  ;  for,  not  by  worldly 
power  or  craft,  but  by  the  designation  and  providence  of  God  him- 
self, the  supreme  Judge  of  princes,  and  Disposer  of  kingdoms, 
was  the  house  of  Saul  "  put  down,"  and  the  house  of  David  '"'  set 
up."  And  are  not,  then,  the  enemies  of  the  Son  of  God  in  arms 
against  the  Father ;  who,  according  to  the  promises  going  before 
concerning  him,  hath  highly  exalted  him ;  hath  committed  all 
power  and  judgment  to  him;  and  hath  j>ut  all  things  under  his 
feet  ?  Yea,  and  the  hour  is  coming,  when  he  shall  put  down  all 
rule,  and  all  authority,  and  power,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  alone  shall 
be  exalted  in  that  day.  What  will  then  be  the  portitm  of  his  im- 
|)enitent  adversaries,  the  next  verse  will  inform  us. 

8.  For  in  the  hand  of  the  Loud  there  is  a  cup,  and  the  vine  /> 
red;  it  is  full  of  mixture,  and  he  poureth  out  of  the  same  :  but  the 
dregs  thereof  all  the  wicked  of  the  earth  shall  irring  them  out,  and 
drink  them. 

As  the  choicest  of  heavenly  blessings  are  frequently  in  Scrip- 
ture represented  by  the  salutary  effects  of  wine,  a  cup  of  which 


320  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXVL 

the  master  of  the  family  is  supposed  to  hold  in  his  hand,  ready 
to  distribute  due  portions  of  it  to  those  around  him ;  so  from  the 
noxious  and  intoxicating  qualities  of  that  liquor  when  drank  strong 
and  in  too  large  a  quantity,  is  borrowed  a  most  tremendous  image 
of  tlie  wrath  and  indignation  of  Almighty  God.  Calamity  and 
sorrow,  fear  and  trembling,  infatuation  and  despair,  the  evils  of 
the  present  life,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come,  are  the  bitter  ingre- 
dients which  compose  this  most  horrible  cup  of  mixture.  It  is 
entirely  in  the  hand  and  disposal  of  God,  who,  through  every  age, 
has  been  pouring  out  and  administering  of  its  contents,  more  or 
less,  in  proportion  to  the  sins  of  men.  But  much  of  the  strength 
and  power  of  the  liquor  still  remains  behind  until  the  day  of 
final  vengeance.  It  will  be  then  exhausted  even  to  the  dregs, 
by  unrepenting  rebels;  when  "burning  coals,  fire,  and  brim- 
stone," and  eternal  "  tempest,"  shall  be  "  the  portion  of  their 
cup,"  Psalm  xi.  6. 

9.  But  I  will  declare  for  ever;  I  icill  sing  i^raises  to  the  God  of 
Jacob. 

These  dispensations  of  mercy  and  judgment  the  prophet  resolves 
to  "  declare"  to  the  world  for  ever,  by  thus  "  singing"  the  works 
and  the  "  praises"  of  God,  in  psalms,  and  hymns,  and  spiritual 
songs.  And  while  we  now  sing  them,  we  declare  our  resolution  to 
be  the  same  with  his. 

10.  All  the  horns  of  the  wicked  also  will  I  cut  off;  but  the  horns 
of  the  righteous  shall  be  exalted. 

He  determines  likewise,  as  every  good  governor  should  do,  to 
exert  the  authority  with  which  he  was  intrusted;  to  break  the 
power  of  triumphant  wickedness ;  and  to  exalt  that  righteousness 
which  exalteth  a  nation;  hereby  rendering  himself  a  fit  image  of 
Him,  who  hath  since  done  away  transgression,  and  brought  in 
everlasting  righteousness,  who  will  one  day  turn  the  wicked  into 
hell,  and  exalt  his  faithful  servants  to  reign  with  him  in  heaven. 
Already  he  reigns  in  them  upon  earth  :  causing  "  all  carnal  affec- 
tions to  die  in  them,  and  all  things  belonging  to  the  Spirit  to  liv^. 
and  grow  in  them." 


PSALM  LXXVI. 


ARGUMENT. 
It  is  obvious,  al  first  siglit,  to  any  one  who  reads  this  Psahn,  that  it  was  com- 
posed as  a  tlianksgiving  hymn,   on  account  of  some  great  deliverance 
wrought  for  his  people  by  the  immediate  hand  of  (iod.     Tlie  miraculous 
destruction  of  the  Assyrian  army,  by  the  angel,  in  the  days  of  king  Heze- 


Day  XV.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  321 

kiali,  is  generally  pitcheii  uijon  as  the  subject  of  it,  and  affirmed  to  be  so 
by  tlie  ancient  Greek  inscription  iirefixed  to  it  in  the  LXX  version.  Tlie  pro- 
phet, 1,  2.  declares  the  glory  which  Cod  hatli  gotten  him  in  Israel;  3 — G. 
describes  the  circumstances  of  the  deliverance,  with  7.  a  reflection  there- 
upon ;  8 — 10.  he  mentions  the  elVci  ts  it  had  produced  among  the  nations, 
and  11,  12.  those  which  it  ought  to  produce  in  Israelitish  hearts.  The 
ideas  are  to  be  transferred  to  the  salvation  of  the  church  universal,  by  the 
destruction  of  sin  and  Satan,  and  tlie  overthrow  of  the  persecuting 
powers. 

1.  In  Judali  is  God  known;  hi.<i  name  is  great  in  Israel.  2.  In 
Salem  also  is  his  tabernacle^  and  his  dwelling  in  Zion. 

On  occasion  of  some  great  deliverance,  the  prophet  speaks  in 
transport  concerning  that  presence  and  protection  of  God,  wliich 
tlie  highly  favoured  Jndah  once  enjoyed.  She  enjoyed  thera 
wliile  she  continued  faithful,  and  really  was  what  she  professed 
to  be.  But  on  account  of  her  infidelity,  and  rejection  of  her 
Messiah,  an  alteration  of  circumstances  has  taken  place.  They 
are  no  longer  Jews,  who  are  such  outwardly,  nor  is  that  circumci- 
sion, which  is  outward  in  the  flesh  ;  but  they  are  Jews,  who  believe 
in  the  Son  of  God ;  and  they  are  of  the  circumcision,  who  are 
cleansed  by  him  from  all  filthiness  of  flesh  and  spirit.  The  Gentile 
Christian  church  hath  succeeded  to  the  privileges  of  the  Israelitish. 
In  her  now  '•  God  is  known"  by  the  Gospel;  and  "  his  Name  is 
great"  in  her,  by  reason  of  all  the  mighty  wonders  which  he  hatb 
wrought  for  her;  she  is  the  true  "  Salem,*'  or  city  of  peace;  she 
is  the  true  '•  Sion,"  the  spiritual,  holy,  and  beloved  hill;  and  in 
her  is  the  '•  tabernacle"  and  "  dwelling-place"  of  God  her  Saviour, 
by  the  Spirit. 

3.  There  brake  he  the  arj-ows  of  the  bow,  the  shield,  and  the 
sword,  and  the  battle. 

When  God  appeared  in  the  defence  of  his  ancient  people,  the 
weapons  of  their  enemies  were  at  once  blunted  and  broken,  and  all 
the  formidable  apparatus  of  war  became  in  a  moment  utterly  use- 
less. Such  was  the  event  when  the  holy  Jesus  entered  the  lists 
against  our  spiritual  adversaries  "  for"  us  ;  and  such  ever  will  be 
the  event  when  he  engages  them  "  in"  us. 

4.  Tliou  art  7nore  glorious  and  excellent  than  the  mountains  of 
prey. 

This  may  be  a  beautiful  apostrophe  to  mount  Sion,  (mentioned 
ver.  2.)  as  appearing  infmitely  more  glorious  and  excellent  through 
the  favour  and  protection  of  her  God,  than  the  arm  of  flesh  and  the 
instruments  of  war  could  render  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth,  wliich 
set  themselves  against  her;  and  which,  for  their  tyranny,  and  cru- 
elty, and  the  ravages  committed  by  them,  are  likened  to  those  moun- 
41 


322  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXVT. 

tains  where  beasts  of  prey,  with  similar  dispositions,  rove,  and  roar, 
and  devour.  The  powers  of  tlie  world  "  make  war  with  the  Lamb, 
whose  station  is  upon  mount  Sion;"  but  "the  Lamb  shall  over- 
come them,  for  he  is  Lord  of  lords  and  King  of  kings ;  and  they 
that  are  with  him  are  called,  and  chosen,  and  faithful,"  Rev,  xiv, 
1.  xvii.  14. 

5.  The  sioid-lieartcd  are  spoiled,  they  have  slept  their  sleep  ; 
and  none  of  the  men  might  have  found  their  hands.  6.  At  thy 
rebuke,  O  God  of  Jacob,  both  the  chariot,  or,  rider,  and  horse, 
are  cast  into  a  dead  sleep. 

It  must  be  acknowledged,  that  these  two  verses  seem,  in  a  very 
particular  manner,  to  point  at  the  miraculous  destruction  of  Senna- 
cherib's army,  when  the  "  stout-hearted,"  who  doubted  not  of  ta- 
king and  spoiling  the  holy  cit}'^,  were  themselves  suddenly  "  spoiled" 
of  strength  and  life;  they  "slept  tlieir  sleep,  and  found  not  their 
hands;"  they  awaked  not  again  to  the  use  of  their  powers  and  fa- 
culties; a  rebuking  blast  was  sent  from  the  God  of  Jacob,  under 
which  the  flower  of  Assyria  withered  in  the  space  of  a  night,  and 
in  the  morning  was  no  more;  "the  horse  and  his  rider  were  cast 
into  a  dead  sleep ;"  they  slept  the  sleep  of  death.  How,  in  a  mo- 
ment, were  the  mighty  fallen,  and  the  weapons  of  war  perished  ! 
How  astonishing  the  doM'nfal  of  the  tyrant  !  How  complete  the 
triumph  of  the  daughter  of  Sion  !  Such  will  be  the  destruction  of 
the  world  ;  such  the  salvation  of  the  people  of  God. 

7-  Thou,  even  thou  art  to  be  feared;  and  who  may  stand  in  thy 
sight  tvhen  once  thou  art  angry  ? 

Why  are  the  miraculous  exertions  of  Omnipotence  recorded  in 
the  book  of  life,  but  to  suggest  to  us  this  reflection,  that  God,  and 
God  only,  is  the  proper  object  of  our  fear;  since  neither  the  wis- 
dom of  the  wise,  nor  the  power  of  the  mighty,  no,  not  the  world  it- 
self, can  stand  a  single  moment  before  him,  "  when  once  he  is  an- 
gry." Yet  we  continue  to  dread  any  frowns  but  those  of  Heaven  ; 
and  one  poor,  vain,  sinful  man  shall,  through  a  course  of  sixty,  or 
seventy  years,  incessantly  and  undauntedly  tempt  and  provoke 
Him,  who  destroyed  1  85,000  in  a  night.  What  is  this  but  mad- 
ness! 

8.  Thou  didst  cause  judgment  to  he  heard  from  heaven;  the 
earth  feared,  and  ivas  still ;  9.  When  God  arose  to  judgment,  tu 
save  all  the  meek  of  the  earth,  or,  the  afflicted  of  the  land. 

A  destruction  so  far  exceeding  human  power,  was  evidently  the 
sentence  of  God's  judgment,  audibly  pronounced  from  the  eternal 
throne;  and  it  was  heard  by  all  the  earth  with  an  awful  silence, 
as  when  he  speaks  to  attentive  nature  in  thunder.     Such  was  th(^ 


Day  XV.  INI.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  323 

cflect  whicli  this  interposition  in  behalf  of  liis  people  produced 
among  the  sinvivin^^  Assyrians,  and  the  neitrhbominsj  nations.  Let 
us  can-}'  our  thoughts  on  to  the  sensations  wiiich  will  be  felt  in  the 
hearts  of  men  at  that  hour,  when  the  last  trump  shall  sound  in  the 
heavens,  and  the  earth  shall  shake  from  her  foundations ;  when 
God  shall  arise  to  execute  judgment  on  the  adversaries  of  his 
church ;  and  to  save,  with  an  everlasting  salvation,  all  the  meek 
and  alilicted  of  the  earth. 

10.  Surely  the  wrath  of  man  shall  praise  thee  ;  the  remainder 
of  wrath  shalt  thou  restrain. 

The  wrath  of  man,  and  of  Satan  himself,  against  the  church, 
turns,  in  the  end,  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  Cod,  who  represses  it 
when  at  its  height ;  and  at  all  times  appoints  those  bounds  which 
it  cannot  pass,  any  more  than  the  raging  waves  of  the  ocean  can 
overflow  their  appointed  barrier  of  sand. 

11.  Vow,  and  pay  unto  the  Lord  your  God:  ht  all  that  are 
round  about  him  bring  preseiits  unto  him  that  ought  to  be  feared. 
12.  He  shall  eut  off,  or,  restrain,  the  spirit  of  prinecs:  he  is  ter- 
rible to  the  kings  of  the  earth. 

If  such  should  have  been  the  gratitude  and  devotion  of  Israelites 
for  a  temporary  deliverance  from  the  fury  of  an  earthly  tyrant ; 
how  much  higher  ought  that  of  Christians  to  rise,  for  eternal  re- 
demption from  the  great  op|)ressor  ?  How  ought  they  to  "  vow, 
and  pay  their  vows  unto  the  Lord  their  Cod ;  to  bi  ing  presents," 
to  ofler  all  they  have,  and  all  they  are,  to  him  who  is  so  greatly 
"  to  be  feared,"  so  highly  to  be  loved;  to  him  who  "  restrains"'  the 
fury  of  evil  angels,  as  well  as  "  the  spirit  of  princes  ;"  and  is  "  ter- 
rible" to  the  powers  of  darkness,  no  less  than  to  "the  kings  of  the 
earth." 


PSALM  LXXVH. 


ARGUMENT. 

As  the  foregoing  Psalm  was  evidently  composed,  when  the  churcii  had  ob- 
tained deliverance  from  her  enemies,  this  seems  no  less  plainly  to  have 
been  written  at  a  time  when  she  was  in  captivity  imder  them.  It  con- 
tains, 1 — 4.  a  complaint  of  snficring^s;  and  5 — 20.  a  description  at  large 
of  the  struggle  between  distrust  and  faith;  which  latter  prevails,  by  hav- 
ing recourse  to  the  consideration  of  ancient  mercies;  particularly  that  of 
redemption  from  Egyjit.  The  Psalm  is  admirably  calculated  for  the  use 
and  consolation  of  any  church,  or  soul,  when  in  affliction  and  distress. 

1 .  I  cried  unto  God  with  my  voice,  even  unto  God  with  mu 
mice  ;  and  he  gave  ear  unto  me. 


31'4  A  COMMEiNTARY  Psal.  LXXVII. 

Uneasiness  in  the  heart  will  utter  itself  by  the  "  voice;"  and 
when  the  pain  is  intense,  the  "  cry"  will  be  loud.  Only  let  it  take 
a  right  direction,  and  ascend  to  heaven ;  let  the  application  be 
made  to  "  God,"  who  will  both  "  hear"  and  help ;  not  to  the 
world,  which  will  not  do  one,  and  cannot  do  the  other.  The  cries 
of  the  Son  of  God  alone  were  heard  for  his  own  sake;  the  cries  of 
all  other  men  are  heard  for  his  sake. 

2.  In  the  day  of  my  trouble  I  sought  the  Lord;  my  sore  ran 
in  the  night,  and  ceased  not;  Ileb.  my  hand  was  stretched  out  iri 
the  night,  and  ceased  not,  or,  loitkout  intermission :  my  soul  re- 
fused to  be  comforted. 

To  a  soul  deeply  sensible  of  the  world's  vanity,  and  the  misery 
of  sin,  every  day  is  a  ^^  day  of  trouble,"  and  the  whole  time  of 
lier  pilgrimage  is  a  long,  dark,  and  wearisome  "  night,"  during 
which  she  seeks  after  her  beloved  by  prayer;  and  for  the  sake  of 
liim,  and  those  future  joys  which  she  expects  in  his  presence,  the 
pleasures  of  sense  are  put  away  from  her,  and  she  "  refuses  to  be 
comforted"  by  such  comforters.  An  Israelite  cannot  enjoy  him- 
self in  Babylon;  a  Christian  cannot  lind  perfect  satisfaction  in  the 
world  ;  a  return  to  Jerusalem  will  employ  the  thoughts  of  both. 

3.  I  remembered  God,  and  tvas  troubled:  I  complained,  and  my 
spirit  ivas  overwhelmed.  Or,  I  remembered  God,  and  made  a 
noise,  i.  e.  in  prayer  to  him  ;  I  meditated,  and  my  spirit  loas  ob- 
scured, or,  darkeyied,  through  grief  and  affliction. 

This  is  a  fine  description  of  what  passes  in  an  aftlicted  and  de- 
jected mind.  Between  the  remembrance  of  God  and  his  former 
mercies,  and  the  meditation  on  the  seeming  desertion  under  pre- 
sent calamities,  the  affections  are  variously  agitated,  and  the 
prayers  disturbed,  like  the  tumultuous  waves  of  a  troubled  sea; 
while  the  fair  light  from  above  is  intercepted,  and  the  face  of  hea- 
ven overwhelmed  with  clouds  and  darkness. 

4.  Thou  holdest  mine  eyes  waking:  lam  so  troubled  that  I 
cannot  speak. 

Through  grief  and  anxiety  it  is  that  the  eyes  are  made  to  keep 
all  the  watches  of  the  night,  and  wait  in  vain  for  sleep  to  relieve 
them  from  duty,  until  the  tiawning  of  the  morning.  To  a  night 
so  sjjent,  may  a  season  of  captivity  or  persecution  be  compared. 
Thus  the  ancient  church  looked  for  the  first  advent  of  Christ ;  and 
thus  doth  the  churcli,  which  now  is,  expect  his  second  ;  prolonging 
her  vigils,  even  unto  the  dawning  of  that  morning,  which  is  at  once 
to  put  a  period  to  darkness  and  to  sorrow.  In  the  mean  time,  she 
giveth  herself  to  meditation  and  prayer. 

T).  I  have  considered  the  days  of  old,  the  years  of  ancient 


Day  XV.  M-.  p.  ON  TIIK  PSALMS.  323 

times.     G.  I  call  to  remembrance  my  soiiff  in  the  ni^Jit :  I  com- 
mune  with  mine  otrn  heart :  and  mi/  spirit  malccth  dUiirent  search. 

Recollection  of  fornier  mercirs  is  the  proper  antidote  against  a 
temptation  to  despair  in  the  day  of  calamity:  and  as,  in  the  Di- 
vine dispensations,  which  are  always  uniform  and  like  themselves, 
whatever  has  happened,  hai)])ens  again,  when  the  circumstances 
are  similar ;  the  experience  of  "  ancient  times"  is  to  be  called  in 
to  our  aid,  and  duly  consulted.  Nay,  we  may  perhaps  "  remem- 
ber" the  time,  when  we  ourselves  were  led  to  compose  and  utter 
a  "  song''  of  joy  and  triumph,  on  occasion  of  signal  mercies  vouch- 
safed us.  Upon  these  topics  we  should,  "  in  the  night  of  afllic- 
tion,  commune  with  our  own  hearts,  and  make  diligent  searcii," 
as  Dani«^l  did  in  Babylon,  into  the  cause,  the  nature,  and  the  pro- 
l)al)le  continuance  of  our  troubles;  with  the  proper  methods  of 
shortening,  and  bringing  them  to  an  end,  by  suffering  them  to  have 
their  intended  and  full  effect,  in  a  sincere  repentance  and  thorough 
reformation. 

7.  Will  the  Lord  cast  off  for  ever?  and  will  he  be  favourable 
no  more?  8.  Is  his  mercy  clean  gone  for  ever?  doth  his  promise 
fail  for  evermore?  9.  Hath  God  forgotten  to  be  gracious?  hath 
he  in  anger  shut  vp  his  tender  mercies? 

The  Psalmist  now  relates  the  process  of  his  meditations,  and 
of  that  controversy  which  arose  in  his  heart  between  faith  and 
distrust.  While  he  viewed  the  distressful  scene  around  him,  he 
found  himself  strongly  tempted  to  question  God's  love  of  the 
church;  to  think  that  he  had  finally  rejected  his  people;  that  the 
promised  mercy  of  redemption  would  never  be  accomplished;  and 
that  indignation  had  constrained  the  bowels  of  our  heavenly  Fa- 
ther, which  no  longer  yearned  towards  his  afflicted  children. 
These  were  the  thoughts  suggested  to  a  desponding  soul  by  the 
desolations  of  Sion  at  that  time ;  and  the  state  of  things  in  the 
world  may  possibly  be  such,  as  to  suggest  the  like  thoughts  to 
many  in  the  Christian  church,  before  our  Lord  shall  appear  again 
for  her  final  redemption.  Imaginations  of  the  same  cast  will  offer 
themselves  to  the  mind  of  the  sinner,  when  the  hand  of  God  has 
lain  long  and  heavy  upon  him,  by  the  infliction  of  outward  cala- 
mities, or  the  terrors  of  conscience. 

10.  j4nd  I  said,  This  is  my  infirmity :  but  I  will  remember  the 
years,  or,  changes,  of  the  right  hand  of  the  Most  High. 

To  the  insinuations  of  distrust,  Aiith  now  begins  to  reply.  The 
sufferer  checks  himself  in  his  former  train  of  thought,  and  humbly 
acknowledges  it  to  have  sprunf:  from  a  mind  dispirited,  and  ren- 


326  A  COMMExNTARY  Psal.LXXMI. 

dered  timid  by  misfortunes  ;  "  I  said,  This  is  my  infirmity ;"  but  he 
immediately  strengthens  himself  by  reflecting,  that  all  "  changes" 
in  the  conditions  of  men  are  effected,  for  reasons  of  infinite  wisdom 
and  goodness,  by  ''  the  right  hand  of  the  !\Iost  High ;"  which  is  not 
shortened,  but  can  sldl,  as  formerly,  when  he  sees  fit,  deliver  and 
exalt,  as  well  as  punish  and  depress  his  people.  What,  therefore, 
though  die  daughter  of  Sion  be  in  captivity,  and  her  enemies  insult 
over  her?  Messias  cometh,  who  shall  redeem  her  and  all  nations; 
and  then  shall  the  "  right  hand  of  the  Most  High"  work  a  universal 
and  a  glorious  "  change"  upon  tlie  eartli. 

11./  tnll  remember  the  works  oftke  Lord  ;  surely  I  icill  remem- 
ber thy  wonders  of  old.  12.  J  wdl  mt'ditate  also  of  all  thy  worksy 
and  talk  of  thy  doings. 

Thus  restored  to  a  right  frame  of  mind,  the  Psalmist,  instead  of 
brooding  any  longer  over  the  calamities  of  his  own  time,  resolves 
to  turn  his  thoughts  towards  the  Divine  dispensations  of  old;  to 
meditate  on  God's  former  works  and  wonders;  his  works  of  justice 
and  mercy,  of  power  and  w  isdom,  of  nature  and  grace ;  and  by 
gratefully  celebrating  them,  to  invigorate  his  faith  in  the  salvation 
to  come,  of  which  they  were  so  many  earnests  and  pledges.  And 
it  is  this  consideration  which  makes  the  eucharistic  Psalms  ever 
pleasing  and  ever  comfortable  to  the  mind;  they  are  appeals  to 
those  attributes  which  have  been  so  often  displayed  in  the  cause  of 
the  church;  they  are  acts  of  fahh,  looking  backward  to  the  past, 
and  forward  to  the  future;  they  are  praises,  and  they  are  prayers. 

13.  Thy  way,  O  God,  is  in  the  sanctuary,  or,  in  holiness;  who 
is  so  great  a  god  as  our  God. 

Faith,  now  reinstated  in  its  sovereignty  over  the  prejudices  and 
fears  of  the  soul,  and  again  placed  upon  the  judgment-seat,  pro- 
nounces the  "  ways"  or  proceedings  of  God  to  be  such,  as,  when 
weighed  in  the  balance  of  the  "sanctuary,"  and  judged  of  by  the 
Divine  rule  and  manner  of  acting,  will  be  found  agreeable  to  the 
standard  of  perfect  "  holiness."  An  assurance  is  likewise  ex- 
pressed, that  the  power  of  God,  however  it  may  for  a  time  lie  dor- 
mant, yet  still  retains  the  same  superiority,  of  which  former  ex- 
ertions show  it  to  have  been  possessed,  over  the  gods  of  the  nations, 
the  elements  of  nature,  and  the  powers  of  the  world  :  insomuch 
that  nothing,  which  was  ever  called  by  others,  or  called  itself, 
"  god,"  was  able  to  stand  before  Jehovah,  the  God  of  Israel  : 
"  Who  is  so  great  a  god  as  our  (Jod  ?"  Thus,  "  All  power  is  given 
unto  me  in  heaven  and  in  earth,"  saith  our  blessed  Lord,  Matt- 
xxviii.  18.  for  the  everlasting  consolation  of  the  Christian  church. 


Day  XV.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  327 

14.  Thou  art  the  God  that  docst  tconders:  thou  hnst  declared 
thy  strcnnth  among  the  people.  15.  Thou  hast  with  tliiiu,"  arm 
redeemed  thy  people,  the  sons  of  Jacob  and  Joseph. 

Israel,  in  times  of  trouble  and  distress,  was  wont  to  look  back 
to  the  "  wonders''  wroiigiit  in  Egypt,  and  the  redemption  of  all 
her  tribes  from  that  house  of  bondage.  We  Christians  are  tauglit, 
while  we  use  the  same  words,  to  regard  parallel,  but  more  impor- 
tant transactions;  we  reflect  on  the  "  wonders  wrought  for  the 
bodies  and  souls  of  men,  by  the  strength  and  the  arm  of  Jehovah," 
revealed  and  manifested  to  the  world  in  Christ ;  and  we  celebrate 
the  redemption,  not  of  the  "  sons  of  Jacob  and  Joseph"  oniy,  but 
of  all  nations,  from  the  bondage  of  corruption;  a  redemption,  com- 
pared with  which  the  deliverance  from  Egypt,  though  glorious  in 
itself,  hath  yet  no  glory  at  all,  by  reason  of  tiie  glory  that  so  far  ex- 
celleth.  Our  confidence  in  (Jod,  during  the  seasons  of  affliction, 
should  therefore  rise  in  proportion. 

l6.  I'Ae  waters  saw  thee,  O  God,  the  waters  saio  thee;  they 
were  afraid:  the  depths  also  were  troubled. 

The  waters  of  the  Red  Sea  are  here  beautifully  represented  as 
endued  with  sensibility,  as  seeing,  feeling,  and  being  confounded, 
even  to  the  lowest  depths,  at  the  presence  and  power  of  their  great 
Creator,  when  he  commanded  them  to  open  a  way,  and  to  form  a 
wall  on  each  side  of  it,  until  his  peo]jle  were  passed  over ;  until  his 
people  were  passed  over  whom  he  had  redeemed.  In  this  amazing 
transaction  let  us  beliold,  as  in  a  glass,  the  salvation  of  believers 
by  baptism,  through  the  death  and  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ, 
who  made  the  depths  of  the  grave,  as  he  had  done  those  of  the  sea, 
a  way  for  his  ransomed  to  pass  over ;  and  the  church,  hke  another 
Israel,  saw  her  enemies,  in  effect,  dead  at  her  feet. 

17'  The  clouds  poured  out  water  ;  the  skies  sent  out  a  sound: 
thine  arrows  also  went  abroad.  18.  The  voice  of  thy  thunder  was 
in  the  heaven:  the  lightnings  lightened  the  world;  the  earth 
trembled  and  shook. 

It  is  said,  Exod.  xiv.  24.  that  at  the  time  when  Israel  was  pas- 
sing the  sea,  "  the  Lord  looked  upon  the  host  of  the  Egyptians 
through  the  pillar  of  fire  and  the  cloud,  and  troubled  the  host  of 
the  Egyptians,  and  took  ofl'  their  chariot  wheels,  and  made  them 
to  go  heavily ;  so  that  the  l>gyptians  said,  Let  us  flee  from  the 
face  of  Israel ;  for  the  Lord  fighteth  for  tliem  against  the  Egyp- 
tians." The  verses  of  our  Psalm  now  before  us,  seem  to  explain 
more  particularly  the  manner  in  which  the  Lord  "  looked  upon, 
and  troubled,  and  fought  against  the  Egyptians,"  upon  that  occa- 
sion ;  namely,  by  thunders  and  lightnings,  storms  and  tempests. 


328  A  COMMEiNTARY  Tsal.  LXXVII. 

rain,  hail,  and  eartliquake,  the  usual  tokens  and  instruments  of 
Almighty  displeasure.  Josephus,  in  like  manner,  relates  that  the 
destruction  of  the  Egyptians  was  accompanied  by  storms  of  rain 
from  heaven ;  by  dreadful  thunders  and  lightnings ;  and  in  short, 
by  every  possible  circumstance  of  terror,  which  could  testify  and 
inflict  upon  man  the  vengeance  of  an  incensed  God.  From  scenes 
like  these  we  learn  to  form  an  idea  of  that  power,  which  discom- 
fited the  infernal  host;  raised  Christ  from  the  dead;  vanquished 
opposition  and  persecution  ;  subdued  the  world  to  the  obedience  of 
faith;  supports  and  protects  the  church  ;  will  overthrow  antichrist; 
raise  the  dead;  cast  the  wicked,  with  death  and  Satan,  into  the  lake 
of  fire;  and  exalt  the  righteous,  to  sing,  with  angels  in  heaven,  the 
"  song  of  JMoses  and  of  the  Lamb."     See  Rev.  xv.  3. 

19-  Thy  way  is  in  the  sea,  and  thy  paths  in  the  great  waters, 
and  thy  footsteps  are  not  known. 

The  dispensations  and  ways  of  God,  like  the  passage  through 
the  Red  Sea,  arc  all  full  of  mercy  to  his  people;  but  they  are  also, 
like  that,  often  unusual,  marvellous,  inscrutable;  and  we  can  no 
more  trace  his  footsteps,  than  we  could  have  done  those  of  Israel, 
after  the  waters  had  returned  to  their  place  again.  Let  us  resolve, 
therefore,  to  trust  in  him  at  all  times;  and  let  us  think  v/e  hear 
Moses  saying  to  us,  as  he  did  to  the  Israelites,  when  seemingly  re- 
duced to  the  last  extremity;  "  Fear  ye  not,  stand  still,  and  see  the 
salvation  of  Jehovah,"'  Exod.  xiv.  13. 

20.  Thou  leddest  thy  people  like  ajiock,  by  the  hand  of  Moses 
and  Aaron. 

The  loving-kindness  of  God  towards  Israel  did  not  stop  at  the 
Red  Sea,  but  he  conducted  his  chosen  flock,  by  the  guidance  of 
fahhful  pastors,  through  all  the  perils  of  the  wilderness,  to  the  land 
of  promise.  We  likewise,  through  thy  mercy,  O  blessed  Lord 
Jesus,  have  passed  the  Red  Sea  at  our  baptism  :  and  are  now  jour- 
neying in  the  wilderness.  Give  us  those  meek,  and  lowly,  and 
tractable  dispositions,  which  become  the  sheep  of  thy  pasture;  set 
over  us  skilful  and  vigilant  shepherds ;  and  be  thou  ever  both  with 
them  and  with  us;  until,  having  surmounted  all  difliculties  and 
dangers,  led  by  thy  grace,  and  supported  by  thy  piovidencc,  we 
all  come  in  perfect  safety  to  the  land  of  everlasting  rest ;  there  to 
live  with  thee,  one  fold  under  one  shei)herd,  world  without  end. 


DayXV.  E.P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  329 

FIFTEENTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  LXXVIII. 

ARGUMENT. 

riiis  Psalm  containcth  a  declaration  of  God's  dealings  with  iiis  people,  and 
of  their  behaviour  to  him  in  Efrj'pt,  in  tiic  wilderness,  and  after  their 
settlement  in  Canaan,  to  the  days  of  David.  It  is  written  for  the  use 
and  admonition  of  Christians;  who  may  licre  view,  as  in  a  glass,  the 
mercies  they  have  received,  and  the  returns  which,  alas,  they  have  but 
too  often  made  for  them. 

1.  Giiw  ear,  O  mxj  people,  to  my  law:  incline  your  ears  to  the 
words  of  my  mouth. 

In  this  verse  the  Psahnist  opens  his  commission,  and  speaks  as 
one  having  authority  from  above  to  instruct  the  world.  He  de- 
mands a  large  and  attentive  audience,  while,  by  a  series  of  exam- 
ples, he  sets  forth  the  goodness  of  God,  and  the  ingratitude  of  man, 
for  the  admonition  of  succeeding  ages,  to  the  end  of  time.  St.  J'aul, 
speaking  of  the  very  transactions  related  in  our  Psalm,  saith  of 
them,  "  Now  all  these  things  happened  unto  them  for  ensamples, 
Gr.  r-jTrai,  types;  and  they  are  written  for  our  admonition,  upon 
whom  the  ends  of  the  world  are  come,"  1  Cor.  x.  11.  We  Chris- 
tians, therefore,  must  consider  ourselves  as  the  "  people"  who  are 
to  "  give  ear  to  the  law,"  or  "  doctrine,"  inculcated  by  the  follow- 
ing epitome  of  the  Israelitish  history ;  we  must  "  incline  our  ears 
to  the  words  of"  the  prophet's  ''  moutli." 

2.  Iioillopen  my  mouth  in  a  parable:  I  will  utter  dark  sayings 
of  old;  3.  Which  we  have  heard  and  known,  and  our  fathers  have 
told  us. 

The  Psalm,  being  in  itself  a  plain  narrative  of  facts,  can  con- 
tain nothing  parabolical  or  enigmatical  in  it,  unless  tho.se  facts 
were  what  St.  Paul  Affirms  them  to  have  been,  "  ensamples," 
types,  or  representations  of  other  facts  relative  to  the  Christian 
church.  As  facts,  they  were  "  heard  and  known,"  and  handed 
down  from  father  to  son  ;  but  with  respect  to  the  instructions  and 
admonitions  comprehended  in  them,  and  to  be  extracted  by  an  ap- 
plication to  parallel  times  and  circumstances,  they  had  the  nature 
of  a  "  parable,"  requiring  wisdom  and  attention  so  to  understand 
and  apply  them.  It  is  observable  that  our  Lord  is,  by  St.  Matthew, 
said  to  have  spoken  to  the  multitude  altogether  in  parables,  "  that 
it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken  by  the  prophet,  saying,  I 
will  open  my  mouth  in  parables,"  &c.  citing  the  second  verse  of 
42 


330  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXVIII. 

the  Psalm  now  before  us,  Matt.  xiii.  35.  If  it  doth  not  follow  from 
this  citation,  that  the  pro})het  actually  speaks  the  Psalm  in  the  per- 
son of  Christ,  yet  thus  much  at  least  is  evident  from  it,  that  the  his- 
tory of  old  Isi  ael  somewhat  resemliles  the  letter  of  the  gospel  pa- 
rables, and  contains,  shadowed  out  under  it,  the  history  of  a  corres- 
pondent state  of  things  in  the  r>ew  Israel,  or  church  Christian.* 
And  although  the  Psalm,  like  a  large  and  capacious  palace,  be 
laid  out  into  a  multitude  of  diflerent  apartments;  yet,  perhaps,  we 
may  find  that  the  Scriptures  of  the  New  Testament  will  furnish  us 
with  a  key  which  will  gain  us  admission  into  every  one  of  them, 
and  put  fis  in  possession  of  the  treasures  of  divine  wisdom  therein 
deposited. 

4.  We  will  not  hide  them  from  their  children,  shelving  to  the 
generation  to  come,  Ileb.  the  latter  generation,  the  2)raises  of  the 
Lord,  and  his  strength,  and  his  wjnderfnl  icorJcs  that  he  hath 
done. 

Tlic  writer  of  this  Psalm  is  desirous  that  "  the  praises  of  Jeho- 
vah, his  strength,  and  the  wonderful  works  that  he  hath  done,"  an 
account  of  which  had  reached  his  own  time,  should  be  transmitted 
through  all  the  periods  of  the  Jewish  economy,  down  to  the  |nnx 
11  ,  the  '^  latter  generation,"  or  generation  to  arise  in  the  "  latter 
days ;"  the  generation  of  the  faithful  to  be  begotten  unto  God 
from  among  the  Gentiles,  through  the  Gospel.  Of  this  generation 
are  we,  who  now  in  these  words  of  the  holy  Psalmist,  do  from  age 
to  age  "  show  the  praises  of  the  Lord,"  our  Saviour,  "  and  his 
strength,  and  his  wondrous  works  that  he  hath  done"  for  us,  as  he 
promised  and  foreshowed  in  his  dispensations  of  old  time.  The 
glorious  theme  was  delivered  by  the  Israelitish  to  the  Christian 
church,  and  will  be  resumed  in  heaven,  there  for  ever  to  employ  the 
tongues  of  saints,  and  the  harps  of  angels. 

5.  For  he  established  a  testimony  in  Jacob,  and  appointed  a  law 
in  Israel,  ivhich  he  commanded  our  fathers  that  they  shmild  make 
them  known  to  their  children  ;  G.  That  the  generation  to  come,  or, 
latter  generation,  might  know  thein,  even  the  children  which 
should  be  born;  who  should  arise,  and  declare  them  to  their 
children. 

The  account  of  God's  dealings  with  his  people,  to  be  celebrated 
in  our  Psalm,  begins  with  the  "  law,"  or  "  testimony,  apj)ointed 
and  established  in  Israel,"  by  the  hand  of  Moses.  Under  these 
names  are  comprehended  not  only  the  precepts  and  ceremonies, 
but  the  several  transactions  to  which  they  referred,  and  in  comme- 

*  'In  parabolis" — Aliud  dicit ;  aliud  innult:  ac  pia-tcritorum  specie  fu- 
ajia  prjcsagit.    Id  quog^ut  ex  persona  Christi,  Matt.  xiii.  35.    Bossiut 


Day  XV.  K.  P.  ON  THE  PSAL.AIS.  ;3J1 

monition  of  which  they  were  instituted ;  as  also  that  future  salva- 
tion, to  wliich  the}-,  as  well  as  the  transaction'?,  had  an  aspect. 
Thus  the  passover,  for  instance,  looked  backward  to  the  redemp- 
tion by  JMoses,  and  forward  to  that  by  Messiah.  The  law  thus 
considered,  as  involving  the  (rospel  within  it,  was,  to  understand- 
ing and  pious  Israelites,  the  fountain  of  wisdom,  and  source  of  de- 
light. They  were  to  ^leditate  therein  day  and  nisiht,  and  teach 
their  children  to  do  likewise;  until,  with  its  types  realized,  and  its 
prophecies  acomplished  in  the  Redeemer,  it  sliould  go  forth  out  of 
Sion  in  perfect  beauty,  and  run  and  be  glorified  among  the  nations. 
The  "law*-  and  the  "testimony"  are  now  become  ours  ;  audit 
is  our  duty  to  transmit  them  down  to  latest  posterity,  until  Jesus 
shall  return  to  judgment. 

7.  That  they  might  set  their  hope  in  God,  and  not  forget  the 
works  of  God;  but  keep  his  commandments:  8.  And  might  not 
he  as  their  fathers,  a  stubborn  and  rebellious  generation  ;  a  gene- 
ration that  set  not  their  heart  aright,  and  whose  spirit  teas  not 
steadfast  with  God. 

The  reason  is  here  assigned  why  God  gave  Israel  a  law,  and  com- 
manded that  fathers  should  teach  it  to  their  children,  and  their  chil- 
dren's children ;  and  the  same  reason  holds  with  regard  to  the  Gos- 
pel ;  namely,  that  the  chosen  people,  renouncing  the  world,  with 
its  idols  and  lusts,  should  believe  and  "set  their  hope  in"'  the  true 
"  God,-'  the  only  Saviour;  that  they  should  "not  torget  the  works'' 
which  he  hath  wrought  for  their  redemption;  and  that,  ever  mind- 
ful of  those  works,  they  should  love  him,  and  "  keep  his  command- 
ments;*' not  lollowing  the  examples  of  the  fathers  of  Israel,  who 
proved  "  faithless,"  and  "  rebellious'*  in  the  wilderness,  when 
God  had  brought  them  out  of  Egypt.  This  is  the  very  use  St. 
Paul  makes  of  those  examples.  "  With  some  of  them,"  says  he, 
"  God  was  not  well  pleased,  for  they  were  overthrown  in  the  wil- 
derness. Now  these  things  were  our  examples,"  rvTot  >;,ii&iv,  "  to  the 
intent  we  should  not  lust  after  evil  thin'js,  or  be  idolaters,  or  com- 
mit fornication,"  &c.  &c.  "  as  did  some  of  them,*'  1  Cor.  x.  5. 

9.  The  children  of  Ephraini  being  armed,  and  carrying  botes, 
turned  back  in  the  day  of  battle. 

As  the  context  treats  concerning  the  liehaviour  of  Israel  in  ge- 
neral, upon  their  coming  out  of  Egypt ;  and  as  the  cowardice  of  the 
tribe  of  Ephraim  in  jiarticular,  at  that  time,  is  nowhere  mentioned  ; 
it  is  therefore  most  probable,  that  one  tribe  is  here  put  for  all  tlic 
rest;  and  that  under  the  figure  of  men,  when  prepared  for  battle, 
turning  their  backs  at  sight  of  an  enemy,  is  pointed  out  that  dispo- 
sition of  the  Israelites,  after  all  their  promises,  resolutions  and  vow.« 


332  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXVIII. 

of  serving  and  obeying  God,  to  fall  away,  and  relapse  into  sin, 
upon  the  first  temptation.  How  often  is  this  the  case  with  the 
Christian  soldier?  Let  not  him,  who  hath  but  just  put  on  his  spi- 
ritual armour,  boast,  lilie  him  who  is  putting  it  oft',  when  the  fight  is 
over,  and  the  victory  obtained. 

10.  Thei/  kept  not  the  covenant  of  God,  and  refused  to  loalk  in 
Ms  law;  11.  And  forgot  his  works,  and  fqs  loonders  that  he  had 
shewed  them.  12.  Marvellous  things  did  he  in  the  sight  of  their 
fathers  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the  field  of  Zoan. 

These  verses,  it  is  apprehended,  describe  in  plain  terms,  what 
was  metaphorically  expressed  in  the  verse  preceding,  namely,  the 
proneness  of  the  Israelites  to  break  the  "  covenant,"  transgress  the 
''  law,"  and  forget  the  "  works"  of  God,  even  those  astonishing 
works  wrought  in  "  Egypt,"  and  in  "  Zoan,"  its  capital  city.  Let 
the  Christian,  who  perhaps  is  amazed  at  the  frequent  rebellions  of 
stifl'-necked  Israel,  reflect  a  little  within  himself,  how  he  has  ob- 
served the  baptismal  "covena'nt;"  how  he  has  "  walked  in  the 
law,"  and  with  what  gratitude  he  has  remembered  the  "  mar- 
vellous works"  of  Jesus. 

13.  He  divided  the  sea,  and  caused  them  to  pass  through;  and 
he  made  the  waters  to  stand  as  an  heap. 

From  the  miracles  wrought  in  Egypt,  the  Psalmist  proceeds 
to  what  happened  at  the  exodus.  And  here  he  fails  not  to  men- 
tion that  great  work  of  Almighty  power,  the  division  of  the  Red 
Sea,  which  was  ever  uppermost  in  the  thoughts  of  a  devout  Is- 
raelite ;  as  the  passage  of  the  church,  in  Christ  her  Saviour, 
through  the  grave  and  gate  of  death,  ought  never  to  depart  from  the 
memory  of  a  Christian. 

14.  In  the  day-lime  also  he  led  them  ivith  a  cloud,  and  all  the 
night  with  a  light  fire. 

During  the  forty  years'  pilgrimage  of  Israel  in  the  wilderness, 
a  preternatural  column  of  fire  and  cloud  attended  the  camp.  It 
rested  with  them,  and  moved  on  before  them,  directing  and  con- 
ducting them  in  their  journeys;  in  the  night  season  it  was  a  bright 
and  shining  light ;  and  in  the  day-time  it  afforded  a  grateful  cooling 
shade  from  the  burning  heat  of  those  sultry  deserts.  Thus  is 
Christ  present  with  his  church,  while  she  sojourns  u})on  earth,  by 
his  word  and  his  Spirit,  guiding  her  steps,  enlightening  her  dark- 
ness, and  mitigating  her  sorrows. 

15.  He  clave  the  rocks  in  the  wilderness,  and  gave  them  drink 
as  out  of  the  great  depths.  1 6.  He  brought  streams  also  out  of  the 
rock,  and  caused  icatet-s  to  run  dotcn  like  rivers. 

''  Let  us,"  saith  bishop  Taylor, "  by  the  aids  of  memory  and  fancy, 


Day  XV.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  33S 

consider  the  children  of  Israel  in  the  wilderness,  in  a  barren  and 
dr}'  land  where  no  water  was,  marching  in  dust  and  fire,  not  wet 
with  the  dew  of  heaven,  but  wholly  without  moisture,  save  only 
what  dropped  from  their  own  brows.  The  air  was  fire,  and  the  ver- 
min was  fire ;  the  llying  serpents  were  of  the  same  kindred  with 
the  firmament;  their  sting  was  a  flame,  their  venom  was  a  fever, 
and  the  fever  a  calenture;  and  the  whole  state  of  the  Israelites' 
abode  and  travel  was  a  little  image  of  the  day  of  judgment,  when 
the  elements  shall  melt  with  fervent  heat.  These  men,  like  sala- 
manders walking  in  fire,  dry  with  heat,  scorched  with  thirst,  and 
made  yet  more  thirsty  by  calling  upon  God  for  water;  suppose,  I 
say,  these  thirsty  souls,  hearing  Moses  promise  that  he  would  smite 
the  rock,  and  that  a  river  should  break  forth  from  thence;  observe 
how  presently  they  run  to  the  foot  of  the  springing  stone ;  thrusting 
forth  their  heads  and  tongues  to  meet  the  water,  impatient  of  delay, 
crying  out  that  the  water  did  not  move,  like  light,  all  at  once :  and 
then  suppose  the  pleasure  of  their  drink,  the  insatiableness  of  their 
desire,  the  immensity  of  their  appetite :  they  took  in  as  much  as 
they  could,  and  they  desired  much  more.  This  was  their  sacra- 
ment, and  this  was  their  manner  of  receiving  it.  And  if  that  water 
was  a  type  of  our  sacrament,  or  a  sacrament  of  the  same  secret 
blessing,  then  is  their  thirst  a  signification  of  our  duty."* 

17.  -^iid  they  sinned  yet  more  against  him,  by  provoking  the 
Most  High  in  the  tcilderness.  1 8.  And  they  tempted  God  in  their 
hearts,  by  asking  meat  for  their  lust.  19.  Yea,  th<y  spake 
against  God:  they  said,  Can  God  furnish  a  table  in  the  tvildcr- 
ness?  20.  Behold,  he  smote  the  rock,  that  the  waters  gushed  out, 
and  the  streams  overflowed ;  can  he  give  bread  also  ?  can  he  pro- 
vide flesh  for  his  people  ? 

These  frequent  rebellions  of  Israel,  with  the  presence  of  God 
in  the  midst  of  them,  and  his  miracles  before  their  eyes,  would 
seem  incredible,  had  they  been  related  any  where  but  in  the  ora- 
cles of  truth;  and  did  not  the  heart  of  every  self-knowing  Chris- 
tian at  once  acknowledge  the  picture  which  is  here  drawn  of 
human  nature,  its  incredulity  and  perverseness.  For  hath  not 
God  delivered  us  from  the  house  of  bondage,  and  supported  us  in 
the  wilderness?  Is  not  Jesus  present  in  the  church,  and  are  not  his 
miracles  of  love  and  mercy  continually  before  our  eyes,  in  the 
word  and  in  the  sacrament  ?  Yet,  who  does  not  still  "  provoke" 
and  "  tempt  the  Most  High  ?"  who  does  not  ask  provision  for  his 
"  lust,"  when  his  necessities  are  satisfied  ?  and  who,  after  all  the 

■   Wordiy  Communicant,  p.  9i. 


334  A  COMMf:NTARY  Psal.  LXXVIII. 

j)roofs  he  has  had  of  Crod's  power  and  goodness,  is  not  apt,  upon 
every  appearance  of  danger,  to  be  diffident  and  distrustful  of  his 
providence?  Before  we  condemn  others,  let  us  try  ourselves,  and 
judge  righteous  judgment.  When  David  pronounced  the  words, 
"  The  man  that  hath  done  this  thing  shall  surely  die,-*  little  did  he 
think  of  being  told,  by  his  faithfid  monitor,  "  Thou  art  the  man." 
Conscience,  if  duly  interrogated,  will  be  a  Nathan  to  every  one, 
and  show  him  his  own  transgressions  in  those  of  old  Israel. 

21.  Therefore  the  Lokd  heardiKis,,  and  ti:asicroth;  so  a  frc 
7cas  kindled  against  Jacob,  and  anger  also  came  up  against  Israel; 
22.  Because  they  believed  not  in  God,  and  trusted  not  in  his  sal- 
vation: 23.  Though  he  had  commanded  the  clouds  frorn  above, 
find  opened  the  doors  of  heaven,  24.  And  had  rained  down  man- 
na upon  them  to  eat,  and  had  given  them  of  the  corn  of  heaven. 
25.  Man  did  eat  angels'' food:  he  sent  them  meat  to  the  full. 

The  discontents,  mentioned  above  in  verse  17,  &c.  were  pos- 
terior not  only  to  the  miracle  at  the  rock,  but  also  to  the  gift  of 
"  manna,-'  which,  after  some  little  lime,  the  people"  loathed,"  and 
demanded  "  flesh,"  repenting  that  they  had  forsaken  Egypt,  where 
they  fared  more  to  their  satisfaction.  See  IVumb.  xi.  The  cause 
of  the  discontents  was  infidelity,  and  the  effect  of  them  a  display 
of  God's  indignation ;  "  The  Lord  was  wroth — because  they  be- 
lieved not,"  &c.  Now,  as  St.  Paul  styles  the  water,  "  spiritual,"  or, 
sacramental  "  drink,"  proceeding  from  a  '•  spiritual  Rock,"  which 
Rock  was  Christ;"  so  he  terms  the  manna  "  spiritual,"  or  sacra- 
mental "  meat;'"  they  ''  did  all  eat  the  same  spiritual  meat,"  1  Cor. 
X.  3.  And  our  Lord,  in  John  vi.  discourses  at  large  upon  the  sub- 
ject, to  convince  the  Jews,  that  God,  who  gave  to  their  fathers 
manna  in  the  wilderness,  had  in  him  given  them  "  the  true  bread" 
of  eternal  life,  which  the  manna  was  intended  to  represent.  '•  I 
am  the  living  bread  which  came  down  from  heaven ;  if  any  man 
eat  of  this  bread,  he  shall  live  for  ever ;  and  the  bread  that  I  will 
give,  is  my  flesh,  which  I  will  give  for  the  life  of  the  world." 
Christ  crucified  is  the  support  of  spiritual  and  eternal  life;  faith  is 
the  mouth  by  which  this  support  is  received;  manna  was  an  out- 
ward and  visible  sign  of  it  to  the  Israelites  in  the  wilderness;  the 
cucharistic  bread  is  such  to  Christians  in  the  world.  When  that 
holy  ordinance  is  celebrated,  "  the  doors  of  heaven  are  oijened,'' 
spiritual  food  is  given  from  above,  "  and  man  eats  tZjn'Ux  rDVh 
the  I)read  of  the  mighty  ones;"  whether  by  "  mighty  ones"  we 
understand  those  who  eat  the  bread,  and  are  invigorated  thereby  ; 
or  the  blessed  persons  who  give  the  bread  to  man.  Such  is  our 
jnanna,  our  sustenance  in  the  wilderness,  our  viaticum,  while  on 


Day  XV.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  335 

the  road  to  Canaan.  But  how  is  it  -•  loathed"'  and  despised,  in  com- 
parison witli  the  Ik'sh-pots  of  Egypt,"  by  men  "  who  beUeve  not  in 
Ciod,  and  trust  not  in  his  salvation:"'  Will  not  the  same  cause  pro- 
duce the  same  efl'ect :  "  Will  not  Jehovah  hear  this,  and  be  wroth  ?"' 
Will  not  ''  a  fne  be  kindled  against  Jacob,  and  anger  also  come  up 
against  Israel  ?  For  this  cause,*'  saith  an  apostle  to  the  irreverent 
Corinthian  receivers,  '•  many  are  weak,  and  sickly  among  you,  and 
many  sleep,"  1  Cor.  xi.  30. 

26.  He  caused  an  east  iiy'tiul  to  blow  in  the  heaven  :  and  by  his 
power  he  brought  in  the  south  wind.  27.  lie  rained Jiesh  also  upon 
them  as  dust,  and  feathered  f aids  like  m  the  sand  of  the  sea;  28. 
yind  he  let  \ifall  in  the  midst  of  their  camp,  round  about  their  ha- 
bitations. 29.  So  they  did  eat,  and  were  tvcll  filed :  for  he  gave 
them  their  own  desire;  30.  They  were  not  estranged  from  their 
lust:  but  while  the  meat  was  yet  in  their  mouths,  31.  The  wrath  of 
God  came  upon  them,  and  slew  the  fattest  of  them,  and  smote  doivii 
the  chosen  men  of  Israel. 

The  people,  discontented  with  manna,  asked,  in  a  tumultuous 
and  rebellious  way  for  flesh,  at  the  same  time  distrusting  the 
power  of  God  to  give  it  them  in  the  wilderness.  Flesh,  however, 
was  procured.  A  wind,  proper  for  the  occasion,  went  torth  from 
Jehovah,  and  brought  a  cloud  of  quails,  which  furnished  the  whole 
camp  with  a  most  delicious  kind  of  flvsh  food,  for  the  space  of  an 
entire  month.  But  from  the  event  we  learn,  that  inordinate  de- 
sires, though  sometimes  complied  with,  and  satisfied  by  heaven, 
do  not  therefore  go  unpunisheil ;  on  the  contrary,  they  are  often 
punished  by  being  complied  with.  The  blessings  chosen  for  us  by 
God,  are  blessings  indeed,  and,  like  the  manna,  brinsf  no  sorrow 
with  them  :  but  when  we  choose  for  ourselvesj  and  are  so  unhappy 
as  to  be  gratified  in  that  choice,  our  portion  too  often  proves  a 
curse  ;  and  while  the  much-loved  morsel  is  between  the  teeth,  "  the 
wrath  of  God  comes  upon  us,"  lor  making  a  wrong  choice.  This 
will  always  be  the  case  in  the  end,  whenever  earth  is  preferred  to 
heaven,  and  sense  to  faith. 

32.  For  all  thi.'i  they  sinned  still,  and  believed  not  for  his  tcon- 
drous  works.  33.  Therefore  their  days  did  he  consiime  in  vanifi/, 
and  their  years  in  trouble. 

Mercies  are  followed  by  provocations  ;  provocations  are  ptmished 
with  judgments ;  to  judgments  succeed  repeated  provocations, 
which  call  down  fresh  judgments.  Immediately  after  the  history 
of  the  quails,  we  read  of  a  sedition  stirred  up  by  Aaron  and  Mi- 
riam, and  of  new  murmurs  at  the  report  brought  by  the  spies  con- 
cerning the  promised  land;  in  consequence  of  which  last,  the  na- 


336  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXVIII. 

tion  had  been  destroyed,  but  for  the  intercession  of  Moses ;  and 
the  whole  generation  of  those  who  came  out  of  t^gypt,  except 
Joshua  and  Caleb,  actually  fell  in  the  wilderness,  wasted  and  con- 
sumed by  various  plagues  and  calamities,  during  a  forty  years'  pe- 
regrination. See  Numb.  xii.  xiii.  xiv.  St.  Jude  makes  mention  of 
such  a  generation  in  the  early  days  of  the  Christian  church,  speak- 
ers "  of  hard  speeches  against  Christ,  murmurers,  complainers, 
walking  after  their  own  lusts ;"  and  he  therefore  puts  converts  in 
remembrance,  how  that  the  Lord,  "  having  saved  the  people  out  of 
the  land  of  Egypt,  afterward  destroyed  them  that  beheved  not," 
Jude,  verse  5.  and  15.  Because,  notwithstanding  all  that  Jesus  has 
done,  and  continues  to  do  for  the  church,  men  "  sin  yet  more,  and 
believe  not  for  his  wondrous  works,''  but  either  despise  the  hea- 
venly country,  or  despair  of  obtaining  it,  therefore  is  the  hand  of 
God  heavy  upon  the  world ;  "  vanity  and  trouble"  wear  out  the 
life  of  man;  and  they  who  have  passed  the  waters  of  baptism,  fall 
short  of  the  promised  rest. 

34.  Whe7i  he  slew  them,  then  they  sought  him:  and  they  re- 
turned and  inquired  early  after  God:  35.  And  they  remembered 
that  God  was  their  rock,  and  the  high  God  their  Redeemer.  36. 
Nevertheless  they  did  flatter  him  loith  their  mouth,  and  they  lied 
unto  him  with  their  tongues.  37.  For  their  heart  was  not  right 
with  him,  neither  were  they  steadfast  in  his  covenant. 

Several  instances  of  this  behaviour  occur  in  the  history  of  Ko- 
rah's  rebellion  and  punishment,  of  the  fiery  serpents,  and  of  Israel 
and  Moab.  See  Numb.  xvi.  xx.  xxi.  xxv.  The  Israehtes,  in  this 
particular,  resembled  their  great  persecutor,  Pharaoh  ;  their  repen- 
tance, which  came  with  the  Divine  judgments,  went  also  away  with 
them,  and  appeared  no  more.  By  night  the  dew  falleth  from  hea- 
ven, and  refresheth  the  weary  ground,  and  causeth  the  green  herb 
and  the  flower  of  the  field  to  revive  and  spring ;  but  in  the  morn- 
ing the  sun  ariseth  with  a  burning  heat,  and  presently  the  dew  is 
evaporated,  the  grass  withereth,  the  flower  fadeth,  and  the  ground 
again  becometh  parched  and  dry  as  before.  Thus  it  is  with  man. 
Adversity  is  the  nighl,  and  grace  is  the  dew  by  which  his  heart 
is  made  tender  and  religious,  and  good  resolutions  are ,  formed  and 
begin  to  shoot  j  but  returning  prosperity  has  the  force  and  effect 
of  a  summer  sun  ;  at  its  presence  piety  vanisheth,  resolutions  come 
to  nothing,  and  the  heart  is  once  more  hardened.  "  O  Kphraim," 
exclaims  Jehovah  by  his  prophet,  "  what  shall  I  do  unto  thee? 
O  Judah,  what  shall  1  do  unto  thee  ?  for  your  goodness  is  as  a 
morning  cloud,  and  as  tlie  early  dew  it  passes  away,"  llos.  vi.  4. 
Who  that  hath  been  conversant  in  the  house  of  mourning,  and 


DayXV.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  337 

about  the  bed  of  sickness,  but  must  have  seen  frequent  instances  of 
a  temporary  and  deceitful  repentance  ?  Whose  heart  doth  not  re- 
proach him  with  some  of  these  backsHdincfS  of  Israel?  In  the  day 
therefore  of  health,  and  strenuth,  and  prosperity,  before  the  indig- 
nation of  heaven  break  forth,  and  the  rigiit-aiming  thunderbolts  fly 
abroad,  from  a  motive  of  love,  not  of  fear,  let  us  "  seek  early  after 
God,  and  return  from  our  sins,  remembering  the  Rock  of  our  salva- 
tion, and  the  high  God  our  Redeemer."  Thus  may  we  entertain 
some  ho})ethat  our  conversion  is  sincere;  that  we  do  not  "flatter 
and  lie"  unto  our  Maker;  that  our  "  heart  is  right  with  him,"  and 
we  shall  continue  "  steadfast  in  his  covenant."  And  then,  a  plant 
that  is  set  and  lives  in  the  heat  of  the  day,  how  will  it  thrive  and 
flourish  under  the  cool  and  moist  influences  of  night  ? 

38.  Blithe^  he'ing  full  of  compassion,  forgave  their  iniqi/itt/, 
and  destroyed  them  not :  yea,  many  a  time  iuiiied  he  his  anger 
away,  and  did  not  stir  vp  all  his  icrath.  39.  For  he  remembered 
that  they  were  but  flesh;  a  icind,  or,  breath,  that  passeth  aioay, 
and  Cometh  not  again. 

Had  God  "  stirred  up  all  his  wrath,"  the  Israelites  must  have 
been  exterminated  in  the  wilderness.  But  then  the  promises  made 
to  Abraham,  of  mercy  and  "  compassion"  to  them,  and  by  them 
to  all  mankind,  had  failed.  Therefore  they  were  "  forgiven,"  and 
not  "  destroyed  :"  judgment  was  executed  from  time  to  time  upon 
the  persons  of  offenders;  but  still  a  remnant  was  left;  the  nation 
subsisted  until  the  Seed  came,  to  whom  the  promise  was  made. 
IVay,  although  in  consequence  of  their  last  and  greatest  crime,  their 
polity  was  subverted  with  their  city  and  temple,  the  race  is  yet 
marvellously  preserved :  and,  we  trust,  preserved  for  mercy  to  be 
shown  them  in  the  last  days.  Be  not  angry,  O  Lord  Jesus,  for 
ever,  with  them,  or  with  us;  but  remember  of  what  materials  we 
are  made,  and  into  what  a  state  we  are  fallen ;  how  weak  and  how 
frail  we  are ;  how  liable  to  be  seduced  into  sin  and  blinded  by  er- 
ror: remember  this,  O  Lord,  and  forgive  us;  and  teach  us  to  re- 
member it,  that  we  may  forgive  one  another. 

40.  How  oft  did  they  provoke  him  in  the  loilderness,  and  grieve 
him  in  the  desert!  41.  Yea,  they  turned  back  and  tempted  God, 
and  limited  the  Holy  One  of  hraef-  42.  They  remembered  not 
his  hand,  nor  the  day  when  he  delivered  them  from  the  hand  of  the 
enemy :  43.  HotP  he  had^iorou/ht  his  signs  in  Egypt,  and  his 
wonders  in  the  field  of  Zoan. 

The  question  which  the  Balmist  here  asks,  concerning  Israel  in 
the  wilderness,  is  elsewhere  asked  by  him  concerning  mankind  in 
general:  "Who  can  {fi\  how  oft  he  oflendeth  ?"  Psalm  xix.  12 
43 


338  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXVIH. 

God  informs  Moses,  who  had  interceded  for  the  people,  and  in  the 
name  of  the  great  Alediator  obtained  their  pardon,  that  "  those  men 
which  had  seen  his  glory,  and  his  miracles  which  he  did  in  Egypt 
and  in  the  wilderness,  had  tempted  him  ten  times,  and  had  not 
hearkened  to  his  voice,"  Numb.  xiv.  22.  Forgetfulness  of  the 
mercies  of  redemption  is  the  beginning  of  sin ;  and  though  every 
one  knows  how  to  resent  and  detest  the  crime  of  ingratitude  in  ano- 
ther, he  yet  thinks  that  his  best  benefactor  will  overlook  the  most 
flagrant  instances  of  it  in  himself. 

44.  And  had  turned  their  rivers  into  blood;  and  their  floods,  that 
thcxj  could  not  drink.  45.  He  sent  divers  sorts  of  flics,  Heb.  a 
mixture,  whether  of  beasts  or  insects,  noisome  and  destructive, 
among  them,  which  devoured  them;  and  frogs,  tvhich  destroyed 
them,  46.  He  gave  also  their  increase  unto  the  caterpillar,  and 
their  labour  unto  the  locust.  47.  He  destroyed  their  vines  with 
hail,  and  their  sycamore-trees  with  frost.  48.  He  gave  up  their 
cattle  also  to  the  hail,  and  their  flocks  to  hot  thunderbolts,  or. 
flashes  of  lightning. 

The  Psalm  goes  back  to  tjie  subject  of  Israelitish  ingratitude, 
mentioned  at  the  beginning,  verse  11,  12.  in  order  to  introduce  an 
account  of  the  miracles  wrought  in  Egypt,  previous  to  the  exodus. 
These  miracles  were  intended  to  evince  the  superiority  of  Jehovah 
over  the  elements  and  powers  of  nature,  which  at  that  time  were 
objects  of  worship  amongst  the  Egyptians,  but  plainly  appeared  to 
act  at  the  command  of  Moses,  in  subordination  to  their  great  Crea- 
tor, the  God  of  the  Hebrews.  In  the  heavens,  on  the  earth,  and 
in  the  waters,  supremacy  and  independency  were  demonstrated  to 
belong  to  him  only  :  fire  and  air,  thunder  and  lightning,  wind,  rain, 
and  hail,  obeyed  his  word  :  rivers  became  blood,  and  their  inhabi- 
tants perished ;  insects  and  animals  left  their  wonted  habitations, 
to  destroy  vegetables,  or  torment  man :  so  that  wherever  the  gods 
of  Egypt  were  supposed  to  reside,  and  to  exert  their  influences  in 
favour  of  their  votaries  in  all  places,  and  all  circumstances,  victory 
declared  for  Jehovah.  Hence  modern  as  well  as  ancient  idolaters 
may  learn,  not  to  put  their  trust  in  the  world,  but  in  him  who  made, 
and  who  can  and  will  destroy  it;  whose  power  can  render  the  most 
insignificant  of  his  creatures  instruments  of  his  vengeance,  and,  in 
a  moment,  arm  all  the  clement^  against  sinners;  and  whose  mercy 
will  employ  that  power  in  the  final  salvation  of  the  church,  when, 
as  the  author  of  the  book  of  Wisdom  expresseth  it,  "  he  shall 
make  the  creature  his  weapon  for  the  revenge  of  his  enemies,  and 
the  world  shall  fight  for  him  against  the  unwise,"  Wisd.  v.  17. 
?0.     The  curious  and  striking  reflections  -vhich  that  author  makes 


Day  XV.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  339 

on  the  plagues  of  Egypt,  in  chap.  xi.  xvii.  xviii.  xix.  are  well 
worthy  an  attentive  perusal.  It  is  also  to  be  observed,  that  St. 
John  describes  the  judgments  of  the  last  days  in  terms  plainly 
allucling  to  those  poured  out  upon  the  Egyptians,  "  as  locusts  and 
frogs;  blood  and  darkness,"  &c.  See  Rev.  ix.  and  xvi.  et  al. 
Under  these  images  are  represented,  false  teachers  and  erroneous 
doctrines,  carnality  and  ignorance,  and,  in  a  word,  whatever  con- 
tributes to  ravage  the  moral  or  spiritual  world,  to  deface  the  beauty 
of  holiness,  and  destroy  the  fruits  of  faith.  And  of  all  the  divine 
judgments,  these  are  by  far  the  most  dreadful,  though  generally  the 
least  dreaded. 

49.  He  cast  upon  them  the  fierceness  of  his  anger,  torath,  and 
indignation,  and  trouble,  by  sending  evil  angels  among  them. 

Some  of  the  Egyptian  plagues  having  been  specified  in  the  fore- 
going verses,  others  of  them  are  here  thrown  together,  and  the 
whole  scene  is  aftirmed  to  have  been  a  full  display  of  wrath  and 
vengeance,  executed  upon  the  oppressors  of  the  church  by  C3''p-\ 
uDON'7rD,  "  evil  angels,  agents,  or  messengers :"  whether  by  this 
expression  we  understand  the  material  instruments  of  divine  dis- 
pleasure; or  angels  employed  as  ministers  of  vengeance;  or  the 
actual  appearance  and  ministration  of  evil  spirits,  sufiered  to  tor- 
ment the  wicked  in  this  world,  as  they  certainly  will  do  in  the 
next.  Tradition  seems  to  have  favoured  this  last  opinion,  sincq 
the  author  of  the  book  of  Wisdom  above  referred  to,  describes  the 
Egyptian  darkness  as  a  kind  of  temporary  hell,  in  which  there 
appeared  to  the  wicked,  whose  consciences  suggested  to  them  every 
thing  that  was  horrible,  "  a  fue  kindled  of  itself  very  dreadful ;  they 
were  scared  with  beasts  that  passed  by,  and  hissing  of  serpents;  and 
they  were  vexed  with  monstrous  apparations,  so  that  they  fainted, 
and  died  for  fear ;  while  over  them  was  spread  a  heavy  night,  an 
image  of  that  darkness  which  should  afterwards  receive  them." 
Wisd.  xvii. 

50.  He  made  a  way  to  his  anger  ;  he  spared  not  their  soul  from 
death,  but  gave  their  life  over  to  the  jieslilence  ;  51.  And  smote 
all  the  first-born  in  Egypt;  the  chief  of  their  strength  in  the  ta- 
bernacles  of  Ham. 

The  last  plague  was  the  death  of  the  first-born  both  of  man  and 
beast ;  Exod.  xii.  29.  when  God,  having  removed  every  obstacle 
that  mercy  had  thrown  in  the  path  of  justice,  "made  a  way  to  his 
indignation,"  which  then  rushed  forth  like  a  fiery  stream.  An  un- 
limited commission  was  given  to  the  destroyer,  who  at  midnight 
passed  through  the  land,  and  gave  the  fatal  stroke  in  everj^  house. 
•'While  all  things,  O  Lord,  were  in  quiet  silence,  and  tiint  niglil 


340  A  COMMENTARY        Psal.  LXXVIII. 

was  in  the  midst  of  her  swift  course,  thine  ahiiighty  word  leapt 
clown  from  heaven  out  of  tliy  royal  tlirone,  as  a  fierce  man  of  war, 
into  tlie  midst  of  a  land  of  destruction,  and  brought  thine  unfeigned 
commandment  as  a  sharp  sword,  and  standing  up,  fdled  all  things 
with  deatli :  and  it  touched  the  heaven,  but  it  stood  upon  the 
earth,"  AVisdoni  xviii.  14.  Pharaoh  and  all  his  servants  rose  up 
in  the  night;  there  was  a  great  cry  throughout  all  the  land  of 
Egypt ;  and  universal  consternation  reigned,  inferior  only  to  that 
which  is  to  extend  its  empire  over  the  world,  when  "  the  trum- 
pet shall  sound,  and  tlie  dead  shall  be  raised."  May  we  be  saved, 
like  Israel,  in  that  hour,  through  the  blood  of  the  true  paschal 
Lamb,  slain  to  take  away  the  sins  of  the  world.  "  When  I  see 
the  blood/'  says  Jehovah  to  his  people,  "  I  will  pass  over  you." 

52.  But  he  made  his  oivn  people  to  go  forth  like  sheep,  and  guided 
them  in  the  wilderness  like  njlock.  53.  And  he  led  them  on  safely, 
so  that  they  feared  not;  hut  the  sea  overwhelmed  their  enemies. 
54.  And  he  brought  them  to  the  border  of  his  sanctuary,  even  to 
this  mountain,  which  his  right  hand  had  purchased.  55.  He  cast 
out  the  heathen  also  before  them,  and  divided  them  an  inheritance 
by  line,  and  made  the  tribes  of  Israel  to  dwell  in  their  tents. 

Having  related  the  punishments  inflicted  on  Egypt,  the  Psal- 
mist returns  to  those  mercies  experienced  by  the  Israelites,  when 
God  overthrew  their  enemies,  took  them  under  his  protection,  fed 
and  conducted  them  in  the  wilderness,  brought  them  to  the  promised 
land,  expelled  the  heathen,  settled  his  people,  and  at  length  fixed 
his  residence  on  mount  Sion,  which  is  represented  as  the  conquest 
and  accpiisition  of  his  own  arm  ;  since  the  victories  of  Joshua,  &c. 
were  all  owing  to  the  Divine  presence  and  assistance.  The 
Christian  church,  after  her  redemption  by  "  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb,"  passed  300  years  in  a  state  of  minority,  as  it  were,  and 
under  persecution,  which,  witli  allusion  to  what  befel  Israel  of 
old,  is  called  in  the  Revelation,  her  flight  and  abode  in  the  wil- 
derness, Rev.  xii.  6.  At  length  the  true  "Joshua,"  or  Jesus, 
"brought"  her  "  into  the  possession  of  the  Gentiles;"  see  Acts 
vii.  45.  and  she  enjoyed  a  temporary  rest  and  prosperity.  But  no 
terrestrial  Canaan,  no  secular  advantages,  should  make  us  forget, 
as  the  Jews  did,  and  as  Christians  are  apt  to  do,  that  the  church  is 
in  the  wilderness,  while  she  is  in  the  world;  and  that  "there  re- 
maineth  yet"  another  and  far  more  glorious  "  rest  for  the  peoi)le  of 
God,"  after  which  they  ought  ever  to  be  aspiring.    See  lleb.  iv.  O. 

56.  Yet  they  tempted  and  provoked  the  most  high  Cod,  and 
kept  not  his  testimonies ;  57-  But  turned  back,  and  dealt  unfaith- 
fully like  their  fathers  :  they  were  turned  aside  like  a  deceitful 


Day  X\  .  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  341 

horc.     58.  For  they  provoked  him  to  anger  tvith  their  high  jtlaces, 
mid  moved  him  to  jealousij  icith  their  graven  images. 

The  Israelites,  when  settled  in  the  promised  land,  soon  showed 
themselves  to  be  the  genuine  descendants  of  those  men,  who 
tempted  God  in  the  desert.  We  can  hardly  read  two  chapters  in 
the  book  of  Judges,  but  we  meet  w  itli  the  words,  "  And  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  again  did  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord.''  For  this 
their  frequent  revolting,  they  are  compared  to  "  a  deceitful  bow," 
which,  when  put  to  the  trial,  is  sure  to  disappoint  the  archer,  either 
dropping  the  arrow  at  his  feet,'  or  carrying  it  wide  of  the  mark. 
Their  zeal  and  love  were  either  wholly  relaxed  and  enervated  by 
sensuality  and  indolence,  or  else  turned  aside,  and  misplaced  on 
false  objects  of  worship.  Thus,  in  the  present  decline  of  religion, 
the  devotion  of  the  Romanists  hath  attached  itself  to  saints,  an- 
gels, and  images ;  while  that  of  Protestants  sleepctli,  and  must  be 
awakened.     In  what  manner,  is  known  to  God  only. 

59.  When  God  heard  this,  he  loas  wroth,  and  greatly  abhorred 
Israel:  GO.  So  that  he  forsook  the  tabernacle  of  Shiloh,  the  tent 
which  he  placed  among  men;  6l.  And  delivered  his  strength  into 
captivitij,  and  his  glory  into  the  enemifs  hand. 

Rebellion  against  God  will,  sooner  or  later,  draw  down  his  ven- 
geance, and  cause  the  most  beloved  nation  to  be  "  abhorred"  by 
him :  he  will  forsake  the  place  of  his  residence,  "  the  tent  placed 
among  men"  where  he  dwelleth  by  his  Spirit;  and  the  church,  by 
which  his  "  strength"  and  his  "  glory"  are  manifested  to  the 
world,  shall  go  ''into  captivity,  and  the  enemy's  hand."  All  this 
we  are  taught  by  that  which  came  to  pass  in  Israel,  when  for  the 
sins  of  priests  and  people,  the  ark  of  God,  which  then  abode  in 
Shiloh,  was  sufiered  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Philistines,  1  Sam. 
iv.  The  present  state  of  Jerusalem,  and  of  all  the  once-flourishing 
Eastern  and  African  churches,  speaks  aloud  the  same  awful  and  im- 
portant truth.     "  He  that  hath  ears  to  hear,  let  him  hear." 

62.  He  gave  his  people  over  also  to  the  sword;  and  was  tvroth 
with  his  inheritance.     63.   The  f  re  consumed  their  young  men  ;'^y 
and  their  maidens  were  not  given  to  marriage.     64.  Their  priest^ 
fell  by  the  sword;  and  their  widows  made  no  lamentation. 

These  verses  refer  to  the  slaughter  of  Israel  by  the  Philistines, 
which  was  an  eiTect  of  divine  wrath,  compared  here,  as  elsewhere, 
to  "  a  consuming  fire;"  thoy  refer  likewise  to  the  death  of  old  Eli. 
of  Hophni  and  Phinehas,  and  the  widow  of  Phinehas,  who  expired 
in  child-bed,  on  hearing  the  mournful  news,  1  Sam.  iv.  History 
abounds  with  the  tragical  stories  of  wars  and  captivities.  Scrip- 
ture informs  us  they  are  the  judgments  of  God  against  sin:  but  ca- 


342  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.LXXVIH. 

lamities  aflect  us  not,  till  tliey  become  our  own :  it  is  well  if  they 
reform  us,  even  when  they  do  become  so. 

65.  Then  the  Lord  awaked  as  one  out  of  sleep,  and  like  a 
viighty  man  that  shoutefh  by  reason  of  tvine. 

While,  by  God's  permission,  the  Philistines  were  chastising  his 
people  for  their  sins,  he  held  his  peace,  and  seemed  unconcerned, 
as  one  asleep.  But  when  due  chastisement  had  brought  the  de- 
linquents to  themselves,  the  cries  of  penitent  Israel  awakened,  as  it 
were,  and  called  forth  the  zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  to  vindicate  his 
honour,  and  deliver  his  servants :  and  then  the  vigour  of  his  ope- 
rations was  such  as  might  be  compared  to  the  alacrity  and  courage 
of  a  mighty  champion,  when,  refreshed  and  inspirited  by  wine,  he 
attacks  his  adversaries,  and  bears  down  all  before  him.  Under  all 
our  suflerings,  let  us  rest  contented  with  this  assurance,  that  God 
acts  the  part  of  a  father ;  and  will  therefore  remove  tke  rod,  when 
it  has  answered  the  end  proposed. 

66.  And  he  smote  his  enemies  in  the  hinder  parts ;  he  put  them 
to  a  perpetual  reproach. 

The  former  clause  of  this  verse  may  be  rendered,  "  And  he  re- 
pulsed, or,  drove  his  enemies  back  ;"  as  Psalm  ix.  3.  "  AVhen  mine 
enemies  are  turned  back;"  the  word  mriN  being  the  same  in  both 
places.  But  as  that  part  of  the  sacred  history  is  here  alluded  to,  in 
which  the  Philistines  are  said  to  have  been  plagued  with  "  eme- 
rods,"  or,  "  hemorrhoids,"  while  the  ark  was  amongst  them,  the 
passage  is  generally  rendered,  as  in  our  translation,  and  supposed 
to  intend  that  particular  plague.  Thus  much,  however,  is  certain, 
that  Dagon  fell  before  the  ark,  which  his  worshippers  were  glad  to 
send  back,  with  acknowledgments  of  the  vengeance  inflicted  on 
them  by  the  superior  power  of  the  God  of  Israel,  who  could  punish 
where,  and  when,  and  how  he  pleased.     See  1  Sam.  v.  vi. 

67.  Moreover  he  refused  the  tabernacle  of  Josephy  and  chose 
not  the  tribe  of  Ephraim;  6S.  But  chose  the  tribe  of  Judah,  the 
mount  Zion  tohich  he  loved.  69.  And  he  built  his  sanctuary  like 
high  palaces,  like  the  earth  which  he  hath  established  for  ever. 

The  ark,  after  its  return,  went  no  more  to  Shiloli,  which  was  in 
the  tribe  of  Ephraim,  the  son  of  Joseph,  but  was  brought  first  to 
Kiriathaim,  1  Sam.  vi.  21.  a  city  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  and  from 
thence,  after  a  short  stay  at  the  house  of  Obed-Edom,  to  mount 
Sion,  1  Chron.  xiv.  and  xv,  which  was  the  chosen  and  highly  fa- 
voured mount :  where  was  afterwards  erected  by  Solomon  a  magni- 
ficent and  permanent  habitation  for  the  God  of  Jacob,  during  the 
continuance  of  the  old  dispensation;  a  resemblance  of  that  eternal 
temple,  in  which  all  the  fulness  of  the  Godliead  hath  since  dwell 


Day  XVI.  l\f.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  343 

bodily.  The  Divine  presence  removed  at  this  time  to  the  tribe  of 
Judah,  because  out  of  that  tribe,  after  the  rejection  of  Saul,  came 
the  great  representative,  as  well  as  progenitor,  of  King  Messiah. 

70.  He  chose  David  also  his  scrva/it,  and  took  him  from  the 
sheepfolds:  71-  From  foUoicing  the  ewes  great  with  young  he 
brought  him  to  feed  Jacob  his  people,  and  Israel  his  inheritance. 
72.  So  he  fed  them  according  to  the  integrity  of  his  heart ;  and 
guided  them  by  the  sinfulness  of  his  hands. 

The  call  of  David  from  the  sheepfold  to  a  throne,  teacheth  us, 
that  he  who  hath  showed  himself  faithful  in  a  few  and  small  con- 
cerns, is  worthy  of  promotion  to  more  and  more  important  cares  j 
that  the  qualifications,  requisite  for  the  due  discharge  of  high  offices, 
are  best  learned,  at  first,  in  an  inferior  station,  especially  if  it  be 
one  that  will  inure  to  labour  and  vigilance;  and  that  kings  are  to 
consider  themselves  as  "  shepherds ;"  which  consideration  would 
perhaps  teach  them  their  duty  better  than  all  the  precepts  in  the 
world.  From  the  last  verse,  relative  to  David's  manner  of  con- 
ducting himself  after  his  advancement,  we  learn,  that  integrity  and 
discretion,  when  they  meet  in  the  same  person,  form  a  complete 
ruler,  and  one  fit  to  represent  that  blessed  Person,  who  entered, 
like  his  father  David,  through  sufterings  into  his  glory ;  who  go- 
verneth  his  church  in  wisdom  and  righteousness ;  and  of  whom  it 
is  said,  by  the  evangelical  prophet,  "  He  shall  feed  his  flock  like  a 
shepherd,  he  shall  gather  the  lambs  with  his  arm,  and  carry  them 
in  his  bosom,  and  shall  gently  lead  those  that  are  with  yoiuig," 
Isa.  xl.  11. 


SIXTEENTH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  LXXIX. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  argument  of  this  Psalm  is  nearly  the  same  with  that  of  the  Ixxivth.  The 
church,  persecuted  and  afflicted,  sets  forth,  1 — 3.  the  sacrilegious  devasta- 
tion and  cruel  slaughter  made  by  the  enemy,  with,  4.  the  reproach  occa- 
sioned thereby ;  5 — 7.  she  prayeth  for  redress  and  deliverance  ;  8,  9. 
confesscth  and  entrealeth  forgiveness  of  the  sins  which  had  brought  these 
calamities  upon  her;  and  then,  10 — 12.  asketh  a  removal  of  her  reproach 
and  misery ;  promising,  13  endless  gratitude  and  praise  for  the  same 
We  meet  with  passages  of  this  Psalra,  Jer.  x.  25.  1  Mace.  vii.  17.  but 
when  it  was  composed  is  not  known. 

1.  O  Gody  the  heathen  are  come  into  thine  inheritance;  thy 
holy  temple  have  they  defiled;  they  have  laid  Jerusalem  on  heaps. 


344  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXIX. 

Three  dc])lorable  calamities  are  here  enumerated  by  the  faithful; 
the  alienation  of  God's  inheritance,  the  profanation  of  the  sanctu- 
ary, and  the  desolation  of  the  beloved  city.  When  we  represent 
in  our  prayers  the  sufferings  and  humiliation  of  the  church,  we  take 
an  effectual  method  of  awakening  the  compassion,  and  recalling  the 
favour  of  heaven.  Every  redeemed  soul  is  the  inheritance,  the 
temple,  the  city  of  God.  When  sin  enters  and  takes  possession, 
the  inheritance  is  alienated,  the  temple  defiled,  the  city  desolated. 

2.  Tlie  dead  bodies  of  thy  servants  have  they  given  to  be  meat 
7mto  the  folds  of  heaven,  the  flesh  of  thy  saints  unto  the  beasts 
of  the  earth.  3.  Their  blood  have  they  shed  like  water  round 
about  Jerusalem;  awrZ  there  was  none  to  bury  them. 

That  horrible  carnage  which  attends  the  siege  and  capture  of  a 
city,  is  the  fourth  of  those  calamities  bewailed  in  our  Psalm.  To 
behold,  or  even  to  imagine,  heaps  of  slaughtered  bodies  lying  un- 
buried,  and  exposed  to  birds  and  beasts  of  prey,  is  inexpressibly 
shocking  to  humanity.  But  with  what  unconcern  are  we  accus- 
tomed to  view,  on  all  sides  of  us,  multitudes  "  dead  in  trespasses 
and  sins,"  torn  in  pieces,  and  devoured  by  wild  passions,  filthy 
lusts,  and  infernal  spirits,  those  dogs  and  vultures  of  the  moral 
world  ?  Yet  to  a  discerning  eye  arid  a  thinking  mind,  the  latter  is 
by  far  the  more  melancholy  sight  of  the  two. 

4.  We  are  become  a  reproach  to  our  neighbours,  a  scorn  and 
derision  to  them  that  are  roiind  about  us. 

A  fifth  calamity  incident  to  an  afflicted  church,  is  to  become 
like  captive  Israel,  the  "  scorn  and  derision"  of  infidels,  who  fail 
not,  at  such  seasons,  to  reproach,  her  and  blaspheme  her  God.  We 
know  how  to  answer  those  who  reproach  us  with  our  suflferings, 
for  so  their  predecessors  reproached  our  Master;  but  what  shall  we 
say  if  we  have  given  the  enemy  occasion  to  reproach  us  with  our 
sins  ?  The  only  real  disgrace  of  religion  is  the  wickedness  of  its 
professors. 

5.  Iloiolong,  LoiiD,  wilt  thou  be  angry?  for  ever?  shall  thy 
jealousy  burn  like  fire? 

Parched  and  exhausted  amidst  the  flames  of  persecution,  we 
behold  Sion  panting  for  the  comforts  of  redemption.  The  extent 
and  continuance  of  her  troubles  cause  her  to  fear  a  total  extermi- 
nation ;  and,  by  the  questions  here  asked,  she  tacitly  reminds  God 
of  his  promises  not  to  give  her  up  and  destroy  her  "  for  ever,"  on 
account  of  Messias,  whom  she  was  in  the  fulness  of  time  to  bring 
forth. 

G.  Pour  out  thy  wrath  upon  the  heathen  that  hare  not  known 
thee,  and  upon  the  kingdoms  that  have  not  called  upon  thy  name. 


Day  XVI.  M.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  34> 

7.  For  they  have  devoured  Jacob,  arid  laid  icaste  his  diotlling- 
place. 

This,  tlioiigh  littered  in  the  form  of  a  wisli,  or  prayer,  is  to  be 
considered,  lil^e  many  other  passages  of  the  same  nature,  as  a  pre- 
diction of  what  would  afterwards  come  to  pass.  Paga^ambition 
and  cruelty  were  often  employed  to  chastise  offending  Israel ;  but 
were  themselves,  notwithstanding,  justly  punished  in  their  turn  by 
other  powers  raised  up  for  that  end.  That  relation,  in  which  the 
church  stands  to  God,  causes  him,  upon  her  repentance,  to  appear 
in  her  behalf,  and  to  execute  vengeance  on  her  oppressors,  who 
"  know  him  not,  nor  call  upon  his  name."  "  We  are  thine," 
saith  Isaiah,  "  thou  never  bearest  mle  over  them,  they  were  not 
called  by  thy  name,"  Ixiii.  19.  The  church,  for  her  sins,  may 
dcserv^e  to  suffer  j  but  her  enemies  are  not  therefore  without  guih, 
nor  will  they  escape  without  punishment. 

8.  O  remember  not  against  us  former  iniquities:  let  thy  tender 
mercies  speedily  prevent  us;  for  we  are  brought  very  low.  9.  Help 
vs,  0  God  of  our  salvation,  for  the  glory  of  thy  name;  and  de- 
liver us,  and  purge  away  our  sins,  for  thy  7iame^s  sake. 

Affliction  hath  then  wrought  its  intended  effect,  when  it  hath 
convinced  us  of  sin,  and  led  us  to  repentance;  when,  brought  back 
by  it,  like  the  returning  prodigal,  to  the  house  and  presence  of  our 
heavenly  Father,  we  acknowledge  our  guilt  as  the  cause  of  our 
misery,  and  entreat  forgiveness  of  the  one,  in  order  to  obtain  a  re- 
lease from  the  other;  not  pleading  our  own  merits,  but  the  mer- 
cies of  God  our  Saviour,  and  the  glory  of  his  name. 

10.  Wherefore  should  the  heathen  say.  Where  is  their  God? 
Let  him  be  known  among  the  heathen  in  our  sight,  by  the  revenging 
of  the  blood  of  thy  servants  which  is  shed.  Or,  Let  the  vengeance 
of  thy  serva)its^  blood  that  is  shed,  be  known  among  the  heathen 
that  is  in  our  sight. 

It  is  for  "  the  glory  of  God's  name,"  to  deliver  his  church ;  be- 
cause, while  she  is  in  trouble,  that  name  is  blasphemed  by  the 
enemy,  as  if  he  wanted  either  power  or  will,  to  prevent  or  re- 
move the  calamities  of  his  servants.  Prayer  is  therefore  here 
made  by  the  faithful,  that  God,  not  to  gratify  any  vindictive  spirit 
of  theirs,  but  to  vindicate  his  own  attributes,  would  break  the 
teeth  of  the  oppressor,  and  work  a  public  and  glorious  salvation 
for  his  chosen ;  at  beholding  which,  the  very  adversaries  themselves 
might  possibly  be  converted. 

11.  Let  the  sighing  of  the  prisoner  come  before  thee:  accord- 
ing to  the  greatness  of  thy  power  preserve  thou  those  that  nrf 
appointed  to  dip. 

44 


346  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXX. 

Next  to  those  who  had  been  slain,  the  case  of  such  as  groaned 
in  captivity,  lying  bound  in  chains  and  fetters,  under  sentence  of 
death,  to  be  inflicted  at  the  will  of  their  cruel  and  insulting  con- 
querors, is  recommended  to  God.  The  Christian,  though  he  may 
at  presentee  subject  to  none  of  these  external  calamities,  forgets 
not  that  he  is  often  persecuted,  and  led  captive  by  his  own  desires, 
and  bound  in  the  chains  of  his  sins;  that  the  world  to  him  is  a  pri- 
son ;  that  sentence  of  death  is  passed  upon  him,  and  he  kuoweth 
not  how  soon  that  sentence  may  be  executed.  How  properl}', 
therefore,  and  how  fervently  may  he  at  all  times  pray,  "  O  let  the 
sighing  of  the  prisoner  come  before  thee ;  according  to  the  great- 
ness of  thy  power  preserve  thou  those  that  are  appointed  to  die." 

12.  A7id  render  unto  our  neighbours  sevenfold  into  their  bosom 
their  reproach,  ivherewith  they  have  reproached  thee,  0  LoRO. 

Th;it  is,  as  they  have  reproached  thee  with  weakness,  so  mani- 
fest to  others  their  weakness,  who  are  but  sinful  dust  and  ashes;  as 
they  have  endeavoured  to  make  thee  contemptible,  so  let  the  world 
have  just  cause  to  despise  them,  who  have  thus  presumptuously 
offended;  according  as  it  is  written,  "  Them  that  honour  me  I 
will  honour,  and  they  that  despise  me  shall  be  lightly  esteemed," 
J  Sam.  ii.  30.  And  however  different  the  appearance  of  things 
may  now  be,  this  will  certainly  be  found  true,  in  every  instance,  at 
tlie  last  day. 

13.  So  ice  thy  people,  and  sheep  of  thy  pasture,  will  give 
thee  thanks  for  ever  ;  we  will  shew  forth  thy  praise  to  all  gene- 
rations. 

Such  is  the  resolution  of  a  church  under  persecution;  and  such 
ought  to  be  the  practice  of  every  church  when  delivered  out  of  it, 
and  restored  to  the  favour  and  protection  of  her  God.  The  same 
is  the  duty  of  every  soul  with  regard  to  afflictions  and  mercies  of  a 
private  kind.  But  how  glorious  will  be  the  day,  when,  triumphant 
over  sin  and  sorrow,  over  every  thing  that  exalteth  and  opposeth 
Itself,  the  church  universal  shall  behold  the  adversary  disarmed  for 
ever;  while  she  herself,  placed  in  pastures  of  joy,  and  led  to  the 
waters  of  eternal  comfort,  shall,  from  age  to  age,  incessantly  sing 
the  praises  of  her  great  Shepherd  and  Bishop,  her  King  and  her 
God! 

PSALM  LXXX. 

ARGUMENT. 

Tiie  church,  still  ia  captivily,  1 — 3.  ciieth  unto  God  for  help  and  redemp- 
tion ;  4—7.  coniplaiiicth  of  her  grievous  affliction;  8—13.  describcth  Itn 


Day  XVI.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  34? 

former  exaltation,  and  iircseiil  depression,  niulcr  tlio  beautiful  fifjuio  of  a 
vine;  14 — 1(»-  returnetli  again  to  lier  supplications,  and,  17 — 1!>.  piaycth 
for  the  a<lvcnt  of  Messiah,  to  (juickcn  and  comfort  her,  vow  inj;  all  loyal 
obedience,  adoration,  and  praise  to  bim,  as  the  author  of  her  salvation. 

1.  Gilt' car,  O  Shepherd  of  Israel,  thou  that  leafiest  Joseph 
like  ajlock;  thou  that  dwcllest  between  the  cherubim,  shine  forth. 

The  Christian  church  is  now  become  the  "  Israel"  of  God  ;  Je- 
sus Christ  is  tlie  "  Shepherd''  of  this  Israel,  who  leadeth  his  peo- 
ple "  like  a  flock :"  he  dwellcth  in  the  midst  of  them  by  his  Spi- 
rit, as  of  old  he  dwelt  in  the  holy  places,  "  between  the  cheru- 
bim." Let  us  beseech  him  to  hearken  to  our  prayers,  and  to  ma- 
nifest the  glory  of  his  power  in  our  defence  and  deliverance. 

2.  Before  Ephraim,  ami  Benjamin,  and  Manasseh,  stir  up  thy 
strength,  and  come  and  save  us. 

God  is  entreated  to  go  forth,  in  his  strength  and  his  salvation, 
before  the  tribes  of  Israel,  as  formerly  in  the  wilderness.  Ephraim, 
Benjamin,  and  Manasseh,  are  particularly  mentioned,  perhaps,  be- 
cause, according  to  the  established  order,  those  three  tribes  imme- 
diately followed  the  ark  and  cherubim,  the  symbols  of  the  Divine 
presence.     See  Numb.  ii.  18. 

3.  Turn,  or,  restore,  us  again,  O  God,  and  cause  thy  face  to 
shine  ;  and  we  shall  be  saved. 

This  verse  is  a  kind  of  chorus,  occurring  three  times  in  the 
course  of  our  Psalm.  It  implies  that  the  church  is  in  captivity, 
from  which  she  prayed  to  be  "  restored"  to  hor  former  freedom 
und  prosperity ;  that  she  expecteth  such  restoration,  not  from  any 
mif^ht  or  merit  of  her  own,  but  from  the  grace  and  mercy  of  her 
.Saviour;  as  well  knowing,  that  her  night  can  be  turned  into  day, 
and  her  winter  give  place  to  spring,  only  by  the  Sun  of  righteous- 
ness rising  and  causing  his  face  to  shine  upon  her  desolations. 
This  ought,  tlierefore,  to  be  the  wish  and  the  prayer  of  every  per^ 
secuted  church,  and  of  every  afflicted  soul. 

4.  0  Lord  God  of  hosts,  how  long  wilt  thou  he  angry  against 
the  prayer  of  thy  people  ? 

The  sins  of  a  people  may  for  a  time  "  separate  between  them 
and  their  God,  and  hide  liis  face  from  th^m  that  he  will  not  hear;" 
Isa.  lix.  2.  he  may  cover  himself  with  a  cloud,  that  "  their  prayers 
should  not  pass  through ;"  Lam.  iii.  44.  and  seem  to  reject  even 
the  devotions  of  his  distressed  servants,  while  he  is  proving  the 
strength  of  their  faith,  and  the  sincerity  of  their  repentance.  But 
if  the  former  be  strong,  and  the  latter  sincere,  they  will  continue  to 
ask  till  they  have  obtained;  nor  cease  to  knock  till  the  door  be 
oDcned. 


348  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXX. 

5.  Thoii  feedest  them  with  the  bread  of  tears,  or,  of  toeeping ; 
and  givest  them  tears  to  drink  in  great  ineasure. 

There  cannot  be  a  more  striking  picture  of  Sion  in  captivity ! 
Her  bread  is  dipped  in  tears,  and  her  cup  is  filled  to  the  brim  with 
them  :  no  time  is  free  from  grie(and  lamentation.  They  who  sin, 
must  submit  to  penance ;  which  if  a  man  does  not  impose  on  him- 
self, God  will  impose  it  on  him  :  whereas,  if  we  judged  ourselves, 
we  should  not  be  thus  judged  of  the  Lord.  The  Church  hath  ap- 
pointed seasons,  and  given  directions  for  this  purpose ;  but  who  ob- 
serves either  the  one  or  the  other  ? 

6.  Thou  makest  us  a  strife  unto  our  neighbours ;  and  our  ene- 
mies laugh  among  themselves. 

Israel,  when  forsaken  by  her  God,  was  a  pre}'^,  for  which  all  the 
neighbouring  nations  contended,  exulting  over  her,  and  scoffing  at 
that  condition  to  which,  not  their  counsels  or  armies,  but  her  own 
iniquities,  had  reduced  her.  Hence  let  us  learn  how  to  form  a  just 
estimate  of  the  real  state  both  of  communities  and  individuals. 
Righteousness  alone  exalteth  man ;  sin  is  his  reproach,  and  will  be 
his  destruction. 

7.  Turn  us  again,  0  God  of  hosts,  and  cause  thy  face  to  shine; 
and  ice  shall  be  saved.  (See  above,  ver.  S.) 

8.  Thou  hast  brought  a  vine  out  of  Egypt;  thou  hast  cast  out 
the  heathen,  and  planted  it. 

God  is  reminded  of  the  favour  once  shown  by  him  to  the  church 
of  Israel,  and  of  that  prosperity  which  she  once  enjoyed.  She  is 
compared  to  a  "  vine,"  removed  from  the  unkindly  soil  of  Egypt, 
to  the  happier  regions  of  Canaan,  and  there  planted  by  Jehovah,  in 
the  place  of  nations  extirpated  from  their  unfruitfulness.  The  vine 
is  a  plant  weak,  and  lowly,  and  needing  support ;  when  supported, 
wild  and  luxuriant,  unless  restrained  by  the  pruning  knife ;  capable 
of  producing  the  most  valuable  fruit;  but,  if  barren,  the  most  un- 
profitable among  trees,  and  fit  only  for  the  flames.  In  all  these 
respects  it  is  a  lively  emblem  of  the  church,  and  used  as  such  by 
Isaiah,  v.  7.  by  Ezekiel,  xv.  xvii.  xix.  and  by  our  Lord  himself, 
Matt.  xxi.  33.  The  Christian  church,  after  her  redemption  by  the 
death  and  resurrection  of  Jesus,  was  planted  in  the  heathen  world, 
as  Fsrael  had  been  in  Canaan ;  and  the  description  suits  one  as  well 
as  the  other. 

9.  Thou  preparedst  room  before  it,  and  didst  cause  it  to  take 
deep  root,  and  it  filed  the  land.  10.  The  hills  were  covered  7vith 
the  shadow  of  it,  and  the  boughs  thereof  were  like  the  goodly 
cedars  ;  or,  and  the  goodly  cedars  were  covered  with  the  boughs 
thereof. 


Day  XVI.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  549 

As  the  vine  striketh  its  roots  deep  into  the  soil  prepared  for  it, 
and  then  difl'iiseth  its  numerous  branchos'ull  arounil,  covering  the 
fertile  hills,  by  the  sides  of  which  it  is  planted,  or  running  up  the 
loftv  cedars  to  the  bodies  of  which  it  is  joined ;  such  was  the 
growth  and  fruitfulness  of  the  Israelitish  church ;  but  much  greater 
was  that  of  the  church  Christian.  Her  roots  were  fast  fixed  in  tlic 
hearts  and  aflections  of  the  faithful,  and  her  boughs  shot  forth  abun- 
dantly ;  they  often  telt  the  knife,  but  increased  under  it,  both  iu 
number  and  vigour;  till,  at  length,  she  overshadowed  the  Roman 
empire  with  her  branches,  and  replenished  the  earth  with  her  fniit, 
grateful  to  God  and  man. 

11.  She  sent  out  her  boup;hs  unto  the  sea,  and  her  brandies  unto 
the  river. 

This  relates  to  the  extent  of  Palestine,  which  was  occupied  by 
the  tribes  of  Israel,  even  from  the  Mediterranean  Sea,  westward, 
to  the  river  Euphrates,  eastward.  This  was  promised,  Dcut.  xi. 
24.  "  From  the  river  Euphrates  to  the  uttermost  sea  shall  your 
coast  be;"  and  fulfilled  in  the  days  of  Solomon.  See  1  Kings  iv. 
i'l.  Psalm  Ixxii.  8.  To  the  Christian  church  the  whole  earth  was 
the  land  of  promise,  and  the  Gospel  was  preached  to  all  nations. 
"  I  will  give  thee,"'  saith  Jehovah  to  Christ,  "  the  heathen  for 
thine  inheritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  thy  pos- 
session," Psalm  ii.  8. 

12.  jr%  hast  thou  then  broken  down  her  hedges,  so  that  all 
they  ichich  pass  by  the  icay  do  pluck  her? 

The  Psalmist,  having  described  the  exaltation  of  Israel,  under 
the  figure  of  a  vine,  proceeds  under  the  same  figure  to  lament  her 
depression.  She  is  now  represented  as  deprived  of  the  protection 
of  God,  the  counsels  of  the  wise,  and  the  arms  of  the  valiant;  of 
all  her  bulwarks  and  fortifications,  and  whatever  else  could  con- 
tribute to  her  defence  and  security;  so  that,  like  a  vineyard  with- 
out a  fence,  she  lay  open  on  every  side  to  the  incursions  and 
ravages  of  her  neighbouring  adversaries  ;  who  soon  stripped  her  of 
all  that  was  valuable,  and  trod  her  under  loot. 

13.  The  boar  out  of  the  wood  doth  waste  it,  and  the  wild  beasi 
of  the  field  doth  devour  it. 

Fierce  and  unrelenting,  her  heathen  persecutor  issued,  at  different 
times,  from  his  abode,  like  a  "  wild  boar"  out  of  the  forest,  re- 
solved not  only  to  spoil  and  plunder,  but  to  eradicate  and  extirpate 
her  for  ever.  Nor  let*  the  church  Christian  imagine  that  these  things 
relate  to  her  elder  sister.  Greater  mercies  and  more  excellent  gifts, 
should  excite  in  her  greater  thankfulness,  and  call  forth  more  ex- 
cellent virtues;  otherwise,  they  will  serve  only  to  enhance  her  ac- 


350  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXX. 

count,  and  umltiply  her  sorrows.  If  slie  sin,  and  fall  after  the 
same  example  of  unbelief,  she  must  not  think  to  be  distinguished 
in  her  punishment,  unless  by  the  severity  of  it.  She  may  expect 
to  see  the  favour  of  heaven  withdrawn,  and  the  secular  arm,  in- 
stead of  supporting,  employed  to  crush  her;  her  disciphne  may  be 
annihilated,  her  unitjr  broken,  her  doctrines  perverted,  her  wor- 
ship deformed,  her  practice  corrupted,  her  possessions  alienated, 
and  her  revenues  seized ;  till  at  length  the  word  be  given  from 
above,  and  some  antichristian  power  be  unchained,  to  execute  upon 
her  the  full  vengeance  due  to  her  crimes.  Unclean  desires,  and 
furious  passions,  are  the  enemies  of  the  soul,  which  deface  her 
beauty,  and  devour  all  the  productions  of  grace,  in  that  lesser  vine- 
yard of  God. 

14.  Return,  we  beseech  thee,  O  God  of  hosts;  look  down  from 
heaven,  and  behold,  and  visit  this  vine;  15.  And  the  vineyard 
ichich  thy  right  hand  hath  planted,  and  the  Branch  that  thou 
madest  strong  for  thyself 

The  church,  thus  distressed  and  desolated,  oflereth  a  prayer 
for  the  return  of  the  Divine  favour,  and  for  a  gracious  visitation 
from  on  high;  she  beseecheth  God  to  look  down,  with  an  eye  of 
pity,  from  heaven,  on  the  vineyard,  which  his  own  hands  had 
^^  planted,"  and  on  that  royal  branch,  the  family  of  David,  in  par- 
ticular, which  he  had  raised  and  established  for  himself,  to  accom- 
plish his  eternal  purpose  of  saving  mankind  by  Messiah,  who  was 
one  day  to  spring  from  the  root  of  Jesse.  The  Chaldee  Para- 
phrast  expounds  "  the  branch,-'  of  Messiah  himself,  XPI'tyo  Nj'?^ 
^V,  "  On  King  Messiah,  whom  thou  hast  established,"  &c.  So  do 
the  rabbles,  Aben  Ezra,  and  Obadiah,  cited  by  Dr.  Hammond. 
And  the  LXX,  instead  of  supposing  the  word  p  '•'  a  son,"  to  refer 
to  "  vine,"  and  to  signify  a  "  branch,"  which,  in  the  Hebrew  style, 
is,  "  a  son  of  the  vine,"  have  rendered  the  passage,  t-Ts-e  viov  avSpa- 
xy  '•'  on  the  son  of  man;"  an  expression  actually  used  by  the 
Psalmist,  two  verses  below.  To  the  advent  of  this  Son  of  man, 
Israel  was  ever  accustomed  to  look  forward  in  time  of  affliction; 
on  his  second  and  glorious  advent  the  Cinislian  church  must  fix 
her  eye,  in  the  day  of  her  calamities. 

16.  It  is  burnt  with  fire;  it  is  cut  doion,  or,  dug  np:  they  pe- 
rish at  the  rebuke  of  thy  countenance. 

The  sad  estate  of  the  vineyard  is  yet  again  set  forth,  to  excite 
the  compassion  of  heaven.  As  to  the  latter  clause  of  this  verse, 
if  it  be  rendered,  as  our  translators  have  rendered  it,  in  the  pre- 
sent time,  it  seems  to  relate  to  the  Israelites,  and  the  destruction 
made  amongst  them  by  the  wrath  of  God.     If  it  have  a  future 


DayXVI.M.P.  on  the  psalms.  351 

rendering,  "  they  shall  perish  at  the  rebuke  of  thy  countenance," 
it  may  be  supposed  to  predict  the  fate  c.f  the  adversaries,  when  (Jod 
should  deliver  his  people  out  of  their  bands. 

17.  Let  thy  hand  be  upon  the  Man  of  thy  right  hand,  upon  the 
Son  of  man  whom  thou  inadest  strong  for  thyself. 

These  phrases,  "  the  man  of  thy  right  hand,"  and  "  the  son  of 
man,"  if  at  all  applicable  in  a  lower  and  subordinate  sense  to  a 
temporal  king  of  Israel,  considered  as  a  representative  of  Mes- 
siah, are  most  certainly,  in  their  full  and  prophetical  acceptation, 
intended  to  denote  King  Messiah  himself.*  Assured  of  his  coming, 
the  church  prayetli  that  the  "  hand,"  the  protection,  and  the  power 
of  Jehovah,  might  be  '•'  upon"  him,  over  him,  and  whh  him,  in  his 
great  undertaking,  finally  to  deliver  her  out  of  all  her  troubles,  and 
to  "  lead  her  captivity  captive." 

18.  So  2ciU  not  we  go  bad:  from  thee:  quicken  7is,  and  we  will 
call  upon  thy  name. 

The  end  of  our  redemption  is,  that  we  should  serve  him  who 
hath  redeemed  us,  and  '•'  go  back"  no  more  to  our  old  sins.  That 
soul  which  hath  been  "  quickened"  and  made  aUve  by  Christ, 
should  live  to  his  honour  and  glory;  that  mouth  which  hath  been 
opened  by  him,  can  do  no  less  than  show  forth  his  praise,  and 
"  call  upon  his"  saving  "  name." 

19.  Turn  us  again,  O  Lord  God  of  /':osts,  cause  thy  face  to 
fihine  :  and  ice  shall  be  saved.     See  ver.  3. 


PSALM  LXXXL 


ARGUMENT. 

This  Ps.ilni,  whensoever,  or  by  whomsoever  composed,  was  probably  in. 
tended  to  be  sung  at  the  feast  of  trumpets,  as  also  at  any  other  feast 
time.  It  contains,  1 — 3.  an  exhortation  duly  to  observe  the  festivals  of 
the  church,  4,  6.  as  God  had  appointed,  who  is  introduced  expostulating 
with  his  people  on  account,  6 — 10.  of  his  mercies,  and,  11,  12.  their  in- 
gratitude, and,  13 — 16.  under  the  form  of  a  most  affectionate  wish,  re- 
newiug  his  promises,  on  condition  of  their  obedience. 

1 .  Sing  aloud  unto  God  our  strength :  make  a  joyful  noise  unto 
the  God  of  Jacob.  2.  Take  a  psalm,  and  bring  hither  the  tim' 
brel,  the  pleasant  harp  jcith  the  psaltery. 

If  Israelites  were  thus  exhorted  to  keep  their  feast  days  with 
joy  and  gladness  of  heart ;  to  e.xalt  their  voices,  and  join  togetlier 

*  "  Virum  de.\terfE  tuae."  Davidcm  a  te  de^ignatum  ct  ronfirmatum  re 
g;om.  rt  in  ejus  fi^ru  rhrisfum.     Bosuvef 


352  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXXI. 

all  their  sweetest  instruments  of  music,  in  honour  of  him  who  had 
rescued  them  from  Egyptian  bondage,  and  given  them  a  law  from 
Sinai ;  in  what  exulting  strains  ouglit  we  to  celebrate  the  festivals 
of  the  Christian  church?  With  what  triumph  of  soul,  and  harmony 
of  affections,  are  we  bound  to  "  sing  aloud  to  God  our  strength," 
who  hath  redeemed  us  from  death,  and  published  the  Gospel  from 
Sion?  Since,  as  the  Apostle  saith, "  holy-days,  new  moons,  and 
sabbath-days,"  of  old,  "  were"  only  '•  a  shadow  of  things  to  comej 
but  the  body  is  of  Christ,"  Col.  ii.  1C>. 

3.  BI020  up  the  trumpet  in  the  new  moon,  in  the  time  appointed, 
on  our  solemn  feast-day . 

In  the  Jewish  church,  notice  was  given  of  feasts,  jubilees,  &c. 
by  sound  of  trumpet.  All  the  new  moons,  or  beginning  of  months, 
were  observed  in  this  manner;  see  Numb.  x.  1.  but  on  the  Sep- 
tember new  moon,  or  first  day  of  the  seventh  month,  was  kept  a 
great  festival,  called  "  the  feast  of  trumpets ;"  Lev.  xxiil.  24.  Numb. 
xxix.  1.  which,  probably,  is  here  intended.  This  September  new 
moon  had  a  particular  regard  paid  to  it,  because  according  to  the 
old  calculation  before  Israel  came  out  of  Egypt,  it  was  the  first  new 
moon  in  the  year,  which  began  upon  this  day,  the  first  of  the 
(afterwards)  seventh  month.  The  tenth  of  the  same  month  was 
the  great  day  of  atonement ;  and  on  the  fifteenth  was  celebrated 
the  feast  of  tabernacles.  See  Lev.  xxiii.  27.  and  34.  Our  Psalm 
therefore  seems  to  have  been  designed  for  the  purpose  of  awaken- 
ing and  stirring  up  the  devotion  of  the  people,  upon  the  solemn  en- 
trance of  a  month  in  which  they  were  to  commemorate  so  many 
past  blessings,  prefigurative  of  much  greater  blessings  to  come. 
We  have  now  our  feast-days,  our  Christmas,  Easter,  Whitsuntide, 
&c.  On  these,  and  all  other  solemn  occasions,  let  the  evangelical 
trumpet  give  a  sound  of  victory,  of  liberty,  of  joy,  and  rejoicing; 
of  victory  over  death,  of  liberty  from  sin,  of  joy  and  rejoicing  in 
Christ  Jesus  our  Saviour. 

4.  'For  this  was  a  statute  for  Israel,  and  a  law  of  the  God  of 
Jacob.  5.  This  he  ordained  in  Joseph  for  a  testimony,  when  he 
went  out,  through,  or,  against,  the  land  of  Egypt ;  where  I  heard 
a  language  that  I  understood  not. 

The  meaning  is,  that  the  observation  of  feasts,  with  blowing  of 
trumpets,  was  a  statute  law,  or  testimony,  ordained  in  Joseph,  or 
Israel,  by  God  himself,  after  he  had  destroyed  the  Egyptians,  and 
brought  his  peo})le  into  the  wilderness,  where  the  law  was  given. 
Concerning  the  words,  "  I  heard  a  language  that  I  understood  not," 
it  is  difficult  to  account  for  the  change  of  person ;  but  the  sense 
seems  to  be,  that  the  children  of  Israel  received  the  law  when  thoy 


Day  XVI.  iM.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  353 

had  been  in  bondage  under  a  people  of  strans^e  and  barbarous  lan- 
guage, or  dialect.  The  passage  is  exactly  parallel  to  that  in  Psulm 
cxiv.  I.  "  When  Israel  went  out  of  Egypt,  and  the  house  of  Jacob 
from  a  people  of  strange  language ;"  &c.  The  new  law,  with  its 
sacraments  and  ordinances,  was  promulged  after  the  spiritual  re- 
demption by  Christ,  as  the  old  law,  with  its  rites  and  ceremonies, 
was  published  after  the  temporal  deliverance  by  JSIoses. 

6.  /  removed  /lis  shoulder  from  the  burthen:  his  hands  were  de- 
Jlvcred  from  the  pots. 

From  this  verse  to  the  end,  it  is  plain  that  God  is  the  speaker. 
He  reminds  Israel  of  their  redemption,  by  his  mercy  and  power, 
from  the  burthens  and  the  drudgery  imposed  on  them  in  Egypt. 
Moses  describeth  their  then  state  of  servitude  by  saying,  "  The 
Egyptians  made  their  lives  bitter  with  hard  bondage,  in  mortar, 
and  in  brick,  and  in  all  manner  of  service  in  the  field;"  Exod.  i.  14. 
that  is,  probably,  in  making  vessels  of  clay,  as  this  verse  seems  to 
imply.  Let  us  remember  that  we  have  been  eased  of  far  heavier 
burthens,  delivered  from  severer  task-masters,  and  freed  from  a 
baser  drudgery ;  the  intolerable  load  of  sin,  the  cruel  tyranny  of 
Satan,  the  vile  service  and  bitter  bondage  of  concupiscence. 

7.  ThoucaUedst  in  trouble,  and  I  delicered  thee;  I  ansicered 
thee  in  the  secret  place  of  thunder :  I  proved  thee  at  the  tvaters  of 
Meribah. 

God  declares  his  readiness  at  all  times  to  hear  the  prayers  and 
relieve  the  distresses  of  his  people,  as  he  did  when  they  cried  unto 
him  in  Egypt,  and  in  the  wilderness,  and  received  answers  from 
the  cloudy  pillar.  In  that  deep  recess  he  had  fixed  his  awful 
throne,  and  from  thence,  on  proper  occasions,  he  manifested  his 
power  and  glory,  protecting  Israel,  and  confounding  their  adversa- 
ries. In  Psalm  xxix.  6.  it  is  said  of"  Moses,  Aaron,"  &c.  "  They 
called  upon  the  Lord,  and  he  answered  them :  he  spake  unto 
them  in  the  cloudy  pillar;"  which  passage  seems  exactly  parallel 
to  that  in  the  verse  under  consideration — "  Thou  calledst,  and — 
I  answered  thee  in  the  secret  place  of  thunder."  He  who  spake 
unto  Israel  in  the  cloudy  pillar,  hath  since  spoken  to  us  by  his 
Son  :  he  who  "  proved  them  at  the  waters  of  Meribah,"  Exod.  xvii. 
6,  7.  now  proves  us  by  various  trials  in  the  world. 

8.  Hear,  O  my  people,  and  I  xoill  testify  unto  thee:  O  Israel,  if 
thou  wilt  hearken  unto  me  ;  9-  There  shall  no  strange  god  be  in 
thee  ;  neither  shall  thou  worship  any  strange  god.  10.  /am  the 
Lord  thy  God,  which  brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt : 
open  thy  mouth  wide,  and  1  will  fll  it. 

Cod  here  addresseth  himself  to  the  Israelites,  putting  liiom  in 
43 


iio4  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXXf. 

remembrance  of  that  first  and  great  commandment  against  idola- 
try ;  of  his  claim  to  their  obedience,  as  their  God  and  Saviour  j 
and  of  his  being  both  able  and  willing  to  satisfy  the  utmost  desires 
and  wishes  of  such  as  would  apply  to  him  for  blessing  and  com- 
fort. Behold,  then,  the  rebellion,  the  ingratitude,  and  the  folly,  of- 
that  man,  whosaith  to  any  creature,  "Thou  art  my  God,"  who  be- 
stowoth  on  the  world  that  fear,  love,  and  adoration,  which  are  due 
only  to  its  Creator  and  Redeemer  ;  who  wasteth  his  days  in  seek- 
ing after  happiness,  where  all,  by  their  inquietude,  acknowledge 
that  it  is  not  be  found. 

11.  But  mi/  people  would  not  hearken  to  my  voice;  and  Israel 
would  none  of  me.  12.  So  I  gave  them  up  unto  their  own  hearVs 
lust;  and  theij  walked  in  their  oion  counsels. 

By  the  subject  of  an  earthly  prince,  it  is  justly  deemed  a  great 
honour  for  his  sovereign  to  converse  with  him,  to  counsel  and  ad- 
Vise  him :  but  from  sinful  dust  and  ashes,  we  hear  the  Majesty  of 
heaven  complaining,  that  he  cannot  obtain  an  audience ;  no  one 
will  attend  to,  or  observe  his  salutary  admonitions.  When  we  see 
men  enabled,  by  wealth  and  power,  to  accomplish  the  inordinate 
desires  of  their  hearts,  and  carry  their  worldly  schemes  into  execu- 
tion, without  meeting  with  any  obstructions  in  their  way,  we  are 
apt  to  envy  their  felicity  :  whereas  such  prosperity  in  wickedness 
is  the  surest  mark  of  divine  displeasure,  the  heaviest  punishment 
of  disobedience,  both  in  individuals  and  communities.  "  My  peo- 
ple would  not  hearken  to  my  voice,  and  Israel  would  none  of  me : 
so  I  gave  them  up  unto  their  own  heart's  lust :  and  they  walked  in 
their  own  counsels." 

13.  O  that  my  people  had  hearkened  unto  me,  and  Israel  had 
walked  in  my  ways  !  14.  I  shoidd  soon  have  subdued  their  ene- 
mies, and  turned  my  hand  against  their  adversaries. 

Such  are  the  tender  mercies  of  our  God,  that  he  is  not  only  care- 
ful to  provide  for  us  the  means  of  salvation,  but  represents  himself 
as  mourning  with  a  paternal  affection  over  his  children,  when 
their  frovvardness  and  obstinacy  disappoint  the  efforts  of  his  love. 
One  cannot  help  observing  the  similitude  between  the  complaint 
here  uttered,  and  one  which  hath  been  since  breathed  forth  over 
the  same  people ;  "  O  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  how  often  would  I 
have  gathered  thy  children  together,  even  as  a  hen  gathereth  her 
chickens  under  her  wings,  and  ye  would  not !" 

15.  The  haters  of  the  Imwo  should  have  submitted  themselves 
unto  him,  or,  should  have  failed,  or,  been  subdued  to  him  :  but  their 
time,  i.  e.  the  time  of  his  people,  should  have  endured  for  ever. 

The  transgressions  of  the  church  give  her  enemies  all  their 


Day  XVI.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  3j5 

power  against  her,  calling  the  avenger  from  afar,  and  setting  an 
edge  on  the  sword  of  the  persecutor.  "Where  the  carcass  is," 
where  tlie  spirit  of  religion  is  departed,  and  has  left  the  body  to 
cori-uptand  decay,  "there  the  eagles  are  gathered  together:"  all 
the  instruments  of  vengeance,  terrestrial  and  infernal,  flock,  by 
permission,  to  the  prey.  Had  not  this  been  the  case  with  regard 
to  Israel,  Jerusalem  had  continued  to  be,  through  all  ages,  what 
she  was  in  the  days  of  Solomon,  the  delight  of  the  nations,  and  the 
joy  of  the  whole  earth. 

16.  He  should  have  fed  them,  also  icith  the  finest  of  the  wheat: 
and  with  honey  out  of  the  rock  should  I  have  satisfied  thee. 

That  is,  the  Israelites,  if  obedient,  would  still  have  enjoyed  the 
sweets  of  that  good  land  in  which  the  Lord  their  God  had  placed 
them,  where  the  fruits  of  the  earth  were  produced  in  the  highest 
perfection,  and  honey  streamed  from  the  very  rocks,  so  that  no 
part  of  the  country  was  without  its  increase.  Upon  the  same  con- 
ditions of  faith  and  obedience,  do  Christians  hold  those  spiritual 
and  eternal  good  things,  of  which  the  pleasant  fields  and  fertile 
hills  of  Canaan  were  sacramental.  Christ  is  the  "  bread'*  of  life, 
he  is  the  "  rock"  of  salvation,  and  his  promises  are  as  "  honey" 
to  pious  minds.  But  they  who  reject  him,  as  their  Lord  and  Mas- 
ter, must  also  lose  him  as  their  Saviour  and  their  reward. 


SIXTEENTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  LXXXIL 

ARGUMENT. 

The  Psalmist  addresseth  himself  to  judges  and  magistrates :  1.  he  remind 
«th  them  of  the  presence  of  that  God  whom  they  represent,  and  to  whom 
they  are  accountable;  2 — 4.  he  cxhorteth  them  to  the  due  discharge  ot 
their  office ;  5.  reprovetli  the  ignorance  and  corruption  among  them ;  6, 
7.  threateneth  their  fall  and  punishment ;  8.  prayeth  for  the  manifestation 
of  Messiah,  and  the  establishment  of  his  righteous  kingdom. 

1 .  God  standeth  in  the  congregation  of  the  mighty ;  he  judgeth 
among  the  gods. 

Earthly  judicatories  are  the  appointment  of  God.  All  magis- 
trates act  in  his  name,  and  by  virtue  of  his  commission.  He  is 
invisibly  present  in  their  assemblies,  and  superintends  their  pro- 
ceedings. He  receives  appeals  from  their  wrongful  decisions  ;  lu: 
will  one  day  rehear  all  causes  at  his  own  tribunal,  and  reverse 
every  iniquitous  sentence,  before  the  great  congregation  of  men 
and  angels.     Unjust  judges  must  either  disbelieve  or  forget  all 


356  A  COMMENtARY  Psal.  LXXXIl. 

this.  God  is,  in  like  manner,  present  to  the  heart  of  each  indivi- 
dual ;  he  is  privy  to  tlie  various  reasonings  and  pleadings  of  grace 
and  nature,  of  principal  and  interest,  in  that  lesser  court ;  and  he 
is  a  witness  of  its  determinations;  which  also  will  by  him  be  ma- 
nifested to  the  world,  and  openly  canvassed,  when  he  sitteth  in 
judgment. 

2.  Huio  long  icill  yc  judge  unjiisthj,  and  accept  the  persons  of 
the  wicked?  3.  Defend  the  poor  and  fatherless :  do  justice  to 
the  affiictcd  and  needy.  4.  Deliver  the  poor  and  needy:  rid 
them  Old  of  the  hand  of  the  icicked. 

A  charge  is  here  given,  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  to  all  magistrates, 
much  like  that  which  king  Jehoshaphat  gave  to  his  judges;  2 
Chron.  xix.  6,  7-  "Take  heed  what  ye  do;  for  ye  judge  not  for 
man,  but  for  the  Lord,  who  is  with  you  in  the  judgment.  Where- 
fore now  let  the  fear  of  the  Lord  be  upon  you,  take  heed,  and  do 
it  :  for  there  js  no  iniquity  with  the  Lord  our  God,  nor  respect  of 
persons,  nor  taking  of  gifts."'  It  is  the  glory  of  Jehovah  and  his 
Christ,  to  "  accept  no  man's  person"  in  judgment ;  to  regard  nei- 
ther the  quality  nor  the  station  of  the  oflender ;  but  to  give  to 
every  man,  of  whatever  rank  or  degree  in  the  world,  according 
to  his  works.  All  the  sons  of  Adam  were  once  "  poor  and  father- 
less, needy  and  afflicted,"  when  God  took  their  cause  into  his  own 
hands,  and  by  a  method  consistent  with  the  strictest  justice,  "  de- 
livered them  out  of  the  hand  of  the  wicked  one."  Every  op- 
pressor of  the  poor  is  a  likeness  of  "  that  wicked  one,"  and  every 
upright  judge  will  endeavour  to  resemble  the  Redeemer.  For  this 
purpose  he  will  be  always  willing  to  admit,  diligent  to  discuss, 
solicitous  to  expedite,  the  cause  of  a  poor  and  injured  person,  and 
to  afford  such  a  one  the  speediest,  the  cheapest,  ajid  the  most  ef- 
fectual redress,  equally  contemning  the  offers  of  opulence,  and  the 
frowns  of  power.  A  judge,  who  acts  in  this  manner,  takes  the 
readiest  way  to  obtain  the  favour  of  God ;  and  the  people  will  be 
sure  to  bless  him. 

5.  They  knoic  not,  neither  will  they  understand ;  they  tvalk  on 
in  darkness;  all  the  j'oundations  of  the  earth.,  or,  the  land,  are 
out  of  course,  or,  7iod,  or,  shake. 

We  here  find  the  prophet  deploring,  in  magistrates,  a  method 
of  proceeding  contrary  to  that  above  described.  He  laments  their 
voluntary  ignorance  in  the  ways  of  righteousness,  and  their  choo- 
sing to  "  walk  in  darkness."  In  judges  this  is  occasioned  by 
"  presents  and  gifts,"  which,  as  saith  the  son  of  Sirach,  "  blind 
the  eyes  of  the  wise,"  Ecclus.  xx.  29.  And  if  once  the  "  pillars" 
and  "  foundations"  arc  moved  from  their  integrity,  and  "  shaken" 


Day  XM.  E.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  30? 

to  and  fro  by  every  blast  of  fear  and  favour,  what  shall  become 
of  the  political  fabric  erected  upon  thein  ?  Verily  it  must  fail,  ami 
great  and  terrible  will  be  the  fall  thereof.  A  community,  whether 
ecclesiastical  or  civil,  consisteth  of  great  numbers;  but  its  well-being 
dependetii  on  a  few,  in  whose  hands  the  administration  is  placed. 
When  the  salt  hath  lost  its  savour,  the  mass  must  putrify;  when 
the  light  becomcth  darkness,  how  great  must  be  that  darkness  ! 

6.  I  have  saidy  Ye  are  gods;  and  all  of  you  hvg  children  of 
the  Most  High :  7.  But  ye  shall  die  like  men,  or,  Adam,  and  fall 
like  one  of  the  princes. 

It  is  true,  then,  that  magistrates  are  exalted  above  oiher  men; 
that  they  are  dignified  with  a  commission  from  above;  appointed 
to  be  the  vicegerents  of  heaven  upon  earth ;  and  therefore  called 
by  the  name  of  him  in  whose  name  they  act.  But  it  is  likewise 
as  true,  that  notwithstanding  all  this  honour  conferred  upon  them, 
for  the  good  of  others  and  of  themselves,  if  they  use  it  aright, 
they  still  continue  to  be  the  mortal  sons  of  mortal  "Adam;"  like 
him,  they  must  fall  and  perish  :  God  can,  at  any  time,  cast  them 
down  from  their  high  estate,  as  he  did  the  heathen  "  princes," 
who  misbehaved  themselves,  and  opposed  his  counsels  :  death 
certainly  will  strip  them  of  all  their  authority,  and  lay  them  low  m 
the  grave;  from  thence  the  last  trumpet  shall  call  them  forth,  to 
stand,  with  the  rest  of  their  brethren,  before  the  judgment-seat  of 
Christ,  there  to  take  their  trial,  and  receive  their  everlasting  sen- 
tence. How  necessary  oftentimes  is  this  consideration,  to  check 
the  spirit  of  tyranny  and  injustice,  to  qualify  the  pride  and  inso- 
lence of  office ! 

8.  Arise,  O  God,  Judge  the  earth:  for  thou  shall  inherit  all 
nations. 

A  view  of  that  disorder  and  confusion  in  which  frequently  the 
Jewish  nation,  as  well  as  the  rest  of  the  world,  was  involved, 
caused  the  prophets  most  earnestly  to  wish  and  pray  for  the  com- 
ing of  that  time,  when  "  God"  should  "  arise"  in  the  person  of 
Messiah,  to  visit  and  "judge  the  earth;"  to  deliver  it  from  the 
powers  of  darkness,  and  the  tyranny  of  sin;  to  "inherit  all  na- 
tions," as  purchased  and  redeemed  by  him;  to  establish  his 
church  among  them ;  and  to  rule  with  a  sceptre  of  righteousness, 
in  the  hearts  of  his  people.  "  Arise"  yet  once  again,  O  Lord  Jesu, 
from  thy  throne,  where  thou  sittest  at  the  right  hand  of  the  Father; 
"  judge  the  earth,"  again  corrupted  and  overwhelmed  with  iniquity; 
do  away  sin,  and  put  an  end  for  ever  to  the  power  of  Satan ;  '*'  inherit 
all  nations,"  redeemed  from  death,  and  ransomed  from  the  grave  : 
and  reign  to  eternity,  King  of  Righteousness,  Peace,  and  Glory, 


358  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXXIII. 


PSALM  LXXXIII. 

ARGUiMENT. 

In  tliis  Psalm  the  clmrcli,  1 — 8.  roinplaiucth  to  God  of  the  insolence,  sub- 
tilty,  rage,  and  malice  of  her  enemies,  united  in  close  confe<leiacy  against 
her;  9 — 12.  shepiayeth  for  a  manifestation  of  that  power  which  formerly 
discomfited  Jabin,  Sisera,  and  the  Midianitcs ;  that  so  the  hostile  nations, 
J3 — 15.  made  sensible  of  the  superiority  of  Israel's  God,  16 — 18.  might 
either  themselves  be  induced  to  acknowledge  him,  or  else,  by  their  de- 
struction, become  a  warning  and  admonition  to  others.  As,  while  the 
world  endureth  there  will  be  a  clvurch,  and  while  there  is  a  church  she 
will  have  her  enemies,  who  are  to  increase  upon  her  as  the  end  approach- 
eth,  this  Psalm  can  never  be  out  of  date.  And  to  the  spiritual  adversa- 
ries of  his  soul,  every  private  Christian  may  apply  it  at  all  times. 

1.  Keep  not  thou  silence,  0  God:  hold  not  thy  peace,  and  he 
not  still,  O  God.  2.  For,  lo,  thine  enemies  inake  a  tumult;  and 
thei/  that  hate  thee  have  lift  up  their  head. 

The  church  entreateth  God  again  and  again  to  hear  and  help  her 
in  the  day  of  trouble.  Her  enemies  and  haters  are  here  said  to  be 
the  enemies  and  haters  of  God,  because  Christ  and  the  church, 
like  man  and  wife,  are  one:  they  have  one  common  interest;  they 
have  the  same  friends  and  the  same  foes.  To  him,  therefore,  she 
applieth,  terrified  by  the  tumultuous  noise  of  confederated  nations, 
roaring  against  her  like  the  roaring  of  the  sea,  "  lifting  up  their 
heads,"  as  so  many  monsters  of  the  deep,  to  devour  her  at  once. 
When  temptations  are  urgent  upon  the  soul,  and  the  passions  rise 
in  arms  against  her  peace  and  innocence,  then  do  "  the  enemies  of 
God  make  a  tumult,  and  they  that  hate  him  lift  up  their  heads;" 
and  then  is  the  time  for  her  to  be  instant  in  prayer. 

3.  They  have  taken  crafty  counsel  against  thy  people,  and  con- 
sidted  against  thy  hidden  ones.  4.  They  have  said.  Come,  and 
let  us  cut  them  oj'  from  being  a  nation;  that  the  name  of  Israel 
may  he  no  more  in  rcmemhrance. 

The  combination,  so  much  dreaded,  is  described  as  having  been 
formed  upon  the  best  principles  of  secular  policy,  with  much  sub- 
tilty,  and  tlie  most  determined  malice,  against  the  "  people"  of 
God,  and  his  "  hidden  ones,"  that  is,  his  peculiar  nation,  separated 
from  the  world,  and  taken  under  the  cover  and  protection  of  his 
wings.  To  root  up  the  plantations  of  paradise,  to  extirpate  the 
holy  seed,  to  extinguish  the  veiy  "  name  of  Israel,"  was  the  scheme 
intended  by  these  associated  adversaries  of  Sion.  Such  are  our 
.spiritual  enemies;  such  is  their  cunning,  their  rage,  and  their  re-. 


Day  XVI.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  sOy 

solution:  what  prudence,  what  vigilance,  what  courage,  are  neces- 
sary, that  we  may  oppose  them  with  success ! 

5.  For  they  have  cons^ulted  together  with  one  consent^  they  are 
confederate  ajs^ainst  thee. 

When  Christ  was  about  to  be  crucified,  it  is  observed  by  St. 
Luke,  that  "  the  same  day  Pilate  and  Herod  were  made  friends 
together;  for  before  they  were  at  enmity  between  themselves," 
Luke  xxiij.  12.  And  however  the  enemies  of  the  church  may 
quarrel  with  one  another,  when  they  have  nothing  else  to  do,  yet 
if  a  favourable  opportunity  ofler  itself  for  making  an  attack  upon 
her,  they  lay  aside  their  differences,  and  unite  as  one  man;  by  no 
means  refusing  the  friendly  aid  even  of  infidels  and  atheists,  who 
are  always  ready  to  join  in  carrying  on  the  war  against  the  com- 
mon adversary. 

6.  The  tabernacles  ofEdom,  and  the  Ishmaelites;  ofMoah  and 
the  Hagarcnes ;  7-  Gebal,  and  Amnion,  and  Amaleh  ;  the  Philis- 
tines, toith  the  inhabitants  of  Tyre;  8.  Assur  also  is  joined  toith 
them:  they  have  holpen  the  children  of  Lot. 

These  are  the  names  of  the  confederates.  The  Edomites  were 
descended  from  Esau,  that  old  original  enemy  of  Jacob ;  the  Ish- 
maelites from  Ishmael,  the  son  of  the  bond  woman,  and  sworn  foe 
to  Isaac,  heir  of  the  promises  ;  the  Moabites  sprang  from  Moab,  one 
of  the  incestuous  children  of  Lot ;  the  Hagarenes  were  other  de- 
scendants of  Hagar ;  who  the  Gebalites  were  is  uncertain;  the  Am- 
monites came  from  Amnion,  the  son  of  Lot,  and  incestuous  brother 
of  Moab;  the  Amalekites  were  of  the  progeny  of  Amalek,  the 
grandson  of  Esau;  Gen.  xxxvi.  16.;  the  Philistines  and  Tyrians 
are  well  known;  and  to  complete  all,  Assur,  or  the  power  of  As- 
syria, was  called  in  by  the  children  of  Lot,  the  IMoabites  and  Am- 
monites, to  assist  in  the  great  work  of  exterminating  Israel  from 
the  face  of  the  earth.  These  were  the  ten  nations  banded  together 
by  a  solemn  league  and  covenant,  against  the  people  of  God.  And 
as  Israel  was  the  grand  figure  of  the  Christiaii  church,  which  is  now 
"  the  Israel  of  God,"  so  her  enemies  are  often  represented  by  the 
above  recited  nations,  and  in  prophetical  language  are  called  by 
their  names.  Every  age  has  its  Edomites,  and  its  Ishmaelites, 
&c.  &c.  The  actors  are  changed,  and  the  scenes  are  shifted;  but 
the  stage  and  the  drama  continue  the  same. 

9.  Do  unto  them  as  unto  the  Midianites ;  as  to  Sisera,  as  to 
Jahin,  at  the  brook  of  Kison  :  10.  Which  perished  at  Endor  : 
they  became  as  the  dung  of  the  earth.  ]  1 .  Make  their  nobles  like 
Oreb  and  Zeeb;  yea,  all  their  princes  like  ns  Zeba  and  as  Zaf- 


360  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXXUI. 

munna  :  12.  Who  said,  Lei  us  take  to  ourselves  the  houses  of  God 
in  possession. 

The  church,  having  recounted  the  enemies  which  compassed 
her  about  on  every  side,  looks  up  for  succour  to  that  Ahnighty 
power  which  had  of  old  so  graciously  interposed  on  her  behalf, 
and  rescued  her  from  her  persecutors,  in  the  days  of  Deborah,  Ba- 
rak, and  Gideon.  See  Judges  iv. — viii.  Fully  sensible  that  those 
deliverances  were  wrought  by  the  immediate  hand  of  Jehovah,  she 
offers  the  prayer  of  faith  for  a  like  manifestation  of  his  glory,  and 
a  like  victory  over  those  who  intended,  in  the  same  manner,  to 
seize  and  devoiu*  his  inheritance.  Of  how  great  use  and  comfort 
are  the  Old  Testament  histories  to  us,  in  all  our  afflictions ! 

13.  O  7111/  God,  make  them  like  a  wheel;  or,  like  thistle-down; 
as  the  stubble  before  the  wind.  14.  As  the  fire  burnetii  the  woodf 
and  as  the  flame  setteth  the  mountains  on  fire;  15.  So  persecute, 
or,  thou  shall  pursue,  them  with  thy  tempest,  and  make,  or,  thou 
shah  make,  them  afraid  with  thy  storm. 

The  fate  of  those  is  here  predicted,  who  invade  the  inheritance 
of  Jehovah,  and  say,  "  Let  us  take  to  ourselves  the  houses  of  God 
in  possession."  The  inconstancy  and  mutability  of  their  fortunes 
is  resembled  to  "  thistle-down,"  or  some  such  light  revolving  body, 
and  to  "  stubble,"  or  chafl",  whirled  about  and  dissipated  by  the 
"  wind  :"  the  suddenness,  horror,  and  universality  of  their  destruc- 
tion, are  set  forth  by  the  similitude  of  a  "  fire"  consuming  the  dry 
trees  in  a  "  forest,"  or  some  combustible  matter  on  the  "  moun- 
tains." Such  is  the  storm  and  tempest  of  God's  indignation, 
which  pursues  and  terrifies  the  sacrilegious  and  ungodly, 

l6.  Fill  their  faces  tcith  shame  ;  that  they  rnay  seek  thy  name, 
O  Lord.  17.  Let  them,  or,  they  shall,  be  confounded  and  ti'ou- 
hled  for  ever  ;  yea,  let  them,  or,  they  shall,  be  put  to  shame  and 
perish:  18.  That  men  may  knoio  that  thou,  whose  name  alone  is 
Jehovah,  art  the  Most  High  over  all  the  earth. 

The  punishments  inflicted  by  Heaven  upon  wicked  men,  are  pri- 
marily intended  to  humble  and  convert  them.  If  they  continue  in- 
corrigible under  every  dispensation  of  merciful  severity,  they  arc 
at  last  cut  ofi",  and  finally  destroyed ;  that  others,  achnonished  by 
their  example^  may  repent,  and  return,  and  give  glory  to  God. 
Salutary  are  the  afflictions,  which  bring  men,  and  happy  the  men 
who  are  brought  by  them,  to  an  acknowledgment  of  "  Jehovah 
our  Righteousness,"  our  exalted  and  glorified  Redeemer,  "  the 
Most  High  over  all  the  earth ;"  whom  all  must  acknowledge,  and 
before  whom  all  must  appear  to  be  judged,  in  the  great  and  terri- 
ble dav. 


Day  XVI.  E.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  36I 


PSALM  LXXXIV. 

ARGUMENT. 

Tliis  Psalm,  for  the  subject  matter  of  it,  bears  a  resemblance  to  the  xliid. 
Under  the  figure  of  an  Israelite,  deprived  of  all  access  to  Jerusalem  and 
the  sanctuary ,  (whether  it  were  David  when  driven  away  by  Absalom,  or 
any  other  person  in  like  circumstances  at  a  different  time,)  we  are  pre- 
sented with,  1,  2.  the  earnest  longing  of  a  devout  soul  after  the  house  and 
presence  of  God ;  3 — 7.  a  beautiful  and  passionate  eulogy  on  the  blessed- 
ness of  his  ministers  and  servants  ;  8 — 10.  a  fervent  prayer  for  a  partici- 
pation of  that  blessedness  ;  and,  11,  12,  an  act  of  faith  in  his  power  and 
goodness,  which  render  him  both  able  and  willing  to  grant  requests  of 
this  nature. 

1.  Hmo  amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,  O  Lord  of  hosts/ 
TJius  ardently  doth  a  banished  Israelite  express  his  love  for  Si- 

on,  his  admiration  of  the  beauty  of  holiness.  Nay,  Balaam  him- 
self, when  from  the  top  of  Peor  he  saw  the  children  of  Israel  abi- 
ding in  their  tents,  with  the  glory  in  the  midst  of  them,  could  not 
help  exclaiming,  "  How  goodly  are  thy  tents,  O  Jacob,  and  thy 
tabernacles,  O  Israel!"  Numb.  xxiv.  5.  "  How  amiable,"  then, 
may  the  Christian  say,  are  those  eternal  mansions,  from  whence 
sin  and  sorrow  are  excluded ;  how  goodly  that  camp  of  the  saints, 
and  that  beloved  city,  where  righteousness  and  joy  reign  trium- 
phant, and  peace  and  unity  are  violated  no  more;  where  thou,  O 
blessed  Jesu,  "  Lord  of  hosts,"  King  of  men  and  angels,  dwellest 
in  glorious  majesty,  constituting  by  thy  presence  the  felicity  of  thy 
chosen  ! 

2.  My  soul  longeth,  yea,  even  fainteth,  for  the  c(hirts  of  the 
Lord  :  my  heart  and  my  fiesh  crieth  out,  or,  shoufeth,  for  the 
living  God. 

It  is  said  of  the  queen  of  Sheba,  that  upon  beholding  the  plea- 
santness of  Jerusalem,  the  splendour  of  Solomon's  court,  and, 
above  all,  the  magnificence  of  the  temple,  with  the  services  there- 
in performed,  "  there  was  no  more  spirit  in  her,"  1  Kings  x  5. 
What  wonder,  therefore,  if  the  soul  should  be  affected,  even  to 
sickness  and  fainting,  while,  from  this  land  of  her  captivity,  she 
beholdeth  by  faith  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  the  city  and  court  of 
the  great  King,  with  all  the  transporting  glories  of  the  church 
triumphant ;  while  in  her  meditations  she  draweth  the  comparison 
between  her  wretched  state  of  exile  upon  earth,  and  the  unspeak- 
able blessedness  of  being  delivered  from  temptation  and  affliction, 
16 


362  A  COMMENTARY         Psal.  LXXXIV. 

and  admitted  into  the  everlasting  "  courts  of  Jehovah  ?"  Whose 
"  heart  and  flesh"  doth  not  exult,  and  "  shout''  aloud  for  joy,  at  a 
prospect  of  rising  from  the  bed  of  death,  to  dwell  with  "  the  living 
God  ;"  to  see  the  face  of  him,  "  in  whom  is  life,  and  the  life  is  the 
light  of  men  ?"  John  i.  4.  Did  the  Israelites,  from  all  parts  of 
Judea,  go  up,  with  the  voice  of  jubilee,  to  keep  a  feast  at  Jerusa- 
lem; and  shall  Christians  grieve  when  the  time  is  come  for  them  to 
ascend,  and  to  celebrate  an  eternal  festival  in  heaven  ? 

3.  Fea,  the  sparrow  hath  found  an  house,  and  the  sioalhic,  or, 
ringdove,  a  nest  for  herself,  lohere  she  may  lay  her  young,  even 
thine  altars,  O  Lord  of  hosts,  my  King  and  my  God. 

The  Psalmist  is  generally  supposed,  in  this  verse,  to  lament  his 
unhappiness,  in  being  deprived  of  all  access  to  the  tabernacle,  or 
temple,  a  privilege  enjoyed  even  by  the  birds,  who  were  allowed 
to  build  their  nests  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  sanctuary.  It  is 
evidently  the  design  of  this  passage  to  intimate  to  us,  that  in  the 
house,  and  at  the  altar  of  God,  a  faithful  soul  findeth  freedom  from 
care  and  sorrow,  quiet  of  mind,  and  gladness  of  spirit ;  like  a  bird 
that  has  secured  a  little  mansion  for  the  reception  and  education  of 
her  young.  And  there  is  no  heart,  endued  with  sensibility,  which 
doth  not  bear  its  testimony  to  the  exquisite  beauty  and  propriety  of 
this  affecting  image. 

4.  Blessed  are  tlicy  that  dwell  in  thy  house :  they  will  he,  or,  arr, 
still  praising  thee. 

Here  the  metaphor  is  dropped,  and  the  former  sentiment  ex- 
pressed in  plain  language.  "  Blessed  are,"  not  the  mighty  and  opu- 
lent of  the  earth,  but  "  they  that  dwell  in  thy  house,"  the  mi- 
nisters of  the  eternal  temple  in  heaven,  the  angels  and  the  spirits 
of  just  men  made  perfect;  their  every  passion  is  resolved  into  love, 
every  duty  into  praise;  hallelujah  succeeds  hallelujah;  "  they  are 
still,"  still  for  ever,  "  praising  thee."  And  blessed,  next  to  them,  arc 
those  ministers  and  members  of  the  church  here  below,  who,  in  dis- 
position as  well  as  employment,  do  most  resemble  them. 

5.  Blessed  is  the  man  whose  strength  is  in  thee;  in  whose  heart 
are  the  ways  of  them;  Heb.  the  loays  are  in  the  heart  of  them. 

Not  only  they  are  pronounced  blessed,  who  "  dwell"  in  the  tem- 
ple, but  all  they  also  who  are  "  travelling"  thitherward,  (as  the 
whole  Jewish  nation  was  wont  to  do  three  times  in  a  year)  and  who 
are  therefore  meditating  on  their  "  journey,"  and  on  the  "  way" 
which  leadeth  to  the  holy  city,  trusting  in  God  to  "  strengthen," 
and  pr()s})er,  and  conduct  them  to  the  house  of  his  habitation,  the 
place  where  his  glory  dwelleth.     Such  a  company  of  sojourners 


DayXVI.  E.  p.  OX  THE  PSALMS.  363 

are  Christians,  going  up  to  the  heavenly  Jerusalem;  such  oiijrht  to 
he  their  trust  in  God,  and  such  the  subject  of  their  thoughts.* 

6.  Who  jmssiiig  through  the  valley  of  Baca,  make  it  a  well ; 
the  rain  also  Jillctk  the  pooh.  7-  They  go  from  strength  to 
strength  ;  every  one  of  them  in  Zion  appenreth  before  God ;  or. 
the  God  of  gods  appeareth,  i,  e.  to  tliem  in  Zion. 

After  numberless  uncertain  conjectures  offered  by  conmientators 
upon  the  construction  of  these  two  verses,  it  scemeth  impossible 
for  us  to  attain  to  any  other  than  a  general  idea  of  their  true  im- 
port; which  is  this,  that  the  Israelites,  or  some  of  them,  passed  in 
their  way  to  Jerusalem,  through  a  valley  that  had  the  name  of 
••  Baca,"  a  noun  derived  from  a  verb  which  signifies  to  ''  weep;" 
that  in  this  valley  they  were  refreshed  by  plenty  of  water;  that  with 
renewed  vigour  they  proceeded  from  stage  to  stage,  until  they  pre- 
sented themselves  before  God  in  Zion.  The  present  world  is  to 
us  this  valley  of  weeping:  in  our  passage  through  it,  we  are  re- 
freshed by  the  streams  of  divine  grace,  flowing  down  fiom  the  great 
fountain  of  consolation  ;  and  thus  we  are  enabled  to  proceed  from 
one  degree  of  holiness  to  another,  until  wc  come  to  tlie  glorified 
vision  of  God  in  heaven  itself.  JMr.  Merrick's  poetical  version  of 
this  passage  is  extremely  beautiful,  and  applies  at  once  to  the  case 


Blest,  who,  their  strength  on  thee  reclin'd, 
Thy  seat  explore  w  ith  constant  mind, 
And,  Salem's  distant  tow'rs  in  view, 
With  active  zeal  their  way  pursue : 
Secure  the  thirsty  vale  they  tread, 
While,  call'd  from  out  their  sandy  bed, 
(As  down  in  grateful  show'rs  distill'd 
The  heav'ns  their  kindliest  moisture  yield) 
The  copious  spring^s  their  steps  beguile. 
And  bid  the  ciieerless  desert  smile. 
From  stage  to  stage  advancing  still. 
Behold  them  reach  fair  Sion's  hill, 
And  prostrate  at  her  hallow'd  shrine. 
Adore  the  Majesty  divine. 

8.  0  Lord  God  of  hosts,  hear  my  prayer:  give  car,  O  God  of 
Jacob.  9.  Behold,  0  God,  our  Shield,  and  look  upon  the  face  of 
thine  Anointed. 

*  In  ejus  animo  versantur  scmitrr  fprentps  ad  teniplum  quo  propcrat.  Mo- 
ral! sensu;  quicunque  sanctus  est,  quotidie  in  prioraextenditur,  et  praeterito- 
rum  obliviscitur,  cum  Paulo,  Phil.  iii.  13.  Bossuet.  Jerusalem  is  represented 
in  the  New  Testament  as  a  type  of  heaven.  I  see  nothirvg  irrational,  there- 
fore, in  supposing,  that  the  inspired  writer,  in  describing  the  ascent  to  Je- 
rusalem, might  have  in  view  also  tiiat  spiritual  progress,  leading  to  the  city 
which  is  above,  the  mother  of  us  all.  The  words  before  us  are  certniuiy 
very  applicable  to  the  advances  made,  in  this  progress,  from  strength  tn 
strength,  from  one  stage  of  Christian  perfection  to  another.    .Verrirh. 


4i^.^'. 


364  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXXIV. 

After  extolling  the  happiness  of  those  who  dwelt  in  the  temple, 
and  of  those  who  had  access  to  it,  the  Psalmist  breaks  forth  into  a 
most  ardent  prayer  to  his  God,  for  a  share  in  that  happiness.  He 
addresseth  him  as  "the  Lord  of  hosts,''  almighty  in  power;  as 
"  the  God  of  Jacob,"  infinite  in  mercy  and  goodness  to  his  people ; 
as  their  "  shield,"  the  object  of  all  their  trust,  for  defence  and  pro- 
tection ;  and  beseecheth  him  to  "  look  upon  the  face  of  his  anoint- 
ed," that  is,  of  David,  if  he  were  king  of  Israel  when  this  Psalm 
was  written ;  or  rather  of  Messiah,*  in  whom  God  is  always  well 
pleased ;  for  whose  sake  he  hath  mercy  upon  us ;  through  whose 
name  and  merits  our  prayers  are  accepted,  and  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  opened  to  all  believers, 

10.  For  a  day  in  thy  courts  is  better  than  a  thousand:  I  had 
rather  he  a  door-keeper  in  the  house  of  my  God,  than  to  dwell  in 
the  tents  of  wickedness. 

One  day  spent  in  meditation  and  devotion,  afifordeth  a  pleasure, 
far,  far  superior  to  that  which  an  age  of  worldly  prosperity  could 
give.  Happier  is  the  least  and  lowest  of  the  servants  of  Jesus, 
than  the  greatest  and  most  exalted  potentate,  who  knoweth  him 
not.  And  he  is  no  proper  judge  of  blessedness,  who  hesitates  a 
moment  to  prefer  the  condition  of  a  penitent  in  the  porch,  to  that 
of  a  sinner  on  the  throne.  If  this  be  the  case  upon  earth,  how 
much  more  in  heaven  ?  O  come  that  one  glorious  da}',  whose  sun 
shall  never  go  down,  nor  any  cloud  obscure  the  lustre  of  his  beams ; 
that  day,  when  the  temple  of  God  shall  be  opened  in  heaven,  and 
we  shall  be  admitted  to  serve  him  for  ever  therein ! 

11.  For  the  Lord  God  is  a  sun  and  shield;  the  Lord  ivill give 
grace  and  glory :  no  good  thing  ivill  he  withhold  from  them  that 
walk  uprightly. 

.Tesus  Christ  is  our  "  Lord,"  and  our  "  God;"  he  is  a  "  sun"  to 
enlighten  and  direct  us  in  the  way,  and  a  "  shield"  to  protect  us 
against  the  enemies  of  our  salvation  ;  he  will  give  "  grace"  to  carry 
us  on  "  from  strength  to  strength,"  and  "  glory"  to  crown  us  when 
we  "  appear  before  himinZion;"  he  will  ''  withhold"  nothing  that 
is  "  good"  and  profitable  for  us  in  the  course  of  our  journey,  and 
will  himself  be  our  reward  when  we  come  to  the  end  of  it. 

12.  O  Lord  of  hosts,  blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  thee. 
While,  therefore,  we  are  strangers  and  sojourners  here  below,  far 

from  that  heavenly  country  whore  we  would  be,  in  whom  should 
we  trust  to  bring  us  to  the  holy  city,  new  Jerusalem,  of  which  the 
Lord  God  and  the  Lamb  are  the  temple,  but  in  thee,  O  Saviour 

*  "  Christ!  tui;'  rcg^is,  qui  Cliristi  figura.     Bossuet. 


DayXVI.  E.  p.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  365 

and  Redeemer,  who  art  the  Head  of  every  creature,  the  Captain  of 
the  armies  of  heaven  and  earth,  the  Lord  of  hosts,  and  tiie  Kinfi 
of  glory  ?  "  Blessed,"  thrice  "  blessed,  is  tlie  man  that  triisteth  in 
thee.'" 


PSALM  LXXXV. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm,  appointed  by  the  church  to  be  used  on  Ciiristmas-day,  1 — 3. 
celebrateth  the  ledemption  of  the  Israel  of  God  from  their  spiritual  cap- 
tivity under  sin  and  death;  4 — 7.  teaclietli  us  to  pray  for  tiie  full  accom- 
plishment of  that  redemption  in  ourselves;  8 — 11.  describeth  the  incarna- 
tion of  Christ,  with  the  joyful  meeting  of  Mercy  and  Truth,  Righteousness 
and  Peace,  at  his  birth,  and,  12,  13.  the  blessed  eflects  of  his  advent. 

1.  Lord,  thou  hast  been  favourable  unto  thy  land:  thou  hast 
brought  back  the  captivity  of  Jacob.  2.  Thou  hast  forgiven  the 
iniquity  of  thy  people  :  thou  hast  covered  all  their  sin.  3.  Thou 
hast  taken  away  all  thy  wrath :  thou  hast  turned  Xhy%Q\{from  the 
fierceness  of  thine  anger. 

These  three  verses  speak  of  the  deliverance  from  captivity,  as 
already  brought  about ;  whereas,  in  the  subsequent  parts  of  the 
Psalm,  it  is  prayed  for  and  predicted  as  a  thing  future.  To  ac- 
count for  this,  some  suppose  that  the  Psalmist  first  returns  thanks 
for  a  temporal  redemption,  and  then  prophesies  of  the  spiritual 
salvation  by  Messiah.  Others  are  of  opinion,  that  the  same  eter- 
nal redemption  is  spoken  of  throughout,  but  represented,  in  the 
beginning  of  the  Psalm,  as  already  accomplished  in  the  Divine  de- 
cree, though  the  eventual  completion  was  yet  to  come.  The 
difficulty,  perhaps,  may  be  removed,  by  rendering  these  three  first 
verses  in  the  present  time ;  "  Lord,  thou  art  favourable  to  thy 
land,  thou  bringest  back  the  captivity  of  thy  people ;"  &c.  that  is, 
Thou  art  the  God  whose  property  it  is  to  do  this,  and  to  show  such 
mercy  to  thy  people,  who  therefore  call  upon  thee  for  the  same. 
But,  indeed,  to  us  Christians,  who  now  use  the  Psalm,  the  difter- 
ence  is  not  material :  since  a  part  of  our  redemption  is  past,  and 
a  part  of  it  is  yet  to  come,  for  the  hastening  of  which  latter  we 
daily  pray.  God  hath  already  been  exceedingly  gracious  and  "  fa- 
vourable" to  the  whole  "  earth,"  in  "  bringing  back,"  by  the  re- 
surrection of  Jesus,  the  spiritual  "captivity  of"  his  people:  he 
hath  himself,  in  Christ,  "  borne,"  and  so  taken  away,  "  tiie  ini- 
fiuity  of  his  people  ;"  he  hath  "  covered  all  their  sins,"  tiiat  they 
should  no  more  appear  in  judgment  against  them  :  propitiated  by 
the  Son  of  his  love,  he  hath  removed  his  "  wrath,"  and  "  turned 


366  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LliXXV. 

himself  iVom  the  fierceness  of  his  anger."  So  exactly  and  literally 
do  these  words  describe  the  means  and  method  of  gospel  salva- 
tion, that  a  Christian  can  hardly  affix  any  other  ideas  to  them. 

4.  Turti  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation,  and  cause  thine  anger 
towards  us  to  cease.  5.  Wilt  thou  be  angry  with  us  for  ever? 
Will  thou  draw  out  thine  anger  to  all  generations?  6.  Wilt  thou 
not  revive  us  again,  that  thy  people  may  rejoice  in  thee  ?  7-  Sheto 
us  thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  and  grant  us  thy  salvation. 

The  ancient  church  is  here  introduced  as  petitioning  for  the  con- 
tinuation and  completion  of  those  blessings  which  had  been  men- 
tioned in  the  foregoing  verses,  namely,  that  God  would  ''  turn"  his 
people  from  their  captivity,  "and  cause  his  anger  towards  them  to 
cease ;"  that  he  would  '•  revive"  them  from  sin  and  sorrow,  and 
give  them  occasion  to  '•' rejoice  in  him,"  their  mighty  deliverer; 
that  he  would  "  show  them"  openly  that  "  mercy"  of  which  they 
had  so  often  heard,  and  "  grant  them  that  salvation,"  or  that 
'•  Saviour,"  that  Jesus,  who  had  been  so  long  promised  to  man- 
kind. And  although  it  be  true,  that  Jesus  Christ  is  come  in  the 
flesh,  and  hath  virtually  procured  all  these  blessings  for  the  church, 
yet  do  "  we"  still  continue  to  pray,  in  the  same  words,  for  the  ac- 
tual application  of  them  all  to  ourselves,  by  the  conversion  of  our 
hearts,  the  justification  of  our  persons,  the  sanctification  of  our 
souls,  and  the  glorification  of  our  bodies.  For  this  last  blessing  of 
redemption,  "  the  whole  creation  waiteth,  groaning  and  travailing 
in  pain  together,  until  now,"  Rom.  viii.  22. 

8.  I  will  hear  ivhat  God  the  Lord  will  speak  :  for  he  ivill  speah 
peace  unto  his  people,  and  to  his  saints ;  but  let  them  not  turn 
■  again  to  folly  ;  or,  that  they  may  not  turn  again  to  folly. 

The  prophet  having  prayed,  in  the  name  of  the  church,  that 
Jehovah  would  "show  them  his  mercy,  and  grant  them  his  sal- 
vation," declares  himself  resolved,  concerning  this  "  salvation, 
to  inquire  and  search  diligently,  what,  or  what  manner  of  time  the 
Spirit  of  Christ  which  was  in  him  did  signify,  when  it  testified  be- 
forehand the  coming  of  Christ,  and  the  glory  that  should  follow  :" 
see  1  Pet.  i.  10.  he  would  attend  to  "what  God  the  Lord  should 
say,"  and  report  it  to  the  world.  Now,  what  was  the  message 
which  the  prophets  had  commission  to  deliver  from  God,  but  that 
he  would  "  speak  peace,"  or  reconciliation  tiirough  a  Saviour,  "  to 
his  people,  and  to  his  saints  ?"  The  Gospel  is  accordingly  styled 
by  St.  Peter,  "  the  word  which  God  sent  unto  the  children  of  Is- 
rael, preaching  peace  by  Jesus  Christ,"  Acts  x.  36.  And  what  was 
the  end  of  this  reconciliation  between  God  and  men,  but  that  men 
should  become  and  continue  the  servants  of  God  ;  that,  being 


Day  XVT.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  367 

washed  from  their  sins  by  the  blood  of  Christ,  and  renewed  in  tlieir 
minds  by  the  grace  of  Christ,  they  should  walk  in  the  paths  of  wis- 
dom anil  holiness,  and  "  turn  not  again  to  the  folly"  they  had  re- 
nounced. 

9.  Sttreli/  his  salration  is  nigh  them  that  fear  him;  that  glorij 
may  dwell  in  our  land. 

God,  who  "  calleth  things  that  be  not  as  though  they  were,"' 
teacheth  his  prophets  to  do  likewise.  The  Psalmist  therefore 
speaks  with  assurance  of  the  "Saviour,"  as  if  he  then  saw  him  be- 
fore his  eyes,  healing,  by  the  word  of  his  power,  the  bodies  and  the 
souls  of  men  upon  earth,  and  manifesting  forth  his  "  glory,"  in 
human  nattne,  to  all  such  as  with  an  holy  "  fear,"  and  filial,  reve- 
rence, believe  on  him.  St.  John  himself  hardly  useth  plainer  lan- 
guage when  he  saith,  "  The  Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt,  or 
tabernacled  among  us  :  and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the 
only  begotten  of  the  Father,  full  of  grace  and  truth,"  John  i.  14. 
The  body  of  Christ  was  the  true  "  tabernacle,  or  temple ;"  his  di- 
vinity was  the  glory  which  resided  there,  and  filled  that  holy 
place.  The  church  is  his  mystical  "  body ;"  by  his  Spirit  he  now 
and  ever  "  dwelleth  in  our  land  ;  and  his  salvation  is  always  nigh 
them  that  fear  him  :"  as  saith  the  holy  Virgin  in  her  song,  "  His 
mercy  is  on  them  that  fear  him  throughout  all  generations." 

10.  Mercij  and  truth  are  met  together;  righteousness  and 
peaee  have  kissed  each  other.  11.  Truth  shall  spring  out  of  tlic 
earth  ;  and  righteousness  shall  look  down  from  heaven. 

These  four  divine  attributes  parted  at  the  fall  of  Adam,  and 
met  again  at  the  birth  of  Christ.  Mercy  was  ever  inclined  to 
serve  man,  and  Peace  could  not  be  his  enemy;  but  Truth  exacted 
the  performance  of  God's  threat,  "  The  soul  that  sinneth  it  shall 
die ;"  and  Righteousness  could  not  but  give  to  every  one  his  due. 
Jehovah  must  be  true  in  all  his  ways,  and  righteous  in  all  his  works. 
Now  there  is  no  religion  upon  earth,  except  the  Christian,  which 
can  satisfy  the  demands  of  all  these  claimants,  and  restore  a  union 
between  them ;  which  can  show  how  God's  word  can  be  true,  and 
his  work  just,  and  the  sinner,  notwithstanding,  find  mercy,  and 
obtain  peace.  Mahomet's  })rayer,  were  it  the  prayer  of  a  righte- 
ous man  and  a  prophet,  could  not  satisfy  divine  justice;  the  blood 
of  bulls  and  goats  was  always  insuflkient  for  that  purpose,  being  a 
figure  only  for  the  time  then  present,  which  ceased  of  course  whejj 
the  reality  appeared.  ''  Sacrifice  and  burnt-oflering  thou  wouldest 
not;  then  said  I,  Lo,  I  come."  A  God  incarnate  reconciled  all 
things  in  heaven  and  earth.  When  Christ  appeared  in  our  nature, 
the  promise  was  fulfilled,  and  "  Truth  sprang  out  of  the  earth." 


368  A  COMMENTARY  Tsal.  LXXXV. 

And  now  Righteousness,  ''  looking  down  from  heaven,"  beheld 
in  him  every  thing  that  she  required;  an  undefiled  birth,  a  holy 
life,  an  innocent  death ;  a  spirit  and  a  mouth  without  guile,  a  soul 
and  a  body  without  sin.  She  saw,  and  was  satisfied,  and  returned 
to  earth.  Thus  all  the  four  parties  met  again  in  perfect  harmony: 
Truth  ran  to  Mercy,  and  embraced  her ;  Rigliteousness  to  Peace, 
and  kissed  her.  And  this  could  only  happen  at  the  birth  of  Jesus, 
in  whom  "  the  tender  Mercy  of  oiur  God  visited  us,  and  who  is  the 
Truth ;  who  is  made  unto  us  Righteousness,  and  who  is  our  Peace." 
See  Luke  i.  78.  John  xiv.  6.  1  Cor.  i.  30.  Eph.  ii.  14.  Those 
that  are  thus  joined,  as  attributes,  in  Christ,  ought  not,  as  virtues, 
to  be  separated  in  a  Christian,  who  may  learn  how  to  resemble  his 
blessed  Lord  and  Master,  by  observing  that  short,  but  complete 
rule  of  life,  comprehended  in  the  few  following  words  :  Show 
Mercy,  and  speak  Truth;  do  Righteousness,  and  follow  Peace. 
See  St.  Bernard,  in  his  Sermon  on  the  Annunciation,  and,  from 
him,  bishop  Andrews  on  these  two  verses  of  our  Psalm.* 

12.  Yea,  the  Lord  shall  give  that  which  in  good:  and  our  land 
shall  yield  her  increase. 

Unless  God  vouchsafe  a  gracious  rain  from  above,  the  earth  can- 
not "  yield  her  increase."  The  effects  of  the  incarnation  of  Christ, 
the  descent  of  the  Spirit,  and  the  publication  of  the  Gospel  among 
men,  are  frequently  set  forth  in  Scripture  under  images  borrowed 
from  that  fruitfulness  caused  in  the  earth  by  the  rain  of  heaven. 
Thus  Isaiah :  "  Drop  down  ye  heavens  from  above,  and  let  the 
skies  pour  down  righteousness ;  let  the  earth  open,  and  let  them 
bring  forth  salvation,  and  let  righteousness  spring  up  together,  xlv. 
8.  I  will  pour  water  upon  him  that  is  thirsty,  and  floods  upon  the 
dry  ground ;  I  will  pour  my  Spirit  upon  thy  seed,  and  my  blessing 
upon  thine  offspring.  And  they  shall  spring  up  as  among  the  grass, 
as  willows  by  the  water-courses,  xliv.  3,  4.  As  the  rain  cometh 
down  from  heaven,  and  watcreth  the  earth,  and  maketh  it  bring 
forth  and  bud;  so  shall  my  word  be,"  &c.  Iv.  10.  Give  us  ever- 
more, O  Lord,  "  that  which  is  good,  that  our  land  may  yield  her 
increase;"  give  us  that  good  gift,  the  gift  of  thy  Spirit,  that  we  be 
"  neither  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,"  2  Pet.  i.  8. 

13.  Righteousness  shall  go  before  him;  and  shall  set  us  in  the 
way  of  his  str2)s;  or,  and  shall  set  his  steps  in  the  tvay. 

Upon  the  appearance  of  the  Redeemer,  "  Righteousness"  is  re- 

*  Solutii  captivitate,  fclicem  popiili  statum  designat,  omni  bononun  copia 
ot  virtutibiis  florentis;  quii;  inaxime  implcta  sunt,  postquam  Cluistus,  ipsa 
^'critas,  idemque  pax  nostra,  e  terra  ortus  est.    Bosmet. 


Day  XVII.  M.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  369 

presented  '•  us  going  before  him,"  like  his  harbinger  the  Baptist,  to 
prepare  and  make  ready  his  way.  In  that  way,  the  way  of  ri<_'iiie- 
ousness,  '•  he  set  his  steps,''  and  walked  therein,  without  the  least 
deviation,  until  he  had  finished  his  appointed  course.  Draw  us, 
blessed  Jesus,  and  we  will  run  after  thee  in  the  path  of  life ;  let  thy 
mercy  pardon  us,  thy  truth  enlighten  us,  thy  righteousness  direct 
us,  to  follow  thee,  O  Lamb  of  Gotl,  whithersoever  thou  goest, 
through  poverty,  affliction,  persecution,  and  death  itself;  that  our 
portion  may  be  for  ever  in  thy  kingdom  of  peace  and  love. 


SEVENTEENTH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  LXXXVI. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm  is  entitled  a  prayer  of  David,  and  supposed  to  have  been  writ- 
ten in  some  of  his  great  distresses.  Like  others  of  the  same  kind,  it  is 
calculated  for  the  use  of  the  church  during  her  sufi'erings  here  below,  by 
which  she  is  confornied  to  the  image  of  the  true  David,  that  man  of  sor- 
rows. It  contains,  1.  an  earnest  supplication,  grounded  on  the  poverty, 
2.  the  holiness,  faith,  3.  importunity,  and  4.  devotion  of  the  Suppliant ;  and 
on,  5 — 7.  the  goodness,  and,  8.  power  of  God,  9y  10.  to  be  one  day  ac- 
knowledged by  all  nations,  at  their  conversiowi  <JWter  this  follows,  11.  a 
petition  for  wisdom,  strength,  and  singleness  ^i^l^^art:  12,  13.  a  thanks- 
giving for  redemption  ;  14.  a  complaint  of  p_erie*cution  from  the  wicked", 
15.  an  act  of  failh;   16,  17.  a  prayer  for  help  and  salvation. 

1 .  Bolo  down  thine  ear,  O  Lord,  and  hear  me :  for  I  am  ijoor 
and  needij. 

All  prayer  is  founded  on  a  sense  of  our  wants,  and  God's  ability 
to  supply  them.  In  the  sight  of  his  Maker,  every  sinner  is  "  poor 
and  needy;"  and  he  must  become  so  in  his  own,  that  his  petitions 
may  be  regarded;  he  must  pray  with  the  humility  and  importunity 
of  a  starving  beggar,  at  the  gate  of  heaven,  if  he  expect  the  great 
King  to  "  bow  down  his  ear  and  hear  him." '  '*  The  prayer  of  the 
humble,"  saith  the  wise  son  of  Sirach,  "  pierceth  the  clouds;  and 
till  it  come  nigh,  he  will  not  be  comforted;  and  will  not  depart  till 
the  Most  High  shall  behold,"  Ecclus.  xxxv.  17-  The  blessed  Je- 
sus, "  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for  our  sakes  became  poor,  and  had 
not  where  to  lay  his  head;  nor  is  it  to  be  doubted,  but  that  in  his 
state  of  humiliation,  he  oftentimes  made  his  prayer  to  the  Father 
in  these  very  words;  "  Bow  down  thine  .ear,  O  Lord,  and  hear 
me ;  for  I  am  poor  and  needy."  If  he  sued,  in  such  a  form  of  words 
for  us,  shall  we  think  of  suing  in  any  other  form  for  ourselves  ^ 
47 


sro  A  COJMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXXVL 

2.  Preserve  thou  my  sovl;  for  I  am  holy :  0  thou  my  God,  save 
thy  servant  that  trustcth  in  thee. 

The  word  here  translated  "  holy,"  is  T'Dfl  the  same  which  is 
used  in  the  xvith  Psalm ;  "  Thou  shalt  not  suffer  thine  Holy  One 
to  see  corruption."  And  indeed,  if  wo  understand  "  holiness"  in 
its  strict  sense,  no  one  but  "  he  whom  the  Father  sanctified,  and 
sent  into  the  world,"  to  redeem  lost  man,  could  say  to  him,  "  Pre- 
serve my  soul,  for  I  am  holy."  But  the  word  properly  signifies 
"  good,  merciful,  pious,  devoted  to  the  service  of  God,"  &c.  The 
Christian,  therefore,  only  pleads,  in  this  expression,  his  relation  to 
Christ,  as  being  a  member  of  Christ's  body,  the  church,  and  a  par- 
taker of  the  gifts,  which,  by  virtue  of  that  membership,  he  has  re- 
ceived through  the  Spirit  of  holiness.  So  that  this  first  part  of  the 
verse,  "  Preserve  my  soul,  tor  1  am  holy,"  when  repeated  by  us,  is 
equivalent  to  another  passage  in  the  Psalms,  "  1  am  thine,  O  save 
me,"  cxix.  94.  The  latter  member  of  the  verse  under  consider- 
ation teaches  us  to  pray  for  help  and  salvation,  as  the  "  servants" 
of  God,  whose  eyes  therefore  look  naturally  to  him,  "  as  the  eyes 
of  servants,"  in  affliction,  '■'  look  unto  the  hand  of  their  masters," 
Psalm  cxxiii.  2.  And  happy,  surely,  are  we  in  a  JMaster,  who, 
himself,  for  our  salvation,  once  lived,  and  prayed,  and  suffered,  and 
died,  in  "  the  form  of  a  servant,"  Phil.  ii.  7. 

3.  Be  merciful  unto  7nc,  O  Lord  :  for  I  cry  unto  thee  daily. 
There  is  no  man  upon  earth,  but  needeth  "  mercy ;"  he  who  is 

truly  sensible  of  his  need,  will  "  cry  daily"  for  it ;  and  he  who 
doth  so,  may  comfort  himself  with  the  hope  of  obtaining  it.  The 
prayers  of  Jesus,  poured  forth  for  the  salvation  of  his  mystical 
body,  in  the  days  of  his  flesh,  were  frequent  and  mighty;  his  inter- 
cession for  us  in  heaven  is  continual.  Does  the  man  believe  this, 
who  prays  not  at  all,  or  who  })ra3's  without  devotion  ? 

4.  Rejoice  the  soul  of  thy  servant:  for  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I 
lift  vp  my  soul. 

Sorrow  was  the  portion  of  Christ  in  this  world,  and  the  church 
hath  no  reason  to  expect  any  other  from  it.  He  that  would  have 
real  "joy"  in  his  heart,  must  beseech  God  to  give  it  him,  for  no 
creature  hath  it  to  give.  Nay,  the  love  of  the  world  must  be  re- 
nounced, before  this  divine  gift  can  even  be  "  received."  The 
affections  must  be  loosened  from  earth,  and  "  lifted  up"  to  heaven, 
on  the  wings  of  faith  and  love  :  for  in  the  soul  that  is  full  of  sensual 
pleasures  and  indulgences,  there  is  neither  room  nor  taste  for  spi- 
ritual delights. 

5.  For  thou.  Lord,  art  good,  and  ready  to  forgive  ;  and  jden- 
teous  in  mercy  unto  all  them  that  call  upon  thee. 


Day  XVII.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  s?  1 

Wc  are  encouraged  to  "  lift  up  our  souls  to  God"  in  prayer,  be- 
cause liis  "  goodness"  and  the  "  plenteousness  of  his  mercy"  in 
Christ  Jesus,  incline  him  to  give  his  holy  Spirit  of  jjeace  and  com- 
fort to  "  all  that  call  upon  him."  Jlis  favour  is  no  longer  conOned 
to  Judea;  there  is  now  no  distinction  of  age,  condition,  or  coun- 
try :  but  the  sinner,  whoever,  or  wherever  he  bo,  if  he  call  upon 
the  saving  name  of  Jesus,  is  heard,  pardoned,  and  accepted,  upon 
the  terms  of  the  evangelical  covenant. 

6.  Give  ear,  O  Lord,  zuito  my  prayer  ;  and  attend  to  the  voice 
of  my  supplications.  J.  In  the  day  of  my  trouble  I  icill  call  upon 
thee  :  for  thou  wilt  answer  me. 

In  confidence  of  an  "  answer"  nourished  and  strengthened  by  all 
the  foregoing  considerations,  the  suppliant  renews  his  prayer,  while 
the  "  day  of  trouble"  lasts ;  and  that  day  will  not  end  but  with  this 
mortal  pilgrimage ;  since  he  who  loves  his  country,  will  ever  be 
uneasy  while  he  is  detained  among  strangers  and  enemies,  perils 
and  temptations.  But  the  trouble  is  overpaid  with  profit,  which 
rendereth  us  adepts  in  the  })ractice  of  devotion,  which  convinceth 
us  that  we  are  abroad,  and  maketh  us  to  wish  and  sigh  for  our  true 
and  only  home. 

8.  Among  the  gods  there  is  none  like  unto  thee,  O  Lord;  nei- 
ther  are  there  any  works  like  unto  thy  works. 

Another  reason  why  application  should  be  made  unto  Jehovah, 
is  his  infinite  superiority  over  all  those  that,  by  infatuated  men, 
were  even  called  '•  gods. "  From  the  ancient  idolatry,  which 
taught  adoration  to  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars,  to  the  light  and  the 
air,  we  have  been  delivered  by  the  Gospel ;  nor  do  we  any  longer 
profess  to  worship  Jupiter,  and  the  other  heathen  gods  and  god- 
desses :  but  do  not  many  still  trust  in  idols  ?  and  have  they  not,  in 
effect,  other  objects  of  worship,  from  whose  hands  they  expect  their 
reward  ?  Are  not  the  hearts  of  the  covetous,  the  ambitious,  the 
voluptuous,  so  many  temples  of  Manmion  or  Plutus,  of  Jupiter  or 
IVlars,  of  Bacchus,  Comus,  and  Venus  ?  But  what  are  those  dei- 
ties ;  what  is  their  power ;  and  what  are  their  gifts  ?  What  is  the 
whole  world  and  all  that  is  therein,  when  compared  with  its  Ma- 
ker and  Redeemer  ?  what  is  it,  when  applied  to,  for  the  ease  and 
comfort  of  a  wounded  spirit? — "  Among  the  gods  there  is  none 
like  unto  thee,  O  Lord;  neither  arc  there  any  works  like  unto  thy 
works !" 

9.  All  nations  whom  thou  hast  made  shall  come  and  worship  be- 
fore thee,  O  Lord  ;  and  shall  glorify  thy  name. 

The  Psalmist  predicteth,  that  this  superiority  of  Jehovah  should 
one  day  be  acknowledged  throughout  all  the  earth,  when  ''  neither 


372  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.LXXXVI. 

in  Jerusalem  only,  nor  in  the  mount  of  the  Samaritans,"  but  in 
every  place,  "  should  men  worship  the  Father;"  John  iv.  21.  when 
he  who  "  made  all  nations"  by  his  Son,  should  by  that  Son  re- 
deem all  nations,  bringing  them  from  the  world  to  the  church,  there 
to  "  worship  before  the  true  God,  and  in  songs  of  praise  to  glorify 
his  holy  name."  If  in  these  our  times,  we  behold  the  nations  again 
falling  away  from  God,  departing  from  the  purity  of  their  faith, 
and  leaving  their  first  love,  let  us  comfort  ourselves  with  looking 
forward  to  that  scene  of  things  described  by  St.  John,  in  which  we 
hope  to  bear  a  part  hereafter.  "  I  beheld,  and  lo,  a  great  multi- 
tude which  no  man  could  number,  of  all  nations,  and  kindreds, 
and  people,  and  tongues,  stood  before  the  throne,  and  before  the 
Lamb,  clothed  with  white  robes,  and  palms  in  their  hands ;  and 
cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying.  Salvation  unto  our  God  which 
sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb,"  Rev.  vii.  9. 

10.  Fo}-  thou  art  great,  and  docst  imndrous  things:  tJtou  art 
God  alone. 

"  Great"  is  Jehovah  in  his  power,  in  his  wisdom,  in  his  mercy ; 
wonderful  in  the  creation  of  the  world,  wonderful  in  the  preservation 
and  the  government  of  it,  wonderful  in  its  redemption ;  wonderful 
in  the  incarnation,  life,  death,  resurrection,  and  ascension  of  Jesus; 
in  the  descent  of  the  Spirit,  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel,  the 
sufferings  of  saints,  and  the  conversion  of  sinners ;  most  wonder- 
ful will  he  be,  when  he  shall  raise  the  dead,  judge  the  world,  con- 
demn the  wicked,  and  glorify  the  righteous.  And  then  shall  every 
tongue  confess,  "  Thou  art  God  alone !" 

11.  Teach  me  thy  toay,  O  Lord;  I  will  ivalk  in  thy  truth: 
unite  my  heart  to  fear  thy  name. 

It  is  the  continual  subject  of  the  Mediator's  intercession  above, 
and  of  our  prayers  below,  that  we  ma}'^  be  "  taught  the  way  of 
Jehovah,"  the  way  to  life  eternal,  prepared  for  us  through  faith  and 
love  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus ;  that  being  so  taught,  we  may  like- 
wise be  enabled  "  to  walk  in  the  truth,"  without  error  in  doctrine, 
or  deviation  from  duty ;  believing  all  things  which  God  hath  re- 
vealed, and  doing  whatsoever  he  hath  commanded  us  ;  that  the  af- 
fections of  the  "  heart"  may  be  withdrawn  from  other  objects ; 
and  being  no  longer  divided  between  God  and  the  world,  be- 
come "  united"  in  the  fdial  "  fear  of  his  name,"  as  the  grand 
principle  of  action. 

12.  J  will  praise  thee,  0  Lord  my  God,  loith  all  my  heart;  and 
I  will  glorify  thy  name  for  cver?no7-e.  13.  For  great  is  thy  mercy 
toward  me  ;  and  thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from  the  lowest  hell. 

Gratitude  for  mercies  already  received,  will  obtain  a  continuance 


Day  XVII.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  373 

and  increase  of  tliose  mercies.  The  church  is  never  in  so  aflVicted 
a  state,  but  she  hath  still  reason  to  intermiuEjle  hallelujahs  with  her 
hosannas,  and  in  the  midst  of  her  most  fervent  prayers,  to  "  praise 
the  Lord  her  God,  with  all  her  heart,  and  to  glorify  his  name 
for  evermore;*'  since,  whatever  she  may  suffer  upon  earth  (and 
even  those  sufferings  will  turn  to  her  advantage)  "  great,"'  most 
undoubtedly,  hath  his  mercy  been  toward  her,  in  delivering  her, 
by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus,  fiom  the  bondage  of  sin,  the  dominion 
of  death,  and  the  bottomless  pit  of  "  hell." 

14.  O  God,  the  proud  are  riacn  against  me,  and  the  assemblies 
of  violent  men  have  sought  after  my  soid,  and  have  not  set  thee 
before  them,  or,  before  their  eyes. 

From  praises  we  return  again  to  prayers.  When  Christ  was 
upon  earth,  we  know  the  treatment  he  met  with  from  "  proud  and 
violent  men,  who  had  not  set  God  before  their  eyes ;"  from  self- 
righteous  Jews  and  conceited  Gentiles,  who  rose  up,  and  took 
counsel  together  against  him.  What  his  church  afterwards  suf- 
fered at  the  hands  of  the  same  enemies,  is  likewise  well  known. 
How  much  more  she  is  to  undergo  in  the  latter  days,  we  know  not 
as  yet;  but  this  we  do  know,  that  the  spirit  of  the  world  stands, 
now  and  ever,  in  opposition  to  the  Spirit  of  God ;  its  design  is  al- 
ways the  same,  although  its  methods  of  working  be  divers.  Nor 
can  we  be  ignorant  of  those  domestic  adversaries,  that  assemblj- 
of  haughty  and  turbulent  passions,  which  are  continually  making 
insurrections,  and  destroying  the  peace  of  the  soul.  So  that  either 
from  without,  or  from  within,  every  one  who  is  a  Christian  in  deed, 
shall  be  sure  to  have  his  portion  of  tribulation. 

15.  But  thou,  O  Lord,  art  a  God  full  of  compassion,  and  gra- 
cious; long-suffering,^  and  plenteous  in  goodness  and  truth. 

Having  taken  a  view  of  those  that  are  against  us,  it  is  now  time 
to  look  up  to  those  that  are  with  us.  And  can  we  have  bettei- 
friends,  than  all  these  gracious  and  favourable  attiibutes  of  heaven  ? 
Can  more  comfortable  and  joyful  tidings  be  brought  us,  than  that 
God  loveth  us  with  a  father's  love;  that  he  is  ready  to  pardon, 
slow  to  anger;  and  that  we  have  his  truth  pledged  for  the  perform- 
ance of  his  mercy  ?  What  a  fountain  of  consolation  is  here  opened 
for  the  afflicted  Christian  ?  ^'-  Let  him  drink,  and  forget  his  poverty, 
and  remember  his  misery  no  more,"  Prov.  xxxi.  J. 

IG.  O  turn  unto  me,  and  have  mercy  upon  me:  give  thy  strength 
unto  thy  servant,  and  save  the  son  of  thine  handmaid. 

On  the  consideration  of  the  above-mentioned  attributes,  a  peti- 
tion is  in  this  verse  put  up  to  God,  that  he  would  "  turn"  his  face 
towards  us ;  that  he  would  of  his  "  mercy"  pardon  us,  by  his  grace 


374  A  COMMENTARY         Fsal.  LXXXVII. 

"  strengthen"  us,  and  by  his  power  '•'  save"  us  from  all  cur  adver- 
saries. Every  Christian  is  the  "  servant"  of  God,  and  "  the  son  of 
his  handmaid,"  the  church,  which  may  say,  in  the  same  spirit  of 
humility  and  obedience,  with  the  blessed  Virgin,  "  Behold  the 
handmaid  of  the  Lord." 

17.  Shew  me  a  token  for  good;  that  they  ivhich  hate  me  may 
see  it,  and  he  ashamed;  because  thou,  Loud,  hast  holpcn  me,  and 
comforted  me. 

Many  outward  "  signs"  and  "  tokens"  of  the  Divine  favour  were 
in  old  time  vouchsafed  to  patriarchs,  prophets,  and  kings  of  Israel. 
The  law  itself  was  a  collection  of  external  and  sacramental  figures 
of  grace  and  mercy.  All  these  centred,  and  had  their  accomplish- 
ment in  that  grand  and  everlasting  sign  and  token  of  God's  love  to 
man,  the  incarnation  of  Christ,  which  all  faithful  people  from  the 
beginning  wislied  and  prayed  for.  On  this  sign  the  Christian  looks 
with  joy,  as  the  great  proof  that  God  has  ''  holpen  him  and  com- 
forted him;"  while  his  faith  in.it  doth  not  fail,  he  hath  the  wit- 
ness in  himself,  and  his  actions  declare  as  much  to  all  around  him; 
'^  that  they  which  hate  him  may  be  ashamed"  and  converted,  be- 
fore thfit  day  come,  when  shame  shall  be  fruitless,  and  conversion 
impossible. 

PSALM  LXXXVIL 

AUGUMENT. 

Hic  prophet,  1 — 3.  celebiatcs  the  stability  and  felicity  of  Sion;  4,  5.  fore- 
tels  the  accession  of  the  Gentiles  to  her,  and  6.  their  enrolment  among  her 
citizens;  7.  extols  her  as  the  fountain  of  grace  and  salvation.  The  Psalm 
was  probably  penned  on  a  survey  of  the  city  of  David,  just  after  the  build- 
ings of  it  were  finished. 

1.  His  foundation  is  in  the  holy  mountains:  or,  It  is  his,  i.  e. 
God's,  foundation  in  the  mountains  of  holiness.*  2.  The  Lord 
loveth  the  gates  of  Sion  more  than  all  the  dwellings  of  Jacob. 

The  Psalmist,  after  having  meditated  on  the  strength,  the  beauty, 
and  the  glory  of  Jerusalem,  being  smitten  with  love  of  the  holy  city, 
and  imagining  the  thoughts  of  his  hearers,  or  readers,  to  have  been 
employed  on  the  same  subject,  breaks  forth  at  once  in  this  abrupt 
manner  :  "  It  is  his  foundation  on  the  holy  mountains."  By  "  the 
holy  mountains"  are  meant  those  hills  of  Judea,  which  Jehovah 
had  chosen,  and  separated  to  himself  from  all  others,  whereon  to 

**  Some  commentators  suppose  this  verse  to  be  a  part  of  the  title,  whicli 
uill  then  run  thus :  "  For  (he  sons  of  Korah,  a  Psalm;  a  song  when  he  laid 
the  foundation  on  the  holy  mountains." 


Day  XVII.  I\I.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  373 

construct  the  highly  favoured  city  and  temple.  As  the  dwellings 
of  Jacob,  in  the  prouiised  land,  were  beloved  by  him  more  than 
the  dwellings  of  other  nations,  so  he  "  loved  the  gates  of  Sion 
more  than  all  the  dwellings  of  Jacob."  Jerusalem  was  exalted  and 
fortified  by  its  situation,  but  much  more  so  by  the  protection  of  the 
Almighty,  What  Jerusalenj  was,  the  Christian  church  is;  "  built" 
by  God  "  on  the  foundations  of  the  apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus 
Christ  himself  being  the  chief  corner  stone ;  in  whom  all  the  build- 
ing, fitly  framed  together,  groweth  unto  an  holy  temple  in  the 
Lord,"  Eph.  ii.  20.  "  It  is  his  foundation  in  the  holy  mountains;" 
she  is  beloved  of  God  above  the  kingdoms  and  Empires  of  the 
earth,  which  rise  and  fall  only  to  fulfil  the  Divine  counsels  con- 
cerning her.  When  those  counsels  shall  be  fulfilled,  in  the  salva- 
tion of  all  believers,  the  world,  which  subsists  only  for  their  sake, 
will  be  at  an  end. 

3.  Glorious  things  are  spoken  of  thee,  thou  city  of  God. 

As  the  prophet  began  in  a  rapture  to  speak  of  the  holy  city, 
so  now,  in  fres'i  transport,  he  changes  the  person,  and  suddenly 
addresses  himself  to  it.  The  old  Jerusalem  was  "  the  city  of 
God,  and  glorious  things  were  therefore  saFd  of  it"  by  the  Spirit. 
Pleasant  for  situation,  and  magnificent  in  its  buildings,  it  was  the 
delight  o(  nations,  the  joy  of  the  whole  earth ;  there  was  the 
royal  residence  of  the  kings  of  Judah ;  there  was  the  temple  and 
the  ark,  and  the  glory,  and  the  King  of  heaven  dwelling  in  the 
midst  of  her ;  her  streets  were  honoured  with  the  footsteps  of  the 
Redeemer  of  men ;  there  he  preached,  and  wrought  his  miracles, 
lived,  died,  and  rose  again ;  thitlier  he  sent  down  tlie  Spirit,  and 
there  he  first  laid  the  foundations  of  his  church.  To  know  what 
glorious  things  are  said  of  the  new  Jerusalem,  the  reader  must 
peruse,  Isa.  Ix.  and  Rev.  xxi.  xxii. 

4.  I  will  make  mention  of  Rahab,  or,  Egypt,  and  Bahylon,  to 
them  that  know  me:  behold,  Philistia,  and  Tyre,  with  Ethiopia, 
or,  Arabia,  this  man  was  born  there.  5.  And  of  Sion  it  shall  be 
said,  This  and  that  man  was  born  in  her  /  and  the  Highest  him- 
self shall  establish  her. 

The  accession  of  the  nations  to  the  church  is  generally  supposed 
to  be  here  predicted.  God  declares  by  his  projjhet,  "  I  will  make 
mention  of,"  or  "  cause  to  be  remembered,  Egypt  and  Babylon," 
the  old  enemies  of  Israel,  to,  or,  "  among  them  that  know  me," 
that  is,  in  the  nimiber  of  my  worshippers;  "  behpld"  also  "  Phi- 
listia, and  Tyre,  with  Arabia;"  these  are  become  mine;  "  this," 
or  each  of  these,  "is  born  there;"  i.  e.  in  the  city  of  Go^;  they 
are  become  children  of  God,  and  citizens  of  Sion ;  so  that,  *"  of 


srS  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXXVIl. 

Sion,"  or  the  church,  "It  shall  be  said,  This  man  and  that  man," 
Heb.  a  man  and  a  man,*  i.  e.  great  numbers  of  men  hi  succession, 
"are  born  in  her;''  alluding  to  the  multitude  of  converts  under 
the  Gospel,  the  sons  of  that  Jerusalem,  "  which  is  the  mother  of 
us  all ;"  Gal.  iv.  25.  "and  the  Highest  himself  shall  establish  her;" 
as  he  sahh,  "  Upon  this  rock  will  I  build  my  church,  and  the  gates 
of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it,"  Matt.  xvi.  18. 

6.  The  LoKD  shall  count,  when  he  loriteth  up  the  people,  that 
this  man  was  born  there. 

In  the  book  of  life,  that  register  of  heaven,  kept  by  God  him- 
self, our  nam#  are  entered,  not  as  born  of  flesh  and  blood  by  the 
will  of  man,  but  as  born  of  water  and  the  Spirit  by  the  will  of  God ; 
of  each  person  it  is  written,  "  that  he  was  born  there,"  in  the 
church  and  city  of  God.  That  is  the  only  birth  which  we  ought 
to  value  ourselves  upon,  because  that  alone  gives  us  our  title  to 
"  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light.  In  Jesus  Christ  there  is 
nehher  Greek  nor  Jew,  circumcision  nor  uncircumcision,  barbarian, 
Scythian,"  noble  or  ignoble,  "  bond  or  free :  but  Christ  is  all,  and 
in  all,"  Col.  iii.  ll.t 

7.  As  icell  the  singers  as  the  playeis  on  instruments  shall  be 
there  :  all  my  spi-ings  are  in  thee. 

The  literal  version  of  the  words,  as  Dr.  Chandler  observes, 
seems  to  be — Cantantes  erunt,  sicut  choream  ducentes;  omnes 
fontes  mei  in  te.  They  shall  sing  like  those  who  lead  up  the  dance, 
i.  e.  most  joyfully ;  singing  and  dancing  frequently  accompanying 
one  another.  And  the  burden  of  the  song,  thus  joyfully  sung  in 
praise  of  Sion,  was  to  be  this;  "  All  my  springs,"  or  fountains, 
"  are  in  thee."  And  if  such  be  indeed  the  incomparable  excel- 
lence of  the  church,  and  such  the  benefits  of  her  communion,  as 
they  have  been  set  forth  in  the  foregoing  verses,  what  anthem  bet- 
ter deserves  to  be  performed  by  all  her  choirs  ?  In  thee,  O  Sion, 
is  the  fountain  of  salvation,  and  from  thee  are  derived  alJ  those 

*  Dr.  DiiicU  renders  ti''N1  lyX  "  Tiie  man,  evoii  tlie  man,"  that  is,  "the 
man  of  men  ;"  or,  '*  the  greatest  of  all  men."  The  reduplication,  he  thinks, 
according  to  the  oriental  phraseology,  must  mean  the  superlative,  or  high- 
est degree.  He  adds — According  to  this  interpretation,  every  one  will  see 
who  tliis  eminent  personage  was  to  be,  from  whose  birtli  Zion  (used  by  a 
synecdoche  for  .Tndea)  was  to  acquire  so  much  glory.  The  latter  hcmistic 
— "  And  the  Highest  himself  shall  establisli  her" — seems  to  me  to  have  re- 
ference, not  to  God  the  Father,  but  to  his  Son  ;  it  appearing  to  be  exegcti- 
cal  of  the  preceding  one,  and  to  describe  his  divine,  as  the  other  does  his 
human  nature.     CrUical  Remarks,  p.  167. 

+  Dr.  Durell  thinks  the  verse  relates  to  the  pedigree  of  our  Lord,  re- 
corded among  the  Jews,  and  given  us  by  the  evangelists — "  The  Lord 
will  have  this  recorded,"  in  "  registering  the  i)Cople,  that  he,"  the  l^'tJI 
W^^  mentioned  above,  "was  born  there." 


Day  XVII.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  377 

springes  of  grace,  which  flow,  by  the  Divine  appointment,  while 
the  world  lasts,  for  the  purification  and  refreshment  of  mankind 
upon  earth. 

PSALM  LXXXVIII. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psahn,  as  Mr.  Miidge  observes,  may  well  be  said  to  be  composed,  ac. 
cording  to  its  title,  nOi';  to  create  dejection,  to  raise  a  pensive  gloom 
or  melancholy  in  the  mind  ;  the  whole  subject  of  it  being  quite  through- 
out heavy,  and  full  of  the  most  dismal  complaints.  The  nature  and  de- 
gree of  the  sufferings  related  in  it;  the  strength  of  the  expressions  used 
to  describe  them  ;  the  consent  of  ancient  expositors;  the  appointment  of 
the  Psalm  by  the  church  to  be  read  on  Good  Friday;  all  these  circum- 
stances concur  in  directing  an  application  of  the  whole  to  our  blessed 
Lord.  His  unexampled  sorrows,  both  in  body  and  soul;  his  desertion  in 
the  day  of  trouble;  his  bitter  passion,  and  approaching  death;  with  his 
frequent  and  fervent  prayers  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  promises,  for 
ihe  salvation  of  the  church  through  him,  and  for  the  manifestation  of 
God's  glory  ;  these  are  the  particulars  treated  of  in  this  instructive  and 
most  affecting  composition  !* 

1.  O  Lord  God  of  my  salvation,  I  have  cried  day  and  nighf 
hefore  thee.  2.  Let  my  prayer  come  before  thee :  incline  thine 
ear  unto  my  ay. 

We  hear  in  these  words  the  voice  of  our  suffering  Redeemer. 
As  man,  he  addresseth  himself  to  his  Father,  the  Lord  God  of  his 
salvation,  from  whom  he  expected,  according  to  the  promises,  a 
joyful  and  triumphant  resurrection;  he  pleadeth  the  fervency  and 
importunity  of  his  prayers,  oflVrcd  up  continually  day  and  night, 
during  the  time  of  his  humiliation  and  suflerings ;  and  he  entreateth 
to  be  heard  in  these  his  supplications  for  his  body  mystical,  as  well 
as  his  body  natural ;  for  himself,  and  for  us  all. 

3.  For  my  soul  is  full  of  troubles,  and  my  life  draioeth  nigh  to 
the  grave. 

Is  not  this  exactly  parallel  to  what  he  said  in  the  garden,  '•  My 
soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful,  even  unto  death?"  "  Full,"  indeed, 
"  of  troubles"  was  thy  soul,  O  blessed  Jesus,  in  that  dreadful 
hour,  when,  under  the  united  weight  of  our  sins  and  sorrows,  thou 
wert  sinking  into  '•'  the  grave,"  in  order  to  raise  us  out  of  it.     Lev 

*  Cum  Psalmis  sxii.  ct  Ixix.  ad  omnia  convenit  Psalmus  Ixxxviii.  «]uod 
argument©  est,  eurn  eodem  modo  a  nobis  esse  explicandum.  Continef 
jgitur  pariter  orationcm  Chriiti  ad  Patrem  e  cruce  fusam.  Auctor  hiiju« 
Cantici  non  alium  in  finem  illi  titulum  dedit  1^21^3  "  erudientis,"  quam  ut 
Ecclesia  posteriorum  temporum  ex  eo  discrrt  ultima  liar  M<»«>;i:r  fata 
Vltrlnga,  Obsnrvat.  '<arr.  T,ib.  II.  Cap  9 
48 


378  A  COMMENTARY         Psal.LXXXVIII. 

us  judge  of  thy  love  by  tliy  suflerings,  and  of  botli  by  the  impos- 
sibihty  of  our  fully  comprehending  either. 

4.  /  am  counted  with  them  that  go  down  into  the  pit :  I  am  as 
a  man  that  hath  no  strength. 

Next  to  the  troubles  of  Christ's  soul,  are  mentioned  the  disgrace 
and  ignominy  to  which  he  submitted.  He  who  was  the  fountain 
of  immortality,  he  from  whom  no  one  could  take  his  life,  who 
could  in  a  moment  have  commanded  twelve  legions  of  angels  to 
his  aid,  or  have  caused  heaven  and  earth,  at  a  word  speaking,  to 
fly  awa}^  before  him,  he  was  "  counted  with  them  that  go  down  into 
the  pit;"  he  died,  to  all  appearance,  like  the  rest  of  mankind ;  nay, 
he  was  forcibly  put  to  death  as  a  malefactor;  and  seemed,  in  the 
hands  of  his  executioners,  "  as  a  man  that  had  no  strength,"  no 
power,  or  might,  to  help  and  save  himself.  "  His  strength  went 
from  him;  he  became  weak,  and  like  another  man."  The  people 
shook  their  heads  at  him,  saying,  "  He  saved  others,  himself  he 
cannot  save." 

5.  Free  among  the  dead,  like  the  slain  that  lie  in  the  graven 
tcJiomthoii  rcmeinberest  no  more:  and  tliey  are  cut  off  from  thy 
hand. 

"  Free  among  the  dead ;"  that  is,  set  at  liberty,  or  dismissed 
from  the  world,  and  separated  from  all  communication  with  its 
affairs,  as  dead  bodies  are;  like  other  corpses  that  lie  in  the  grave, 
whom  thou  rememberest  no  more,  i.  c.  as  living  objects  of  provi- 
dence upon  earth ;  in  this  sense,  they  are  cut  off  from  God's  hand," 
which  held  and  supported  them  in  life.  And  in  no  other  sense 
can  these  expressions  be  understood ;  since  to  imagine  that  the 
Psalmist,  who  so  often  speaks  in  plain  terms  of  the  resurrection, 
should  here,  when  personating  Messiah,  deny  that  doctrine,  would 
be  a  conceit  equally  absurd  and  impious. 

6.  Thou  hast  laid  me  in  the  lowest  pit,  in  darkness,  in  the  deeps. 
7-  Thj  lorath  lieth  hard  upon  me,  and  thou  hast  afflicted  me  with 
all  thy  waves. 

Tlie  sufferings  of  Jesus  arc  represented  by  his  being  plunged  into 
a  dark  and  horrible  abyss,  with  the  indignation  of  God,  due  to  our 
sins,  resting  upon  him,  and  all  the  waves  of  affliction  rolling  over 
him.  The  same  image  is  used  in  Psalm  Ixix.  and  many  other 
places. 

8.  Thou  hast  2nd  away  mine  acquaintance  far  from  me  ;  thou 
hast  made  me  an  abomination  to  them :  J  am  shut  up,  and  I  can- 
not come  forth. 

At  the  apprehension  of  Christ,  "  All  his  disciples  forsook  him 
and  fled,"  Matt.  xxvi.  56.     Peter  denied  and  abjured  his  Master, 


DayXVII.  M.  p.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  37P 

as  if  his  acquaintance  had  been  a  disgrace,  and  an  abomination  : 
at  the  crucifixion,  it  is  observed  by  St.  Luke,  that  "  all  his  ac- 
quaintance stood  afar  off  beholding  these  things ;"  xxiii.  49.  be- 
holding the  innocent  victim  environed  by  his  enemies,  and  at 
length  shut  up  in  the  sepulchre.  The  day  must  come,  when  each 
person  who  reads  this,  shall  be  forsaken  by  the  whole  world  ;  when 
relations,  friends,  and  acquaintance,  shall  all  retire,  unable  to  af- 
ford him  any  help  anil  assistance;  when  he  must  die  and  be  con- 
fined in  the  prison  of  the  grave,  no  more  to  come  forth,  until  that 
great  Easter  of  the  world,  the  general  resurrection.  In  the  solitary 
and  awful  hour  of  our  departure  hence,  let  us  remember  to  think 
on  the  desertion,  the  death,  the  burial,  and  the  resurrection,  of  our 
Redeemer. 

9.  Mine  eye  mourneth  by  reason  of  affiiction:  Lord,  I  have 
called  daily  upon  thee;  Iliave  stretched  out  my  hands  iinto  thee. 

This  verse  contains  a  reiteration  of  the  complaint  and  prayer 
made  at  the  beginning  of  the  Psalm.  These  are  some  of  the  "  strong 
cryings  with  tears,"  which,  during  the  course  of  his  intercessions 
for  us  upon  earth,  the  Son  of  God  poured  forth  in  the  days  of  his 
flesh,  Heb.  v.  7- 

10.  Wilt  thou  shew  wonders  to  the  dead?  Shall  the  dead  rise 
and  praise  thee?  11.  Shall  thy  loving-kindness  be  declared  in  the 
grave?  or,  thy  faithfulness  in  destruction?  12.  .Shall  thy  icon- 
ders  be  known  in  the  dark  ?  and  thy  righteousness  in  the  land  of 
forge  ffulness? 

It  hath  sometimes  been  thought,  that  these  verses  imply  a  de- 
nial, or  at  least  a  doubt,  of  the  resurrection  from  the  dead ;  where- 
as they  contain,  in  reality,  the  most  powerful  plea  that  Christ  him- 
self, in  his  prayers  to  the  Father,  could  urge  for  it ;  namely,  that, 
otherwise,  man  would  be  deprived  of  his  salvation,  and  God  of  the 
glory  thence  accruing.  "  Wilt  thou  show  wonders  to  the  dead," 
while  they  continue  in  that  state?  or  if  thon  shouldst,  will  they  be 
sensible  of  those  wonders,  and  make  thee  due  returns  of  thankful- 
ness ?  "  shall  the  dead  rise  up"  in  the  congregation,  "  and  praise 
thee  ?"  Must  they  not  live  again  to  do  that  ?  "  Shall  thy  loving- 
kindness"  to  the  sons  of  Adam,  in  me  their  Redeemer,  "  be  de- 
clared ?"  shall  the  Gospel  be  preached  ••  in  the  grave  ?"  "  or  thy 
faithfulness,"  in  accomplishing  the  ])romises  concerning  this  loving- 
kindness,  shall  it  be  manifested  '•  in  that  destruction"  wrought  by 
death  upon  the  bodies  of  men  ?  '•  Shall  thy  wonders,"  the  wonders 
of  light  and  life,  and  salvation,  "  be  known  in  the  dark"  tomb  ? 
"  and  thy  righteousness,"  which  charactt.'rizes  all  thy  dispensations, 
shall  it  be  remembered  and  proclaimed  "  in  the  land"  of  silence 


380  A  COMMENTARY         Psal.  LXXXVIIL 

and  "  forgetfulness  ?"  A  Christian,  upon  the  bed  of  sickness,  may 
undoubtedly  plead  with  God  in  this  manner  for  a  longer  continuance 
of  life,  to  glorify  him  here  upon  earth.  But  every  respite  of  that 
kind  can  be  only  temporary  :  all  men,  sooner  or  later,  must  die ; 
and  then  they  can  never  more  experience  the  mercies,  or  sing  the 
praises  of  God,  unless  they  rise  again.  So  that  if  the  argument 
hold  in  one  case,  it  certainl)'^  holdeth  still  stronger  in  the  other. 

13.  But  unto  thee  have  I  cried,  O  Lord  ;  and  in  the  morning 
shall  my  prayer  prevent  me.  14.  Lord,  lohy  casteth  thou  ojf  my 
sold  ?  why  hidest  thou  thy  face  from  me  ? 

Since  therefore  the  wonders,  the  loving-kindness,  the  faithful- 
ness, and  the  righteousness  of  God,  cannot  be  manifested  by  man's 
redemption,  if  Messiah  be  left  under  the  dominion  of  death,  he  re- 
doubles his  prayers  for  the  promised  deliverance ;  and  speaks  of 
his  redemption  in  the  hour  of  sorrow,  as  in  Psalm  xxii.  1.  "  My 
God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  ?"  &c. 

15.  I  am  afflicted  and  ready  to  die  from  my  youth  up  :  while 
I  suffer  thy  terrors  I  am  distracted :  Heb.  I  am  distressed,  not 
knowing  which  way  to  turn  myself*  iG.  Thy  fierce  wrath  goeth 
over  me;  thy  terrors  have  cut  me  off.  \J.  They  came  round 
about  me  daily  like  ivater:  they  compassed  me  about  together. 

We  are  not  to  imagine  that  the  holy  Jesus  suffered  for  us  only 
at  Gethsemane,  and  on  mount  Calvary.  His  whole  life  was  one 
continued  passion;  a  scene  of  labour  and  sorrow,  of  contradiction 
and  persecution ;  "  he  was  afflicted,"  as  never  man  was,  "  from 
his  youth  up,"  from  the  hour  of  his  birth,  when,  thrust  out  from 
the  society  of  men,  he  made  his  bed  in  the  stable  at  Bethlehem  ; 
he  was  "  ready  to  die ;''  a  victim  destined  and  prepared  for  that 
death  which,  by  anticipation,  he  tasted  of  through  life  ;  he  saw  the 
flaming  sword  of  God's  "  fierce  wrath"  waiting  to  cut  him  off  from 
the  land  of  the  living ;  the  "  terrors"  of  the  Almighty  set  them- 
selves in  array  against  him,  threatening,  like  the  mountainous 
waves  of  a  tempestuous  sea,  to  overwhelm  his  amazed  soul.  Let  not 
the  church  be  ofTended,  or  despond,  but  rather  let  her  rejoice  in  her 
suflerings,  by  which,  through  every  period  of  her  existence,  from 
youth  to  age,  she  "fiUeth  up  that  which  is  behind  of  the  afllictions 
of  Christ,"  who  suffers  and  will  be  glorified  in  his  peoj)le,  as  he 
hath  already  suffered  and  been  glorified  for  them.     See  Col.  i.  24. 

18.  Lover  and  friend  hast  thou  put  far  from  me,  and  mine  ac- 
quaintance into  darkness. 

''  Dominus  ipse  de  sc,  Ps.  Ixxxviii.  16.  "  Fcro  tcrrores  tuos;  animi  lin- 
quor."  Loquitor  de  extremis  suis  angoribus,  ct  doloribus.  Vilringa  in 
.lesai.  ii.  667, 


Day  XVII.  E.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  381 

It  is  mentioned  again,  as  a  most  affecting  circumstance  of  Ciirist's 
passion,  that  lie  was  entirely  forsaken,  and  left  all  alone,  in  that 
dreadful  day.  The  bitter  cup  was  presented,  filled  to  the  brim, 
and  he  drank  it  off  to  the  dregs.  No  man  could  share  in  those 
sufferings  by  which  all  other  men  were  to  be  redeemed.  His  "  lovers 
and  friends,"  his  disciples  and  acquaintance,  "  were  put  far  from 
him;"  they  all  "forsook  him,  and  fled,"  to  hide  themselves  from 
the  fury  of  the  Jews,  "  in  darkness,"  in  dark,  i.  e.  secret  places. 
Thus  it  is  written  in  the  Psalms,  and  thus  in  the  Gospels  it  is  re- 
corded to  have  happened.  Oftentimes,  O  blessed  Jesus,  do  wc 
forsake  thee;  but  do  not  thou  forsake  us,  or  take  thy  holy  Spirit 
iVom  us. 


SEVENTEENTH  DAY— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  LXXXIX. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm  is  appointed  by  the  church  to  be  read  on  Christmas-day.  It 
celebrates,  ver.  1 — 4.  the  mercies  of  God  in  Christ,  promised  to  David; 
5 — 13.  the  almighty  power  of  Jehovah,  manifested  in  his  works  and  dis- 
pensations; 14.  his  justice,  mercy,  and  truth;  15 — 18.  tiie  happiness  and 
security  of  his  people;  19 — 37.  his  covenant  made  with  David,  as  the  re- 
presentative of  Messiah,  who  should  come  of  his  seed;  3S — 45.  the  church 
lamenteth  her  distressful  state,  at  the  time  when  this  Psalm  was  penned  ;' 
4G — 51.  she  prayeth  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  promise;  and,  in  the 
mean  time,  52.  blesscth  Jehovah. 

1 .  I  icill  sing  of  the  mercies  of  the  Lord  for  ever :  ivifh  mi/ 
mouth  will  I  make  known  th  7/  faithfulness  to  all  generations. 

The  "  mercies  of  Jehovah"  have  ever  employed  the  voices  of 
believers  to  celebrate  them.  These  were  promises  to  the  human 
race,  in  their  great  representative  and  surety,  before  the  world  be- 
gan, 2  Tim.  i.  9.  Tit.  i.  2. ;  they  were  prefigured  by  ancient  dis- 
pensations ;  and,  in  part,  fulfilled  at  the  incarnation  of  Christ. 
The  "  faithfulness  of  God,  in  so  fulfilling  them,  is  now  "  made 
known,"  by  the  holy  services  of  the  Christian  church,  "  to  all  ge- 
nerations." 

2.  For  I  have  said,  Mercy  shall  be  built  up  for  ever;  thi/ faith- 
fulness shalt  thou  establish  in  the  very  heavens. 

'  Sedccia  capto,  domo  Davidc  solio  deturhala,  promissiones  Dei  irritas 
videri  Propheta  queritur,  necdum  adesse  Christum.  Bossuet.  Dr.  Kennicott 
imagines  it  to  have  been  composed  by  Isaiah,  as  a  soknni  antl  public  ad- 
dr<!ss  to  God,  at  the  time  when  Rczin  and  Pekah  were  advancing  aj^ainst 
Jerusalem 


382  A  COJMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXXIX. 

Whatever  be  at  an}'  time  the  state  of  the  church  on  earth,  she 
knoweth  that  the  foundation  of  God  standeth  sure;  that  the  sacred 
edifice,  raised  thereon,  will  be  incorruptible  and  eternal  as  "  hea- 
ven" itself,  where  only  mercy  and  truth  arc  to  have  their  perfect 
work,  in  the  everlasting  felicity  of  the  redeemed.  Of  this  felicity, 
which  is  to  be  the  consummation  of  God's  promises,  and  our  hopes, 
we  behold  some  faint  resemblance,  as  often  as  we  view  the  stability, 
the  beauty,  and  the  glory  of  the  visible  material  "  heavens  !" 

3.  I  have  made  a  covenant  with  my  chosen,  I  have  sworn  unto 
David  my  servant,  4.  Thy  seed  will  I  establish  for  ever,  and  build 
up  thy  throne  to  all  generations. 

The  two  forrarer  verses  set  forth  a  profession  of  faith  in  God's 
mercy  :  tliese  two  assign  the  ground  of  such  faith;  namely,  the  co- 
venant whfch^Godis  here  introduced  as  declaring  that  he  had  made 
with  David,  and  which  he  did  make  with  him  by  the  prophet  Na- 
than, 2  Sam.  vii.  12,  &c.  The  covenant  relates  to  David's  "  seed," 
and  to  the  '•  establishment  of  his  throne"  in  that  seed;  literally,  in 
Solomon  for  a  time;  spiritually,  in  Christ  for  ever.  "  When  thy 
days  shall  be  fulfilled,  and  thou  shalt  sleep  with  thy  fathers,  I  will 
set  up  thy  seed  after  thee,  which  shall  proceed  out  of  thy  bowels, 
and  I  will  establish  his  kingdom.  He  shall  build  an  house  for  my 
name,  and  I  will  establish  the  throne  of  his  kingdom  for  ever.  I 
will  be  his  father,  and  he  shall  be  my  son."  These  last  words  are 
cited  by  the  Apostle,  Heb.  i.  .0.  as  spoken  of  Christ,  to  evince  his 
superiority  over  the  angels.  Yet,  that  the  whole  passage  does,  in 
the  letter,  relate  to  Solomon,  can  admit  of  no  doubt,  he  being  the 
seed  and  immediate  successor  of  David,  and  the  person  appointed 
to  build  an  house  for  God's  name.  Here  then  we  have  an  incon- 
testable proof,  that  the  covenant  with  David  had  Messiah  for  its 
object ;  that  Solomon  was  a  figure  of  him ;  and  that  the  Scripture 
hath  sometimes  a  double  sense.*  It  is  moreover  to  be  observed, 
that  the  covenants  made  with  Abrahanj,  David,  &c.  all  had  their 
original  and  foundation  in  the  covenant  made  with  Messiah,  who 
was  the  true  Father  of  the  faithful,  the  Beloved  and  Chosen  of 
God;  the  great  Prophet,  Priest,  and  King;  the  only  person  qua- 
lified to  be  a  sponsor,  and  to  engage  in  a  covenant  with  the  Father 
for  mankind.  His  sufferings  were  the  price  of  our  redemption : 
and  because  he  suffered  in  the  flesh,  as  "  the  Son  of  David," 
therefore  is  he  "  established  for  ever,  and  his  throne  built  up  to  all 
generations."  Remarkable  are  t!ic  words  of  the  angel  to  Mary ; 
"  The  Lord  God  shall  give  unto  him  the  throne  of  his  father  Da- 

*  "  Disposui  fostamcntuin  ;"  pcrcHs&i  f»jeduS"^n  electo  meo  ;  id  est,  Pa- 
viilc  ct  Christo.     Bossuet. 


Day  XVII.  E.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  383 

vid ;  and  he  shall  reign  over  the  house  of  Jacob  for  ever,  and  of 
liis  kingdom  there  shall  be  no  end,"'  Luke  i.  32. 

5.  And  the  heavens  shall  praise  ih)/  wonders,  O  Lord;  thif 
faithfulness  also  in  the  congregation  of  the  saints :  or,  The  hea- 
rens  shall  praise  thy  tuonders,  O  Loau  ;  and  the  saints  thy  faith- 
fulness in  the  congregation. 

Did  not  "  the  heavens  praise  the  wonders  of  Jehovah,*'  when  a 
choir  of  angels  descended  from  above,  to  sing  an  anthem  at  the 
birth  of  Christ  ?  And  how  must  the  celestial  courts  liave  resounded 
with  the  hallelujahs  of  those  blessed  spirits,  when  they  again  re- 
ceived their  King,  returning  in  triumph  from  the  conquest  of  his 
enemies  ?  Nor  "  do  the  saints"  omit  to  celebrate  God'S  "  faithful- 
ness in  the  congregation"  upon  earth,  while  "  with  angels  and 
archangels,  and  all  the  company  of  heaven,  they  laud  and  mag- 
nify his  glorious  name,  evermore  praising  him,  and  saying,  Holy, 
holy,  holy.  Lord  God  of  hosts,  heaven  and  earth  are  full  of  thy 
glory.     Glory  be  to  thee,  O  Lord  most  high." 

G.  For  who  in  the  heaven  can  he  compared  unto  the  Lord  ?  who 
among  the  sons  of  the  mighty  can  he  likened  unto  the  Lord  ?  7. 
God  is  greatly  to  he  feared  in  the  assemhly  of  the  saints,  and  to 
be  had  in  reverence  of  all  them  that  are  ahout  him.  3.  0  Lord 
God  of  hosts,  who  is  a  stronghoRo  like  unto  thee?  or  to  thy  faith- 
fulness round  ahout  thee?  or,  and  thy  faithfulness  is  round  ahout 
thee. 

These  verses  proclaim  that  right  and  title  which  Jehovah  hath  to 
the  praises  of  all  his  creatures  in  "  heaven  and  earth."  No  one 
of  them,  however  excellent  and  glorious,  however  deified  and 
adored  by  fond  and  foolish  man,  can  enter  the  lists,  and  contest  the 
superiority  with  his  JMaker.  High  over  all  is  the  throne  of  God  j 
before  him  angels  veil  their  faces,  saints  prostrate  themselves  with 
the  lowest  reverence,  and  created  nature  trembles  at  his  word.  His 
power  is  Almighty,  and  derived  from  none;  and  with  "  truth"  he 
is  on  all  sides  invested  as  with  a  garment :  the  former  enables  him, 
the  latter  (if  we  may  so  express  it)  binds  him,  to  perform  those  gra- 
cious promises,  which  mercy  prompted  him  to  make,  concerning 
our  eternal  redemption. 

9.  Thouridcst  the  raging  of  the  sea :  when  the  waves  thereof 
arise,  thou  stillest  them. 

The  extent  of  the  ocean,  the  multitude  of  its  waves,  and  their 
fury,  when  excited  by  a  storm,  render  it,  in  that  state,  the  most  tre- 
mendous object  in  nature;  nor  doth  any  thing  which  man  beholds, 
give  him  so  just  an  idea  of  human  impotence,  and  of  that  divine 
power,  which  can  excite  and  calm  so  boisterous  an  element  at 


384  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXXIX. 

pleasure.  God  himself  therefore  frequently  appeals  to  this  instance 
of  his  omnipotence;  see  Job  xxxviii.  11.  Jer.  v.  22;  an  attribute, 
of  which  our  Lord  showed  himself  to  have  been  possessed,  when, 
being  with  his  disciples  in  the  ship,  he  arose  and  rebuked  a  tem- 
pestuous wind  and  a  raging  sea,  and  there  was  instantly  a  calm. 
In  all  our  troubles  and  temptations,  be  thou,  blessed  Jesus,  with  us, 
and  then  they  shall  never  finally  overwhelm  us. 

10.  Thou  hast  broken  Rahab,  i.e.  Egypt,  in  pieces,  as  one  that 
is  slain;  thou  hast  scattered  thine  enemies  with  thy  strong  arm. 

The  destruction  of  Pharaoh  and  the  Egyptians  is  here  men- 
tioned, as  another  instance  of  God's  mighty  power.  And  it  is 
probable,  that  the  foregoing  verse  was  intended  to  allude  more 
particularly  to  that  miraculous  exertion  of  God's  sovereignty  over 
the  waters,  the  division  of  the  Red  Sea,  which  happened  at  the 
same  time  ;  as  these  two  events  are  generally  spoken  of  together. 
Thus  Isaiah;  "  Art  thou  not  it  that  hath  cut  Rahab,"  i.  e.  Egypt, 
"  and  wounded  the  dragon,"  i.  e.  Pharaoh?  "  Art  thou  not  it 
which  hath  dried  the  sea,  the  waters  of  the  great  deep,  that  hath 
made  the  depths  of  the  sea  a  way  for  the  ransomed  to  pass  over  ?" 
li.  9.  The  same  power  which  effected  all  this,  hath  since,  in 
Christ  Jesus,  overcome  the  world,  destroyed  the  works  of  the  devil, 
and  ransomed  mankind  from  the  depths  of  the  grave. 

11.  The  heavens  are  thine,  the  earth  also  is  thine:  as  for  the 
loorld,  and  the  fulness  thereof,  thou  hast  founded  them.  12.  The 
north' and  the  south,  thou  hast  created  them :  Tabor  and  Hermon 
shall  rejoice  in  thy  name. 

The  "  heavens,"  and  all  the  glorious  bodies  there  ranged  in  beau- 
tiful order :  the  "  earth,"  with  its  rich  furniture,  and  the  unnum- 
bered tribes  of  its  inhabitants,  through  its  whole  extent,  from 
"  north  to  south,"  and  from  east  to  west ;  all  these  arc  so  many 
evidences  of  that  wisdom  and  power,  which  at  the  beginning  con- 
trived and  formed  them  :  all,  in  their  respective  ways,  declare  the 
glory,  and  speak  the  praises  of  their  great  Creator  ;  but  chiefly  the 
holy  land,  and  the  fruitful  hills  which  adorned  it.  "  Tabor"  in  one 
part,  and  "Hermon"  in  another,  formerly  seemed,  as  it  were,  to 
"  rejoice"  and  sing,  for  the  abundant  favours  showered  down  upon 
them  by  tlie  God  of  Israel,  who  hath  since  caused  all  nations  no 
less  to  exult  and  triumph  in  his  saving  name. 

13.  ThoM  hast  a  mighty  arm:  strong  is  thy  hand,  and  high  is 
thy  right  hand. 

The  Psalmist,  having  produced  and  meditated  on  some  eminent 
instances  of  divine  power,  draws  this  general  conclusion  from  the 
premises.     Towards  the  Christian  church  "  the  arm  of  Jeiiovah" 


Day  XVII.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  3S3 

hath  been  revealed  in  a  still  more  cxtrordinary  manner.  Slie  re- 
flccteth  on  the  wonders  wrougiit  b}'  Jesus ;  a  conquest  over  more 
Ibrmidable  enemies  than  Pharaoh  and  his  Egyptians  ;  a  redemption 
frx)m  more  cruel  bondage ;  salvation  from  sin  and  death ;  a  new 
creation,  new  heavens,  and  new  earth,  a  new  Jerusalem,  and  a 
spiritual  Sion.  With  additional  conviction  may  she  therefore  ex- 
claim, "  Thou  hast  a  mighty  arm  ;  strong  is  thy  hand,  and  high  is 
thy  right  hand." 

14.  Justice  and  judgment  are  the  habitation,  Ileb.  the  establish- 
ment, (xfthy  throne:  mercy  and  truth  shall  go  before  thy  face. 

Although  the  power  of  God  be  infinite,  yet  is  it  never  exerted 
but  under  the  duection  of  his  other  attributes.  When  he  goeth,  as 
a  judge,  to  his  tribunal,  "  mercy  and  truth  go  before  his  face;" 
thev  are  represented  as  preceding  him,  to  give  notice  of  his  advent,, 
and  to  prepare  his  way.  "  All  the  ways,"  or  dispensations  "  of 
the  Lord,"  as  it  is  elsewhere  observed,  '•  are  mercy  and  truth," 
Psalm  XXV.  10. ;  they  are  the  substance  of  all  his  revelations,  which 
either  promise  salvation,  or  relate  the  performance  of  such  pro- 
mises. By  these  is  man  warned  and  prepared  for  "■  judgment," 
which  is  to  be  the  last  and  finishing  scene.  And  when  the  great 
Judge  of  all  the  earth  shall  from  his  throne  pronounce  the  irrever- 
sible sentence,  not  a  creature  then  present  shall  be  able  to  accuse 
that  sentence  of  injustice.  After  this  model  should  the  thrones  of 
princes,  and  the  tribunals  of  earthly  magistrates,  be  constituted  in 
"justice  and  judgment,"  adorned  with  "  mercy  and  truth.''     t 

15.  Blessed  is  the  people  that  knoio  the  joyful  sound:  they 
shall  walk,  0  Lord,  in  the  light  of  thy  countenance. 

Next  to  the  praised  of  Jehovah,  is  declared  the  happiness  of  those 
who  have  him  for  their  God ;  who  '•'  know  the  joylul  sound,  or 
sound  of  the  trumpet,"  by  which  the  festivals  of  the  Jewish  church 
were  proclaimed,  and  the  peoj)le  were  called  together  to  the  olRces 
of  devotion  ;  who  enjoy  the  "  light"  of  truth,  and  through  grace 
are  enabled  to  "  walk"  therein.  These  blessings  are  now  become 
our  own ;  the  evangelical  trumpet  hath  sounded  through  the  once 
heathen  world ;  the  Sun  of  righteousness  hath  risen  upon  all  na- 
tions. Let  us  attend  to  the  "'joyful  sound;"  let  us  "walk"  in 
the  glorious  "  light." 

IG.  In  thy  name  shall  they  rejoice  all  the  day;  and  in  thy 
righteousness  shall  they  be  exalted.  17.  For  thou  art  the  glory 
of  their  strength ;  and  in  thy  favour  our  horn  shall  be  exalted. 
1 S.  For  the  Lord  is  our  defence;  and  the  Holy  One  of  Israel  is 
f)ur  King. 

It  is  the  duty  of  Christians,  as  it  was  that  of  Israehtes,  to  as- 
49 


386  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXXIX. 

cribe  all  their  strength,  their  success,  and  their  glory,  whether  in 
matters  temporal  or  spiritual,  to  Jehovah  alone.  Having  heard  the 
sound,  and  experienced  the  illuminating  and  reviving  influences  of 
the  Gospel,  in  the  name  and  in  the  salvation  of  God  we  rejoice  all 
the  day,  and  in  his  righteousness  only  we  trust  to  be  exalted  to 
heaven  :  to  him  we  attribute  the  glory  of  that  strength,  with  which, 
in  time  of  temptation,  we  may  find  ourselves  happily  endued ; 
and  in  his  favour,  or  grace,  our  horn,  or  the  efforts  of  our  power, 
shall  be  exalted,  and  crowned  with  victory  ;  our  defence  in  all 
dangers  is  from  Jehovah,  who  was  ever  the  shield  of  his  an- 
cient people ;  and  the  Holy  One  of  Israel  is  our  Redeemer,  and 
our  King. 

19.  Then  thou  spakest  in  vision  to  thy  holy  one,  and  saidst,  I 
have  laid,  ov,  placed,  help  upon,  or,  in,  one  tliat  is  mighty  ;  I  have 
exalted  one  chosen  out  of  the  people. 

The  covenant  made  with  David  was  mentioned  in  general  terms 
above,  at  verses  4,  5.  But  a  more  particular  account  is  now  given 
of  God's  dispensations,  relative  to  the  son  of  Jesse,  and  his  poste- 
rity. We  are  presented  with  the  substance  of  the  revelation  made 
upon  this  subject,  "  in  vision,-'  to  one  of  the  prophets,  perhaps 
Samuel,  or  Nathan,  here  styled  an  "  holy  one,"  or  religious  per- 
son, one  favoured  and  accepted  by  God,  who  is  introduced  as  ma- 
nifesting to  this  his  prophet  the  Divine  counsels  concerning  David. 
"  I  have  placed  help  upon,  or  in  one,  who  shall  become  an  emi- 
nent and  mighty  Saviour  of  Israel ;  from  among  all  the  people  I 
have  chosen,  and  determined  to  exalt  him,  for  that  purpose,  to  the 
throne."  Thus  was  Messiah  foretold,  in  prophetical  visions  and 
revelations,  as  the  person  designed  to  be  the  mighty  Redeemer  of 
his  church ;  thus,  in  the  fulness  of  time,  was  he  chosen  from  among 
all  the  children  of  men,  and  exalted,  through  sufferings,  to  an  eter- 
nal throne. 

20.  I  have  found  David  my  servant;  icith  my  holy  oil  have  I 
anointed  him  :  21.  Withtchom  my  hand  shall  be  established ;  mine 
arm  also  shall  strengthen  him.. 

David  was  the  servant  of  God  ;  he  was  by  the  prophet  Samuel 
anointed  with  oil ;  he  was  strengthened  and  established  in  his  king- 
dom, by  die  hand  and  arm  of  Jehovah.  But  never  let  Christians 
fail,  in  this  eminently  figurative  character,  to  contemplate  that 
true  David  (for  so  he  is  called,  Ezek.  xxxiv.  23.  xxxvii.  25.)  the 
BELOVED  Son  of  God  :  "  the  servant  and  elect  of  Jehovah,  in 
whom  his  soul  delighted,  and  on  whom  he  put  his  Spirit,"  Isa.  xlii. 
1.  J  whom  he  "anointed  with  his  holy  oil,  with  the  oil  of  gladness, 
with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with  power,"  Psalm  xlv.  7-  Acts  x.  HS. 


DayXVII.  E.  p.        ON  THE  PSAOIS.  387 

whom  he  strengthened  and  established  in  his  spiritual  kingdom, 
with  his  hand  and  arm,  and  the  might  of  his  omnipotence. 

22.  The  enemy  shall  not  exact  iipnn,  or,  deceive,  him;  nor  the 
son  of  icickedness  ajiict,  or,  subdue,  him.  23.  yind  I  will  beat 
doton  his  foes  before  his  face,  and  plague  them  that  hate  him. 
24.  But  mjj  faithfulness  and  my  mercy  shall  be  with  him  ;  and 
in  mi/  name  shall  his  horn  be  exalted. 

These  promises  were  lulfdled  to  David,  when  God  delivered  him 
out  of  the  hand  of  Saul,  and  of  all  his  other  adversaries.  See  2 
Sam.  xxii.  1.  And  in  what  a  full,  perfect,  and  divine  sense  were 
they  verified  to  Christ !  That  subtle  enemy,  "  which  deceiveth  the 
whole  world,"  was  not  able  to  deceive  him ;  neither  the  sons  nor 
the  father  of  wickedness  could  overthrow  and  subdue  him;  all 
opposition  fell  before  him,  and  they  who  hated  him  suffered  un- 
paralleled desolation  :  the  promised  faithfulness  and  mercy  of  Je- 
hovah were  ever  with  him,  and  his  kingdom  was  exalted  with 
glory  and  honour. 

25.  I  will  set  his  hand  also  in  the  sea,  and  his  right  hand  in  the 
rivers. 

The  dominions  of  David  and  his  son  Solomon  extended  from  the 
Mediterranean  "  sea"  to  the  "  rivers"  Euphrates,  &c.;  the  empire 
of  Christ  is  universal,  over  Jews  and  Gentiles,  throughout  all  the 
earth.     See  Psalm  Ixxii.  8,  &c. 

26.  He  shall  cry  unto  me,  TJiou  art  my  Father,  my  God,  and 
the  Rock  of  my  salvation.  2J.  Also  I  will  make  him  my  frst- 
born,  higher  than  the  kings  of  the  earth. 

All  this,  if  in  some  respects  true  of  David,  is  much  more  em- 
phatically so  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  "  Son  of  God"  is  one  of 
his  distinguished  titles;  of  "  the  Father"  he  continually  spoke,  and 
to  the  Father  he  addressed  his  prayers  and  cries  in  the  days  of  his 
flesh;  as  man,  he  was  raised  and  exalted  by  the  power  and  glory 
of  the  Divinity;  he  was  '•  the  first-born  of  every  creature,  the  first- 
begotten  from  the  dead,  and  the  Prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth." 
Col.  i.  15.  Rev.  i.  5.  Make  us,  blessed  Lord,  the  sons  of  God, 
and  teach  us  to  cry,  Abba,  Father;  give  us  victory  and  dominion 
over  sin  and  death,  that  we  may  live  and  reign  with  thee  for  ever. 

28.  My  mercy  will  I  keep  for,  or,  to,  him  for  evermore,  and  my 
covenant  shall  standfast  with  him.  21),  His  seed  also  will  I  make 
to  endure  for  ever,  and  his  throne  as  the  days  of  heaven. 

God  kept  his  mercy  and  covenant  with  David,  by  preserving 
ihe  line  of  his  posterity,  until  his  great  antitype,  Messiah,  the  sub- 
ject of  all  the  promises,  came,  by  whom  the  kingdom  was  esta- 
blished for  ever,  being  changed  into  a  spiritual  one,  whicli  is  to  be 


388  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  LXXXIX. 

transferred  from  earth  to  heaven,  and  rendered  coeval  with  those 
eternal  mansions  of  the  blessed. 

30.  If  Ids  children  forsake  my  law,  and  walk  not  in  mij  judg- 
ments; 31.  If  they  break,  or,  profane,  my  statutes,  and  keep 
not  my  commandments  ;  32.  Then  tcill  I  visit  their  transgression 
tcith  the  rod,  and  their  iniquity  loith  stripes.  33.  Nevertheless, 
my  hving-kindncss  will  I  not  utterly  take  from  Mm,  nor  suffer  my 
faithfulness  to  fail.  34.  My  covenant  icill  I  not  break,  nor  alter 
the  thing  that  is  gone  out  of  my  lips. 

The  posterity  of  David  were  to  enjoy  God's  favour,  or  be  de- 
prived of  it,  as  they  proved  obedient  or  disobedient  to  his  "  law ;" 
as  they  executed  or  perverted  its  civil  "judgments:"  as  they  ob- 
served or  neglected  its  ceremonial  "  statutes,"  or  religious  institu- 
tions; as  they  kept  or  broke  its  "'  commandments''  or  moral  pre- 
cepts. When  they  became  rebellious,  idolatrous,  and  profligate, 
the  rod  was  lifted  up,  and  due  chastisement  inflicted,  sometimes  by 
the  immediate  hand  of  Heaven,  sometimes  by  the  instrumentality  of 
their  heathen  adversaries;  famine  and  pestilence,  war  and  captivity, 
were  at  difierent  times  employed  to  reclaim  backsliding  Israel.  But 
still,  the  "  covenant"  of  God  in  Christ  stood  sure ;  the  Jewish  na- 
tion was  preserved  through  all  changes  and  revolutions,  "  until  the 
Seed  came  to  whom  the  promise  was  made;"  nor  was  Jerusalem 
destroyed  before  the  new  and  spiritual  kingdom  of  Messiah  was  set 
up  in  the  earth.  Christian  communities,  and  the  individuals  that 
compose  them,  are  in  like  manner  corrected  and  punished  for  their 
ofifences.  "  Nevertheless,  God's  loving-kindness  will  he  not  utterly 
take  from  us,  nor  suffer  his  faithfulness  to  fail.  His  covenant  will 
he  not  break,  nor  alter  the  thing  that  is  gone  out  of  his  lips."  So — 
"  I  am  with  you  always,"  says  the  Redeemer,  "  even  to  the  end  of 
the  world;  and  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  my 
church,"  Matt,  xxviii.  20.  xvi.  18.  Nor  shall  the  world  be  de- 
stroyed until  Christ  come  again,  and  his  glorious  kingdom  be  ready 
to  appear. 

35.  Once  have  I  svwrn  by  my  holiness,  that  I  will  not  lie  unto 
David.  36.  His  seed  shall  endure  for  ever,  and  his  throne  as  the 
sun  bffore  me.  37.  It  shall  be  established  for  ever  as  the  moon, 
and  as  a  faithful  witness  in  heaven. 

The  promise,  covenant,  and  oath  of  God,  which  he  derlareth 
shall  never  fail,  are  here  repeated.  They  relate  to  Christ,  that 
"  Seed,"  or  "  Son  of  David,"  who  "  enduretb  for  ever  :"  His  throne 
is  resplendent  as  the  "  sun,"  and  shall  continue  after  that  luminary 
is  extinguished :  his  church  is  permanent  as  the  "  moon,"  thougli, 
like  her,  subject  to  vicissitudes,  and  liable  lor  a  time  to  be  ob- 


Day  XVir.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  3Si) 

scunxl  by  eclipses,  during  her  present  state  upon  earth.  And  while 
the  rainbow  shall  be  seen  in  tlie  clouds,  man  has  ''  a  faithful  wit- 
ness in  heaven"  of  the  immutable  truth  of  God's  word,  and  the  in- 
fallible accomplishment  of  what  he  promises.  "  Look  upon  the 
rainbow,-'  saith  the  wise  son  of  Sirach,  "  and  praise  him  who  made 
it :  very  beautiful  it  is  in  the  brightness  thereof:  it  compasscth  the 
heaven  about  with  a  glorious  circle,  and  the  hands  of  the  iMost  High 
have  bended  it,"  Eccles.  xlviii.  11.  But  let  us  not  forget  likewise, 
when  we  look  u])on  the  rainbow,  to  praise  him  who  made  it  to  bo  a 
sign  and  sacred  symbol  of  mercy :  in  which  capacity  we  behold  it, 
to  our  great  and  endless  comfort,  comjjassing  the  throne  of  Christ 
with  a  gracious,  as  well  as  glorious  circle.  "  There  was  a  rainbow 
round  about  tiie  throne,"  Rev.  iv.  3.  Ezek.  i.  28. 

;;S.  lint  thou  hast  cast  off  and  abhorred,  thou  hast  been  wroth 
with  thine  anointed.  39'  Thou  hast  inade  void  the  covenant  of 
thy  servant ;  thou  hast  profaned  his  crown,  by  casting  it  to  the 
ground. 

In  the  former  part  of  our  Psalm,  we  have  seen  what  the  Divine 
promises  were,  which  had  been  made  to  the  house  of  David.  By 
the  latter  part,  upon  which  we  are  entering,  it  appears  that  the 
Psalm  was  written  at  a  time  when  the  church  of  Israel  was  in  such 
a  manner  oppressed  and  reduced  by  her  enemies,  that  her  members 
began  almost  to  despair  of  those  promises  receiving  their  accom- 
plishment. God  seemed  to  have  "  cast  off"  and  "  abhorred  "  his 
"  anointed"  and  "  servant,"  that  is,  David,  or  rather  the  prince  of 
his  family,  who  was  upon  the  throne,  when  this  captivity  and  deso- 
lation happened ;  the  "  covenant"  seemed  to  be  overturned  and 
"  made  void,"  when  the  "  crown"  of  Israel  w  as  defded  in  the  dust. 

40.  Thou  hast  broken  doivn  all  his  hedges ;  thou  hast  brought 
his  strong-holds  to  ruin.  41.  All  that  pass  by  the  way  spoil  him : 
he  is  a  reproach  to  his  tieighbours.  42.  Thou  hast  set  up  the  right 
hand  of  his  adversaries ;  thou  hast  made  all  his  enemies  to  re- 
joice. 43.  Thou  hast  also  turned  the  edge  of  his  sword,  and  hast 
not  made  him  to  stand  in  the  battle.  44.  Thou  hast  made  his 
glory  to  cease,  and  cast  his  throne  down  to  the  ground.  45.  The 
days  of  his  youth  hast  thou  shortened:  thou  hast  covered  him  with 
shame. 

The  manifold  calamities  of  Sion  are  in  these  verses  enumerated; 
the  demolition  of  fences  and  fortifications :  the  cruel  ravages  con- 
sequent thereupon ;  the  shame  of  defeats ;  the  reproaches  and  in- 
sults of  victorious  adversaries;  the  dishonours  of  violent  and  un- 
timely death.  In  days  likt;  these  here  described,  when  the  church 
and  the  king  are  permitted  to  fail  into  the  hands  of  those  who  hate 


390  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.LXXXIX. 

them,  and  to  drink  thus  deeply'  of  the  cup  of  aflliction,  distrust  and 
despondency  are  apt  to  seize  upon  the  minds  of  men.  Nay,  when 
the  faithful  i'ew  beheld  the  true  "  Son  of  David,"  and  "  Anointed" 
of  Jehovah,  in  the  day  of  his  suflerings  ;  when  they  saw  him,  with- 
out help  or  defence,  '•'  spoiled  and  reproached  by  his  neighbours;" 
when  they  viewed  "  the  right  hand  of  his  adversaries  set  up,"  and 
all  his  "  enemies  rejoicing"  over  him ;  his  "  glory  made  to  cease," 
and  his  "  crown  profaned  in  the  dust ;  the  days  of  his  youth  short- 
ened," and  himself  delivered  over  to  a  "  shameful"  as  well  as  pain- 
ful death  ;  they  then  began  to  think  "  the  covenant  made  void,"  and 
the  promises  at  an  end.  "  We  trusted."  said  they,  "  that  it  had 
been  he  who  should  have  redeemed  Israel !"  Luke  xxiv.  21.  And 
although  Christ  be  long  since  risen  from  the  dead,  and  ascended  in- 
to heaven,  yet  the  prevalence  of  iniquity,  and  the  oppressions  of  the 
church,  have  been,  and  in  the  last  days  will  be  such,  as  to  put  the 
faith  and  hope  of  his  servants  to  a  sore  trial,  while  they  wait  for 
his  second,  as  the  ancient  Jews  did  for  his  first  advent. 

46.  Hoiv  long,  Lord,  wilt  thou  hide  thyself?  for  ever  ?  shall 
thy  ivraih  hum  like  fire  ?  47.  Remember  how  short  my  time  is  : 
wherefore  hast  thou  made  all  men  in  vain?  Or,  as  Ainsworth 
translates  the  verse,  Remember  how  transitory  I  am ;  unto  what 
vanity  thou  hast  created  all  the  sons  of  Adam?  48.  What  man  is 
he  that  liveth,  and  shall  not  see  death  ?  shall  he  deliver  his  soul, 
or,  animal  frame,  from  the  hand  of  the  grave  ?  49.  Lord,  where 
are  thy  former  loving-kindnesses,  which  thou  swarest  unto  David 
in  thy  truth  ? 

This  is  the  humble  and  dutiful  expostulation  of  the  church  with 
God  in  all  her  distresses  upon  the  earth.  By  asking,  "  How  long 
Lord,  wilt  thou  be  angry  for  ever  ?"  She  tacitly  pleadeth  his  pro- 
mise not  to  be  so :  she  urgeth  the  shortness  of  man's  life  here  be- 
low, the  universality  of  the  fatal  sentence,  the  impossibility  of 
avoiding  death,  and  if  nothing  farther  was  to  happen,  the  frustra- 
tion of  the  Divine  counsels  concerning  man.  From  thence  she  en- 
treateth  God  to  remember  the  "  loving-kindnesses"  once  promised 
by  him  with  an  oath  to  David,  as  related  in  the  former  part  of  the 
Psalm.  These  "  loving-kindnesses"  are  called,  in  Isaiah  Iv.  3.  "  the 
sure  mercies  of  David;"  which  "  sure  mercies  of  David"  are  af- 
firmed by  St.  Paul,  Acts  xiii.  34.  to  have  been  then  confirmed  on 
Israel,  when,  in  the  person  of  Jesus,  God  raised  our  nature  from  the 
grave.  To  a  resurrection,  therefore,  believers  have  ever  aspired ; 
thither  have  they  directed  their  wishes,  and  on  that  event  have 
they  fixed  their  hopes,  as  the  end  of  temporal  sorrows,  and  the 
beginning  of  eternal  joys. 


Day  XVIII.  M.  P.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  391 

50.  Remember,  Lord,  the  reproach  of  thy  servants  ;  how  /  do 
hear  in  my  bosom  the  roproacli  of  all  the  miij^hty  people  ;  51. 
Wherewith  thine  enemies  have  reproached,  0  Lord  ;  wherewith 
they  have  reproached  the  footntcps  of  thine  anointed. 

Tlie  last  aigiinient  urged  by  the  church,  in  her  expostulation 
with  God  for  a  speedy  redemption,  is  the  continual  reproach  to 
which  she  was  subject,  on  account  of  the  promise  being  delayed. 
The  ''  mighty  people"'  or  heathen  nations,  who  held  her  in  captivity, 
and  were  witnesses  of  her  wretched  and  lorlorn  estate,  ridiculed  her 
pretensions  to  perpetuity  of  empire  in  the  house  of  David ;  they 
blasphemed  the  God  who  was  said  to  have  made  such  promises  ;  and 
"  reproached  his  footsteps,"  or  mocked  at  the  tardy  advent  of  his 
Messiah,*  who  was  to  establish  in  Israel  his  everlasting  throne.  All 
these  cruel  taunts  and  insults  she  was  obliged  to  bear  in  her  bosom, 
and  there  to  suppress  them  in  silence,  having  nothing  to  answer  in 
the  day  of  her  calamity  and  seeming  destitution.  St.  Peter  gives 
us  a  like  account  of  the  state  of  the  Christian  church  in  the  latter 
days ;  he  exhorts  us  to  be  "  mindful  of  the  words  which  were 
spoken  before  by  the  holy  prophets,  and  of  the  commandments  of 
the  Apostles  of  the  Lord  and  Saviour,  because  there  shall  come  in 
the  last  days  scoffers,  walking  after  their  own  lusts,  and  saying, 
Where  is  the  promise  of  his  coming  ?"  2  Pet.  iii.  4. 

52.  Blessed  be  the  Lord ^br  evermore.     Amen  and  Amen. 

But  whatever  be  at  any  time  our  distress,  either  as  a  community 
or  as  individuals,  still  are  we  to  believe,  still  to  hope,  still  to  bless 
and  praise  Jehovah,  whose  word  is  true,  whose  works  are  faith- 
ful, whose  chastisements  are  mercies,  and  all  whose  promises  are, 
in  Christ  Jesus,  yea,  and  amen,  for  evermore. 

EIGHTEENTH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XC. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm  is  called  in  its  title,  "  A  prayer  of  Moses,  the  man  of  God."  By 
him  it  is  imagined  to  have  been  composed,  when  God  shortened  the  days 
of  the  murmuring  Israelites  in  the  wilderness.  See  Numb.  xiv.  It  is, 
however,  a  Psalm  of  general  use,  and  is  made  by  the  church  a  part  oC 
her  funeral  service.     It  containcth,  1,  2.  an  address  to  the  etemaJ  and  un 

*  "  Exprobravcrunt  vestigio  Christi  tui:"  tarditatcm  vestigiorum  Christ! 
tui. — Cfiald.  Irridebant  nos  qu^d  non  adveniret  expectatus  ille  Liberator, 
sive  Cyrus,  sive  potius  Christus  de  semine  Davidis,  res^no  ejus  instainando. 
If  in  atcrnum  firmando — Bossuff 


S92  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XC. 

changeable  God,  the  Saviour  aud  Piescrver  of  his  people  ;  3 — 10.  a  most 
afi'ecting  description  of  man's  mortal  and  transitory  state  on  earth  since 
the  fall ;  11.  a  complaint,  that  few  meditate  in  such  a  manner  upon  death, 
as  to  prepare  themselves  for  it ;  12.  a  prajcr  for  grace  so  to  do  ;  13 — 17. 
and  for  tlie  mercies  of  redemption. 

1.  Lord,  thou  hast  been  our  dwelling-place  in  all  generations. 
2.  Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth,  or  ever  thou  hadst 
formed  the  earth  and  the  ivorld ;  even  from  everlasting  to  ever- 
lasting, thou  art  God. 

The  Psalmist,  about  to  describe  man's  fleeting  and  transitory 
state,  first  dirccteth  us  tc»  contemplate  the  unchangeable  nature  and 
attributes  of  God,  who  hath  always  been  a  "  dwelling-place,"  or 
place  of  defence  and  refuge,  affording  protection  and  comfort  to 
his  people  in  the  world,  as  he  promised  to  be  before  the  world  be- 
gan, and  will  in  a  more  glorious  manner  continue  to  be  after  its 
dissolution.  See,  for  a  parallel,  Psalm  cii.  25,  &;c.  with  St.  Paul's 
application,  Ileb.  i.  10. 

3.  Thou  tamest  man  to  destruction;  and  sayest.  Return,  ye 
children  of  men. 

Death  was  the  penalty  inflicted  on  man  for  sin.  The  latter  part 
of  the  verse  alludes  to  the  fatal  sentence.  Gen.  iii.  19.  "  Dust  thou 
art,  and  unto  dust  shalt  thou  return."  How  apt  are  we  to  forget 
both  our  original  and  our  end. 

4.  For  a  thousand  years  in  thy  sight  are  but  as  yesterday,  when 
it  is  past,  and  as  a  ivatch  in  the  night. 

The  connexion  between  the  verse  preceding  and  the  verse  now 
before  us,  seems  to  be  this :  God  sentenced  man  to  death.  It  is 
true,  the  execution  of  the  sentence  was  at  first  deferred,  and  the 
term  of  human  life  suffered  to  extend  to  near  a  thousand  years.  But 
what  was  even  that,  what  is  any  period  of  time,  or  time  itself,  if 
compared  with  the  duration  of  the  Eternal ;  all  time  is  equal  when 
it  is  past ;  a  thousand  years,  when  gone,  are  forgotten  as  yesterday  ; 
and  the  longest  life  of  man,  to  a  person  who  looks  back  upon  it, 
may  appear  only  as  three  hours,  or  one  quarter  of  the  night. 

5.  Thou  carriest  them  away  as  with  a  flood;  they  are  as  a  sleep: 
in  the  morning  they  are  like  grass  which  groiveth  up;  or,  as 
grass  that  changeth.  6.  In  the  morning  itflourisheth,  and  grow- 
eth  up;  in  the  evening  it  is  cut  down,  and  withereth. 

The  shortness  of  life,  and  the  suddenness  of  our  departure 
hence,  are  illustrated  by  three  similitudes.  The  first  is  that  of  a 
"flood,"  or  torrent  pouring  unexpectedly  and  impetuously  from  the 
mountains,  and  sweeping  all  before  it  in  an  instant.  The  second 
is  that  of  sleep,  from  which  when  a  man  awakcth,  he  thinkcth  the 


Day  XVIII.  INI.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  393 

time  passed  in  it  to  have  been  nothino;.  In  tlie  third  similitude, 
man  is  compared  to  the  "  grass"  of  the  fieki.  In  the  niominff  of 
youth,  fair  and  beautiful,  he  groweth  up  and  flourisheth;  in  the 
evening  of  old  age,  (and  how  often  before  that  evening)  he  is  cut 
down  by  the  stroke  of  death  ;  all  his  juices,  to  the  circulation  of 
which  he  stood  indebted  for  life,  health,  and  strength,  are  dried 
up;  he  withereth,  and  turneth  again  to  his  earth.  "Surely  all 
flesh  is  grass,  and  all  the  goodliness  thereof  is  as  the  flower  of  the 
field !"  Isa.  xl.  6.  Of  this  truth,  the  word  of  God,  the  voice  of 
nature,  and  daily  experience,  join  to  assure  us :  yet  who  ordereth 
his  life  and  conversation  as  if  he  believed  it? 

7.  For  we  are  consumed  bi/  thine  anger,  and  by  thy  wrath  are 
we  troubled.  8.  Thou  hast  set  our  iniquities  before  thee,  our  se- 
cret sins  in  the  light  of  thy  countenance. 

The  generations  of  men  are  troubled  and  consumed  by  divers 
diseases,  and  sundry  kinds  of  death,  through  the  displeasure  of 
God;  his  displeasure  is  occasioned  by  their  sins,  all  of  which  he 
seeth  and  punisheth.  If  Moses  wrote  this  Psalm,  the  provoca- 
tions and  chastisements  of  Israel  are  here  alluded  to.  But  the 
case  of  the  Israelites  in  the  wilderness  is  the  case  of  Christians  in 
the  world,  and  the  same  thing  is  true  both  in  them  and  in  us. 

y.  For  all  our  days  are  passed  aicay  in  thy  wrath  :  we  spend 
our  years  as  a  tale  that  is  told. 

Life  is  compared  to  a  "  tale''  that  is  told  and  forgotten ;  to  a 
"  word*'  which  is  but  air,  or  breath,  and  vanisheth  into  nothing, 
as  soon  as  spoken ;  or  perhaps,  as  the  original  generally  signifies, 
to  a  "meditation,  a  thought,"  which  is  of  a  nature  still  more  fleet- 
ing and  transient. 

10.  The  days  of  our  years  are  threescore  years  and  ten  ;  and  if 
by  reason  of  strength  they  he  fourscore  years,  yet  is  their  strength 
labour  and  sorrow:  for  it  is  soon  cut  off,  and  we  fly  away. 

This  again  might  be  primarily  spoken  by  Moses  concerning 
Israel.  The  generation  of  those  who  came  out  of  Kgypt,  from 
twenty  years  old  and  upwards,  fell  within  the  spaco  of  forty  years 
in  the  wilderness;  Numb.  xxiv.  29.  and  they  who  lived  longest 
experienced  only  labour  and  sorrow,  until  they  were  cut  oft",  like 
grass,  and,  by  the  breath  of  God's  disj)leasure,  blown  away  from 
the  face  of  the  earth.  Like  the  Israelites,' wc  have  been  brought 
out  of  Eg}^t,  and  sojourn  in  the  wilderness;  like  them  we  mur- 
mur, and  oflend  God  our  Saviour;  like  them  we  fall  and  perish. 
To  the  age  of.  seventy  years  few  of  us  can  hope  to  attain ;  labour 
iind  sorrow  arc  our  portion  in  the  world :  we  are  mowed  down,  as 

r.o 


394  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.XC, 

this  year's  glass  of  the  field ;  we  fly  away,  and  are  no  more  seen  hi 
the  land  of  the  living. 

11.  JFho  knoweth  the  jjowcr  of  thine  anger?  even  according 
to  thy  fear,  so  is  thy  wrath. 

HoLibigant  renders  the  verse  thus ;  "  Quis  novit  vim  irae  tuae  :  et, 
prout  terribilis  es,  furorem  tuum  ?" — "  Who  knoweth,"  or  consi- 
dereth,  "  the  power  of  thine  anger;  and  thy  wrath  in  proportion 
as  thou  art  terrible  ?"  That  is,  in  other  words,  Notwithstanding 
all  the  manifestations  of  God's  indignation  against  sin,  which  in- 
troduced death  and  every  other  calamity  among  men,  who  is  there 
that  knoweth,  who  that  duly  considereth  and  layeth  to  heart  the 
almighty  power  of  that  indignation  ?  who  that  is  induced,  by  be- 
holding the  mortality  of  his  neighbours,  to  prepare  himself  for  his 
own  departure  hence  ?  Such  holy  consideration  is  the  gift  of  God, 
from  whom  the  Psalmist,  in  the  next  verse,  directeth  us  to  request  it. 

12.  So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  loe  may  ai)ply  our 
hearts  unto  wisdom. 

He  who  "  numbereth  his  days,"  or  taketh  a  right  account  of  the 
shortness  of  this  present  life,  compared  with  the  unnumbered  ages 
of  that  eternity  which  is  future,  will  soon  become  a  proficient  in 
the  school  of  true  wisdom.  He  will  learn  to  give  the  preference 
where  it  is  due  ;  to  do  good,  and  suffer  evil,  upon  earth,  expecting 
the  reward  of  both  in  heaven.  Make  us  wise,  blessed  Lord,  but 
wise  unto  salvation. 

13.  Return,  O  Lord,  /<o?/»  long?  and  let  it  rci)ent  thee  concern' 
ing,  or,  he  propitiated  toioards,  thy  servants. 

During  the  reign  of  death  over  poor  mankind,  God  is  repre- 
sented as  abent ;  he  is  therefore  by  the  faithful  entreated  to  "  re- 
turn" and  to  satisfy  their  longing  desires  after  salvation;  to  hasten 
the  day  when  Messiah  should  make  a  "  propitiation"  for  sin,  when 
he  should  redeem  his  servants  from  death,  and  ransom  them  from 
the  power  of  the  grave.  The  Christian,  who  knoweth  that  his 
Lord  is  risen  indeed,  looks  forward  to  the  resurrection  of  the  just, 
when  death  shall  be  finally  swallowed  up  in  victory. 

14.  O  satisfy  us  early,  or,  in  the  morning,  with  thy  mercy ; 
that  toe  may  rejoice  and  he  glad  all  our  days.  15.  Make  us  glad 
according  to  the  days  wherein  thou  hast  affiicted'Xis,  and  the  years 
wherein  we  have  seen  evil. 

The  church  prayeth  for  the  dawning  of  that  glorious  morning, 
when  every  cloud  shall  vanish  at  the  rising  of  the  Sun  of  righteous- 
ness, and  night  and  darkness  shall  be  no  more.  Then  only  shall 
we  be  "  satisfied,  or  saturated  with  the  mercy"  of  Jehovah ;  then 


DayXVJII.  ]\r.  p.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  395 

only  shall  we  "  rejoice  and  be  glad  all  our  days."  The  lime  of  our 
pilgrimage  upon  eailii  is  a  time  of  sorrow ;  we  grieve  for  our  de- 
parted friends;  and  our  surviving  friends  must  soon  grieve  for  us; 
these  are  '•  the  days  wherein  God  aniictcd  us,  these  the  years 
wherein  we  see  evil;"  but  he  will  hereafter  <•  make  iis  glad  accord- 
ing to  them ;"  in  proportion  to  our  sufferings,  if  rightly  we  bear 
those  suflerings,  will  be  our  reward;  nay,  "  these  light  afilictions, 
which  are  but  for  a  moment,  work  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and 
eternal  weight  of  glory."  Then  shall  our  joy  be  increased,  and 
receive  an  additional  relish  from  the  remembrance  of  our  former 
sorrow ;  then  shall  we  bless  the  days  and  the  years  which  exercised 
our  faith,  and  jicrfected  our  patience;  and  then  shall  we  bless  God, 
who  chastised  us  for  a  season,  that  he  might  save  us  for  ever. 

16.  Let  till/ work  appear  unto  thy  servants,  and  thy  glory  unto 
their  children.  17.  And  let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our  God  ht 
upon  us:  and  establish  thou  the  work  of  our  hands  upon  us;  yea, 
the  icork  of  our  hands  establish  thou  if. 

The  redemption  of  man  is  that  "  work"  of  God,  whereby  his 
"  glory"  is  manifested  to  all  generations,  and  which  all  generations 
do  therefore  long  to  behold  accomplisiieti.  For  this  purpose,  the 
faithful  beseech  God  to  let  his  '•'  beauty,"  his  splendour,  the  light  of 
his  countenance,  his  grace  and  favour,  be  upon  them :  to  '•  esta- 
blish the  work  of  their  hands,"  to  bless,  prosper,  and  perfect  them 
in  their  Christian  course  and  warfare ;  until,  through  him,  they  shall 
be  enabled  to  subdue  sin,  and  triumph  over  death. 


PSALM  XCI. 

ARGUMENT. 

Ilic  prophet,  1 — 10.  declarcth  the  security  of  the  righteous  man  under  the 
care  and  protection  of  Heaven,  in  times  of  danger,  when,  1],  12.  a  guard 
of  angels  is  set  about  him.  13.  His  final  victory  ovch"  the  enemies  of  his 
salvation  is  foretold,  and,  14 — 16.  God  himself  is  introduced,  promising 
him  deliverance,  exaltation,  glory,  and  immortality.  The  Psalm  is  ad- 
dressed primarily  to  Messiah.  That  it  relateth  to  him,  Jews  and  Chris- 
tians are  agreed ;  and  the  devil.  Matt.  iv.  6.  cited  two  verses  from  it,  as 
universally  known  and  allowed  to  have  been  spoken  of  him. 

1.  He  that  dwelleth  in  the  secret  place  of  the  Most  High,  shall 
abide  under  the  shadoio  of  the  Almighty.  2.  I  will  say  of  the 
Lord,  He  is  my  refuge  and  my  fortress :  my  God;  in  him  will  I 
trust.  3.  Surely  he  shall  deliver  thee  from  the  snare  of  the  fow- 
ler, and  from  the  noisome  pestilence. 

In  tljese  verses,  as  they  now  stand,  there  is  much  obscurity  and 


396  A  COMMENTARY  Tsal.  XCI. 

confusion.  Bishop  Lowth,  in  his  twenty-sixth  Lecture,  seemeth 
to  have  given  their  true  construction.  "  He  who  dwelleth  in  the 
secret  place  of  the  Most  High ;  wlio  abideth  under  the  shadow  of  the 
Almighty;  who  suith  of  the  Lord,  He  is  my  refuge  and  my  fortress, 
my  God,  in  wlioni  I  will  trust;" — leaving  the  sentence  thus  im- 
perfect, the  Psalmist  maketh  a  beautiful  apostrophe  to  that  person 
whom  he  has  been  describing — "  Surely  he  shall  deliver  thee  from 
the  snare  of  the  fowler,  and  from  the  noisome  pestilence."  The 
description  is  eminently  applicable  to  the  man  Christ  Jesus.*  He 
is  represented  as  dwelling,  like  the  ark  in  the  holy  of  holies,  under 
the  immediate  "  shadow"  and  protection  of  the  Almighty,  who  was 
his  "  refuge  and  fortress"  against  the  open  attacks  of  his  enemies; 
his  preserver  from  the  "  snares"  of  the  devil,  and  from  the  univer- 
sal contagion  of  sin,  that  spiritual  "  pestilence."  In  all  dangers, 
whether  spiritual  or  corporeal,  the  members  of  Christ's  mystical 
body  may  rellect  with  comfort  that  they  arc  under  the  same  almighty 
Protector. 

4.  He  shall  cover  thee  ivilh  his  feathers,  and  under  his  wings 
ahult  thou  trust:  his  truth  shall  be  thy  shield  and  buckler. 

The  security  afforded  by  a  superintending  Providence  to  those 
who  trust  therein,  is  here,  with  the  utmost  beauty  and  elegance, 
compared  to  that  shelter,  which  the  young  of  birds  are  always  sure 
to  find  under  the  "  wings"  of  their  dam,  when  fear  causeth  them  to 
lly  thither  for  refuge.  See  Deut.  xxxii.  IL  Matt,  xxiii.  37.  The 
"  truth"  of  God's  word,  wherein  he  promiseth  to  be  our  defence, 
is  to  a  believer  his  "  shield  and  buckler"  in  the  day  of  battle  and 
war. 

5.  Thou  shall  not  be  afraid  for  the  terror  by  night;  nor  for  the 
arrow  that  fieth  by  day :  6.  Nor  for  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in 
darkness;  nor  for  the  destruction  that  wasteth  at  noon-day. 

How  much  man  standeth  in  need  of  the  above-mentioned  protec- 
tion of  Heaven,  appeareth  from  a  survey  of  the  dangers  to  which  he 
is  continually  exposed.  Various  are  the  terrors  of  the  night;  ma- 
nifold the  perils  of  the  day  ;  from  diseases,  whose  infection  maketh 
its  progress  unobserved;  from  assaults,  casualties,  and  accidents, 
which  can  neither  be  Ibreseen  nor  guarded  against.  The  soul  hatli 
likewise  her  enemies,  ready  to  attack  and  surprise  her  at  all  hours. 
Avarice  and  ambition  are  abroad  watching  for  her  in  the  day; 
while  concupiscence,  like  a  pestilence,  "  walketh  in  darkness."  In 
adversity  she  is  disturbed  by  terrors ;  in  prosperity,  still  more  en- 

*  Ode  D.ividica  insii^nis  xri.  agit  diicrtc  ot  primo  loro  de  togmine  ct  dc- 
fonsione  qiiain  Dciis  Christo  Jesu  Doctor!  nt  apoitolis  ipsius  prarstarof 
Vilringa,  Comment,  in  Jesai.  ii.  5(55. 


Day  XVIII.  31.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  397 

dangered  by  pleasures.     But  Jesus  Clirist  has  overcome  the  world, 
to  prevent  Us  from  being  overcome  by  it. 

7.  A  thousand  shall  full  at  thy  side,  and  ten  thousand  at  thi/ 
right  hand:  but  it  shall  not  come  nigh  thee. 

This  promise  has  oftentimes,  in  a  wonderful  manner,  been  veri- 
fied to  those  faithful  servants  of  God,  whom  the  pestilence  itself 
hath  not  deterred  from  doing  the  duties  of  their  station.  The 
bishop  and  some  of  the  intendants  of  Marseilles,  who  continued  to 
perform  their  respective  offices  during  the  whole  time  of  the  plague 
there  in  1720,  are  signal  and  well-known  instances.  Sin  is  a  pes- 
tilence, the  contagion  of  which  no  son  of  Adam  ever  escaped,  but 
the  blessed  Jesus.  He  stood  alone  untouched  by  its  venom;  thou- 
sands and  ten  thousands,  all  the  myriads  of  mankind,  fell  around 
him;  "  but  it  did  not  come  nigh  Him."  Heal  us  of  this  our  dis- 
temper, O  thou  Physician  of  souls,  and  let  it  not  prove  our  ever- 
lasting destruction  ;  "  stand  like  thy  representative  of  old,  between 
the  dead  and  the  living,  and  let  the  plague  be  stayed,"  Numb.  xvi. 
47,  48. 

8.  Ouli/  with  thine  eyes  shalt  thou  behold,  and  see  the  reward 
of  the  wicked. 

The  meaning  is,  that  the  righteous  person,  all  along  spoken  of, 
himself  secure  from  the  judgments  of  God,  should  in  safety  behold 
the  destruction  wrought  by  them  upon  impenitent  and  incorrigible 
sinners.  This  will  be  the  case  with  the  church,  as  well  as  her  glo- 
rious Head,  at  the  last  day. 

9-  Because  thou  hast  made  the  Lord,  which  is  my  refuge,  even 
the  Most  High,  thy  habitation;  10.  There  shall  no  evil  befal 
thee,  neither  shall  any  plague  come  nigh  thy  dwelling. 

The  sentiment  in  these  verses  is  evidently  the  same  with  that  in 
verses  5,  G.  namely,  that  God  preservelh  such  as  trust  in  him,  af- 
ter the  pattern  of  the  holy  Jesus,  from  those  evils,  and  from  that 
perdition,  which  are  reserved  for  the  ungodly.  Dr.  Durell  trans- 
lates the  9th  verse  in  the  way  of  apostrophe,  literally  thus — 
'-  Surely,  thou,  O  Lord,  art  my  refuge ;  O  Most  High,  thou  hast 
fixed  thine  habitation ;''  i.  e,  in  Sion,  to  be  the  protector  of  his 
servant. 

11.  For  he  shall  give  his  angels  charge  over  thee,  to  keep  thee 
in  alt  thy  ways.  12.  They  shall  bear  thee  up  in  their  hands,  lest 
thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone. 

This  passage  was  ci*ed  by  the  devil,  who  tempted  our  Lord  to 
cast  himself  from  a  pinnacle  of  the  temple,  upon  presumption 
of  the  promise  here  made,  that  angels  should  guard  and  support 
him  in  all  dangers.     But  Christ,  in  liis  answer,  at  once  detectetli 


39S  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XCI. 

and  exposeth  the  sophistry  of  the  grand  deceiver,  by  showing  that 
the  promise  belonged  only  to  those  who  fell  unavoidably  into  dan- 
ger, in  the  course  of  duty ;  such  might  hope  for  the  help  and  pro- 
tection of  Heaven ;  but  that  he  who  should  wantonly  and  absurdly 
throw  himself  into  peril,  merely  to  try  whether  Providence  would 
bring  him  out  of  it,  must  expect  to  perish  for  his  pains.  "  Jesus 
saith  unto  him.  It  is  written  again,  thou  shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord 
thy  God,"  Matt.  iv.  7- 

13.  Thou  shalt  tread  upon  the  lion  and  the  adder  ;  the  young 
lion  and  the  dragon  shalt  thou  trample  under  thy  feet. 

The  fury  and  the  venom  of  our  spiritual  enemies  are  often  in 
Scripture  portrayed  by  the  natural  qualities  of  "  lions  and  ser- 
pents." Messiah's  complete  victory  over  those  enemies  seemed  here 
to  be  predicted.  Through  grace  he  maketh  us  more  than  conque- 
rors in  our  conflicts  with  the  same  adversaries.  '•'  The  God  of 
peace,"  saith  St.  Paul,  "  shall  bruise  Satan  under  your  feet  shortly," 
Rom.  xvi.  20.  And  it  is  observable,  that  when  the  seventy  disci- 
ples return  to  Christ  with  joy,  saying,  "  Lord,  even  the  devils  are 
subject  unto  us  through  thy  name  ;"  he  answers  in  the  metaphori- 
cal language  of  our  Psalm;  "  Behold,  I  give  unto  you  power  to 
tread  on  scorpions,  and  serpents,  and  over  all  the  power  of  the  ene- 
my, and  nothing  shall  by  any  means  hurt  you.  Notwithstanding, 
in  this  rejoice  not,  that  the  spirits  are  subject  unto  you,"  &c. 
Luke  X.  17.  Give  us,  O  Lord,  courage  to  resist  the  "lion's"  rage, 
and  wisdom  to  elude  the  wiles  of  the  "  serpem." 

14.  Because  he  hath  set  his  love  xipon  me,  therefore  ivill  I  deliver 
Mm:  I  ivill  set  him  on  high,  because  he  hath  hioivn  my  name. 

15.  He  shall  call  upon  me,  and  I  will  ansicer  him  :  J  will  be  icith 
him  in  trouble  ;  I  idll  deliver  him,  and  honour,  or,  glorify,  him. 

16.  With  long  life  ivill  I  satisfy  him,  and  shew  him  my  salvation. 
In  the  former  part  of  our  Psalm  the  prophet  had  spoken  in  his 

own  person  ;  here  God  himself  is  plainly  introduced  as  the  speaker. 
And  O  how  sweet,  how  delightful  and  comfortable  are  his  words, 
addressed  eminently  to  his  beloved  Son  Messiah  ;  and  in  him  to  all 
of  us,  his  adopted  children,  and  the  heirs  of  eternal  life  ;  to  all  who 
love  God,  and  have  "known  his  name!"  To  such  are  promised, 
an  answer  to  their  prayers ;  the  presence  of  their  heavenly  Father 
with  them ;  in  the  day  of  trouble,  protection  and  deliverance ;  sal- 
vation, and  honour,  and  glory,  and  immortality.  All  these  pro- 
mises have  already  been  made  good  to  our  gracious  Head  and  Re- 
presentative. His  prayers  have  been  heard ;  his  sufferings  are 
over;  he  is  risen  and  ascended;  and  behold,  he  liveth  and  reigneth 
for  evermore.     Swift  fly  the  intermediate  years,  and  rise  that  long- 


Day  XVIII.  M.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.     ^  39'J 

expected  morning,  when  lie  who  is  gone  "  to  prepare  a  place'  for 
us,  shall  tome  again,  and  take  us  to  himself,  that  where  he  is  wc 
may  be  also !" 

PSALM  XCIL 

ARGUMENT. 

The  title  of  tliis  Psalm  is,  '  A  Psalni  or  Song-,  for  the  Sabbath-day."  It 
tcachetli,  1 — 5.  tlicdiity,  tiiiip,  anil  manner  of  givintc  thanks  for  thework.s 
and  dispensations  of  God.  Thoiiglitiess  men  are  admonished,  6.  to  re- 
flect upon  tlie  final  issue  of  all  tliese  works  and  dispensations;  namely, 
7 — 9.  the  utter  perdition  of  the  ungodly,  and,  10 — 14.  the  exaltation  of  the 
church  in  Christ  Jesus,  15.  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  God  most  high. 

.  1 .  It  is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  and  to  sutg 
praises  unto  thy  name,  O  Most  High:  2.  To  shew  forth  thy  loving- 
kindness  in  the  moniing,  and  thy  faithfulness  every  night ;  3.  Up- 
on an  instrument  of  ten  strings,  and  upon  the  psaltery  ;  tipon  <Ae 
harp  with  a  solemn  sound.  ^ 

"  Thanksgiving"  is  the  duty,  and  ought  to  be  the  dehght,  of  a 
Christian.  It  is  his  duty,  as  being  the  lea.st  return  he  can  make 
to  his  great  Benefactor  :  it  ought  to  be  his  delight,  for  it  is  tiiat  of 
angels,  and  will  be  that  of  every  grateful  heart,  whether  in  heaven 
or  on  earth.  The  "  mercy"  of  God  in  promising  salvation,  and 
his  "  faithfulness"  in  accomplishing  h,  are  inexhaustible  subjects 
for  '•  morning  and  evening"  praises ;  every  instrument  should  be 
strung,  and  every  voice  tuned  to  celebrate  them,  until  day  and  night 
come  to  an  end.  But  more  especially  should  this  be  done  on  the 
'•'  sabbath-day ;"  which,  when  so  employed,  aflbrds  a  lively  re- 
semblance of  that  eternal  sabbath,  to  be  heixaftcr  kept  by  the  re- 
deemed in  the  kingdom  of  God. 

4.  For  thou,  Lord,  hast  made  me  glad  through  thy  icorh:  I 
will  triumph  in  the  works  of  thy  hands. 

A  prospect  of  creation,  in  the  vernal  season,  fallen  as  it  is,  in- 
spires the  mind  with  a  joy  which  no  words  can  express.  Bui 
how  doth  the  regenerate  soul  exult  and  triumph  at  beholding  that 
"work"  of  God's  "hand,"  whereby  he  hath  created  all  things 
anew  in  Christ  Jesus  !  If  we  can  be  pleased  with  such  a  world  as 
this,  where  sin  and  death  have  fixed  their  habitation;  shall  we  not 
much  rather  admire  those  other  heavens,  and  that  other  earth, 
wherein  dwell  righteousness  and  hfe?  What  are  we  to  think  of 
liic  palace,  since  even  the  prison  is  not  without  its  charms  ! 

.0.  O  Lord,  how  great  are  thy  works.'  and  thy  thoughts  are 
very  deep.  6.  A  brutish  man  knoweth  not ;  neither  doth  a  fool 
vnderstand  this. 


400  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XCIL 

Glorious  are  the  works,  profound  the  counsels,  marvellous  the 
dispensations  of  God,  in  nature,  in  providence,  in  grace.  But  all 
are  lost  to  the  man  void  of  spiritual  discernment;  who,  like  his 
fellow  "  brutes,"  is  bowed  down  to  the  eartli,  and  knoweth  no 
pleasures  but  tliose  of  sense.  Here  he  hath  chosen  his  paradise, 
and  set  up  his  tabernacle  :  not  considering,  that  his  tabernacle  must 
shortly  be  taken  down,  and  he  must  remove  hence  for  ever. 

7.  When  the  zcicked  spring  as  the  grass,  and  when  all  the  loorlc- 
ers  of  iniquity  do  Jlourish  ;  it  is  that  they  shall  be  destroyed  for 
ever.     8.  But  ihnu,  Lord,  art  most  high  for  evermore. 

It  is  not  improbable,  that  these  verses  should  be  connected  with 
that  preceding,  thus — "A  brutish  man  knoweth  not;  neither  doth 
a  fool  understand  this ;"  namely,  that  ''  When  the  wicked  spring 
as  the  grass,  and  when  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  do  flourish ;  it 
is  that  they  shall  be  destroyed  for  ever :"  they  are  only  nourish- 
ing themselves  like  senseless  cattle  in  plentiful  pastures,  for  the 
approaching  day  of  slaughter.  He  who  is  ignorant  of  the  final 
issue  of  things,  who  attendeth  not  to  his  eternal  interest,  he  is,  in 
scripture  language,  "  the  brutish  man,"  and  the  "  fool,"  who 
knoweth  not  the  works,  neither  understandeth  the  designs  of  Hea- 
ven. When  the  "  grass"  hath  attained  to  its  most  flourishing  es- 
tate, and  all  the  flowers  of  the  field  are  in  perfect  beauty,  then  the 
mower  entereth  with  his  scythe.  What  a  beautiful  and  instructive 
emblem  is  here  held  forth  to  us  ?  what  a  forcible  admonition  to 
trust  only  in  him,  who,  without  "  variableness  or  shadow  of  turn- 
ing," is  "most  high  for  evermore!" 

9.  For  lo,  thine  enemies,  O  Lord,  lo,  thine  enemies  shall  perish; 
all  the  workers  of  iniquity  shall  be  scattered.  10.  But  my  horn 
shall  thou  exalt  like  the  horn  of  an  unicorn :  I  shall  be,  or,  I  am, 
anointed  with  fresh  oil. 

The  "  workers  of  iniquity"  are  the  "  enemies  of  Jehovah,"  and 
will  be  scattered  by  the  breath  of  his  displeasure,  as  grass,  after  it 
is  cut  down,  dried  up  and  withered,  is  driven  away  by  the  whirl- 
winds of  heaven.  "  But  my  horn,"  saith  the  Psalmist,  (it  is  likely 
in  the  person  of  Messiah,)  "  my  horn,"  that  is,  the  strength  and 
power  of  my  kingdom,  "  shalt  thou  exalt  like  the  horn  of  the  uni- 
corn,"* like  the  power  of  the  strongest  creatures,  to  which  that 
of  states  and  empires  is  often  compared :  "  I  shall  be,"  or,  "  I  am 
anointed  with  fresh  oil;"  I  am  appointed  and  consecrated  king  by 
the  holy  unction.  Christians  have  "an  unction  from  the  Holy 
One  ;"  by  which  they  are  enabled  to  subdue  their  spiritual  ene- 

*  Heb.  LZinX}  au  eastern  animal  of  tlie  "  stag"  or  "  ilccr"  liind,  re- 
markable lor  its  height,  strength,  and  fierceness. 


Day  XVIII.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  401 

mics;  they  reign  over  their  passions  and  nflections;  they  are  ex- 
alted in  tlie  Redeemer ;  they  are  "  made  unto  their  God  kings  and 
priests,"  1  John  ii.  20.  llev.  v.   10. 

1 1.  Mine  eye  also  s/iafl see  my  ilcsire  on  mine  enemies;  and  tninr 
ears  shall  heap  my  desire  of  the  tnicked  that  rise  tip  against  me. 

The  words,  "  my  desircy"  are  twice  inserted  by  our  translators. 
But  would  it  not  be  better,  if  we  were  to  supply  the  clli])sis  in  this 
manner:  "Mine  eye  shall  behold  the  fall  of  mine  encmjf s ;  aiul 
mine  ear  shall  hear  the  destruction  of  the  wicked,  that  rise  up 
against  me."  The  sense  of  the  verse  is  plain.  It  is  intended  to 
e.xpress  an  assurance  of  faith,  an  humble  confidence  in  the  pro- 
mises of  God,  that  our  efforts  shall  at  length  be  crowned  with  victory 
over  ever}'  thing  which  resisteth  and  opposeth  itself;  and  that  the 
day  is  coming,  when  we  shall  view  all  the  enemies  of  our  salvation 
dead  at  our  feet. 

12.  The  righteous  shall  jinurish  like  the  palm-tree ;  he  shall 
grow  like  a  cedar  in  Lebanon. 

The  moriicntary  prosperity  of  the  wicked  was  compared  above 
to  the  transient  verdure  of ''•grass."  The  durable  felicity  of  the 
righteous  is  here  likened  to  the  lasting  strength  and  beauty  of  palms 
and  cedars.  But  chiefly  is  the  comparison  applicable  to  that  Just 
One,  the  King  of  Righteousness,  and  Tree  of  Life;  eminent  and 
upright;  ever  verdant  and  fragrant;  under  the  greatest  pressure 
<and  weight  of  sufferings,  still  ascending  towards  heaven  ;  affording 
both  fruit  and  protection;  incorruptible  and  immortal.  "I  sat 
down,"  saith  the  church,  "under  his  shadow  with  great  delight, 
and  his  fruit  was  sweet  to  my  taste,"  Song  ii.  3. 

13,  Those  that  he  planted  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  shall  flou- 
rish in  the  courts  of  our  God. 

Believers  are  styled  by  Isaiah,  "  Trees  of  righteousness,  the 
planting  of  Jehovah,"  ch.  Ixi.  3.  They  are  planted  by  the  living 
waters  of  comfort,  "  in  the  house  of  God ;"  where,  under  the  means 
of  grace,  they  "  flourish"  in  hope  of  glory;  '•  fenced  and  enclosed 
by  the  discipline  and  orders  of  the  church,  and  by  the  consequent 
favour  and  protection  of  Heaven  ;  their  verdure  is  conspicuous,  and 
ever  constant,  whether  in  the  summer  of  prosperity,  or  the  wintei 
of  adversity:  their  actions  and  principles  are  ever  upright  and  fair; 
yea,  their  very  leaf  exhales  a  delightful  perfume,  by  a  holy  exam- 
ple and  conversation ;  their  affections  and  desires  are  ever  ascend- 
ing towards  the  noblest  and  most  sublime  objects,  the  things  thai 
arc  above,  the  glorious  tilings  of  heaven.''* 

*  Essay  on  ilic  Prnpfr  Lesions,  by  ^Tr.  IVoiinn.  vol.  iii.  p   ^'^ 
.01 


402  A  COiMMENTARY  Psal.  XCIII. 

14.  They  shall  still  bring  forth  fruit  in  old  age;  they  shall  be 
fat  and  flourishing : 

Happy  the  man  whose  goodness  is  always  progressive,  and  whose 
virtues  increase  with  his  years ;  who  loseth  not,  in  multiplicity  of 
worldly  cares  or  pleasures,  the  holy  fervours  of  his  first  love,  but 
goeth  on  burning  and  shining  more  and  more  to  the  end  of  his  days. 
The  church,  like  her  representative  Sarah,  is  now  "  well  striken 
in  yearij^;"  but  we  hope  that,  like  her,  she  will  "  still  bring  forth 
fruit  in  her  old  age  ;^'  we  look  for  many  more  "  children  of  pro- 
mise" to  be  born  unto  Christ,,bolh  from  among  the  Jews  and  Gen- 
tiles. 

15.  To  shew  that  the  Lord  is  upright:  he  is  my  rack,  and  there 
is  no  unrighteousness  in  him. 

The  fruit  brought  forth  in  the  church  redounds  to  the  glory  of 
God,  by  whom  the  trees,  in  this  his  new  paradise,  were  planted  ; 
it  shows  to  all  the  world,  that  he  is  just  and  upright  in  his  deal- 
ings; that  he  is  true  to  his  promises ;  immoveable  as  a  "  rock"  in 
his  counsels;  determined  to  punish  the  wicked,  and  to  reward  the 
good ;  so  that  when  his  proceedings  shall  come  to  be  unfolded  at 
the  last  day,  it  will  appear  to  men  and  angels  that  "  there  is  no  un- 
righteousness in  him." 

EIGHTEENTH  DAY. -EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XCIII. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  .lews  acknowledge,  thai  Ihc  king^ilom  of  Messiah  is  prophesied  of  in  this 
Psahn,  and  in  all  those  which  follow,  to  the  hundredth.  1,  2.  The  church 
celebrates  the  majesty,  power,  and  glory,  of  the  eternal  King;  3.  de- 
scribes the  danger  she  is  often  in  from  persecutions,  &ic.  but,  4.  strengthen- 
eth  herself  in  God  her  Saviour,  whose  liouse,  5.  ou^dit  to  be,  like  him- 
self, full  of  truth  and  holiiu^ss. 

1.  The  honj)  7'eigneth  ;  he  is  clothed  icith  majesty  ;  the  hoRD  is 
clothed  with  strength,  wherewith  he  hath  girded  himself :  the  world 
also  is  established,  that  it  cannot  be  moved. 

From  the  beginning,  God,  as  Creator,  was  sovereign  Lord  of  the 
universe.  He  was  also  formerly,  in  a  more  especial  manner,  King 
iDff  Israel.  But  since  that  time,  a  new  and  spiritual  kingdom  hath 
been  erected  by  Jesus  Christ,  as  Redeemer,  whom  the  church  now 
celebrates,  and  whose  praises  she  sings  continually.  Risen  from 
the  dead,  jukI  ascended  into  heaven,  the  Lord  Jesus  reigneth,  and 
shall  reign,  "  till  he  hath  put  all  enemies  under  his  feet,"  1  Cor, 


Day  XVIII.  E.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  403 

w.  23.  By  the  glorification  of  his  human  nature,  lie  is  "  clothed 
with  majesty  :  All  power  is  given  unto  him  in  heaven  and  in  earth ;"' 
Alatt.  xxviii.  IS.  so  that  he  is  girded  with  strength;  and  through 
that  strenjnh,  he  hath  "  established"  the  new  "  world,"  that  is  to 
say,  his  church,  that  it  "  cannot  be  moved,"  or  subverted,  by  all 
the  powers  of  earth  and  hell. 

2.  Thy  throne  is  established  of  old:  thou  an  from  everlasting. 
Earthly  thrones  are  temporary ;  they  are  set  up  and  cast  down 

again,  neither  is  any  trust  to  be  reposed  in  them.  Cut  tlie  throne 
of  Christ  is  eternal  and  unchangeable.  Consthuted  before  the 
foundation  of  the  world,  it  is  to  endure  when  no  traces  of  such  a 
system  having  once  existed,  shall  any  more  be  found. 

3.  The  jloods  have  lifted  vp,  0  Lokd,  the  floods  have  lifted  up 
their  voice;  the  floods  lift  iijj  their  loavcs.  4.  The  Lord  on  high 
is  mightier  than  the  noise  of  man!/  toaters,  yea,  than  the  mighty 
waves  of  the  sea. 

In  the  first  of  these  verses,  the  church  appears  like  a  ship  in  a 
stormy  sea,  to  which  she  is  often  compared.  Persecutions  and 
afflictions  are  those  "  floods,"  those  "  waves"  of  this  troublesome 
world,  which  threaten  every  moment  to  overwhelm  and  sink  her. 
With  a  fearful  and  desponding  tone  of  voice,  therefore,  she  crieth 
out,  "  The  floods  have  lifted  up,  O  Lord,  the  floods  have  lifted  up 
their  voice j  the  floods  lift  up  their  waves!"  But  immediately  she 
strengtheneth  and  comforteth  herself  in  the  Lord  her  God  :  "  The 
I^ord  on  high  is  mightier  than  the  noise  of  many  waters,  yea,  than 
the  mighty  waves  of  the  sea :"  He  can  say  to  sorrows  and  tempta- 
tions, as  he  doth  to  the  waters  of  the  ocean,  ''  Peace,  be  still ;  hi- 
therto shall  ye  come,  but  no  farther ;"  and  his  word  is  with  equal 
power  in  both  cases. 

5.  Thy  testimonies  are  very  sure:  holiness  bccomcth  thine  house, 
O  Lord,  for  ever. 

God's  "  testimonies"  are  the  promises  made  in  scripture  to  the 
church,  that  he  will  be  with  her  during  the  afllictions  which  befal 
her  here  below,  and  will  in  time  deliver  her  out  of  all  her  troubles. 
These  "  testimonies  are  very  sure ;"  these  promises  do  not,  they 
cannot,  fail.  "  Holiness,"  therefore,  which  consistelh  in  obedience 
and  patience,  "  bccometh,"  is  the  proper  ornament,  grace,  and 
beauty,  of  "  his  house,"  and  of  Christians,  those  living  stones 
that  compose  it.  Sacred  and  inviolable  is  the  word  of  our  Kingj 
sacred  and  inviolable  should  be  the  loyalty  of  his  siibject>5. 


404  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XCIV. 


PSALM  xcn . 

ARGUMENT. 

The  Psalmist,  complaiiiiiig:  of  corrupt  and  troublous  times,  in  tlie  person  of 
the  church,  1 — 4.  jivayeth  for  the  downfal  of  prosperous  wickedness;  5, 
6.  he  describeth  the  cruelty,  and  7 — 11.  reproveth  the  atheistical  folly  of 
those  who  persecute  God's  people;- 12,  13.  he  extolleth  the  blessedness  of 
the  persecuted,  if  they  are  endued  with  faith  and  patience,  inasmuch  as, 
14,  15.  the  Divine  promise  and  their  future  reward  are  certain ;  he  there- 
fore, 16 — 19.  throueth  himself  wjiolly  upon  God,  whose  mercies  never 
fail,  who,  20,  21.  cannot  be  on  the  side  of  iniquity,  but,  22,  23.  will  pre- 
serve his  saints,  and  destroy  their  enemies. 

1.  O  Lord  God,  to  whom  vengeance  hclovgeth;  O  God,  to  whom 
vengeance  belongeth,  sJiew  thyself.  2.  Lift  up  thyself,  thou  Judge 
of  the  earth:  render  a  reioard  to  the  proud. 

The  church,  liowever  unjustly  oppressed  and  afllictcd,  remem- 
bereth  that  "  vengeance  belongeth"  not  to  her,  had  she  the  power 
to  inflict  it,  but  "  to  God"  only,  who  hath  said,  "  Vengeance  is 
mine,  I  will  repay,"  Rom.  xii.  19-  To  him,  therefore,  shemaketh 
her  supplication,  that  he  would  manifest  his  glory  in  her  salvation ; 
that  he  would  ascend  the  tribunal,  as  "  Judge  of  the  earth,"  try  her 
cause,  and  avenge  her  of  her  insolent  and  cruel  persecutors. 

3.  Lord,  how  long  shall  the  wicked,  how  long  shall  the  wicked 
triumph  ?  4.  How  long  shall  they  utter  and  speak  hard  things  ? 
and  all  the  ivorkers  of  iniquity  boast  themselves  ? 

The  '^  triumphs"  of  wickedness,  the  '•  hard  speeciies,"  taunts, 
and  scoffs  of  infidelity,  against  Christ,  and  all  who  belong  to  him, 
are  a  continual  grief  of  heart  to  the  faithful  in  the  world,  who  de- 
sire nothing  so  much  as  to  see  the  empire  of  sin  at  an  end,  and  the 
kingdom  of  righteousness  established.  But  fur  this  great  event  they 
must  wait  with  patience,  until  the  time  appointed  by  the  Father, 
when  the  iniquities  of  the  world  and  the  sufferings  of  the  church 
shall  be  full.  "  I  saw  under  the  altar,"  saith  the  well-beloved  John, 
"  the  souls  of  them  that  were  slain  for  the  word  of  God,  and  for 
the  testimony  which  they  held.  And  they  cried  with  a  loud  voice, 
saying.  How  long,  O  Lord,  holy  and  true,  dost  thou  not  judge  and 
avenge  our  blood  on  them  that  dwell  on  the  earth?  And  white 
robes  were  given  unto  every  one  of  them,  and  it  was  said  unto  them, 
that  they  should  rest  yet  for  a  little  season,  until  their  fellow  servants 
also,  and  their  brethren,  that  sliuuld  be  killed  as  they  were,  should 
be  fulfilled,"  Rev.  vi.  9.  &c. 

.">.  They  break  in  pieces  thy  people,  0  Lord,  and  affiict  thine 


Da\  XVIil.  i:.  p.  ON  THE  PSALRIS.  400- 

heritage.  G.  The}/  slay  the  icidow  and  stranger,  and  murder  the 
fatherless. 

Some  instances  of  cruelty,  exercised  by  the  enemies  against  the 
"  people  and  heritage''  of  God,  are  here  specified.  "  Widows, 
strangers,  and  orphans,"  are  destitute  of  the  help  and  protection 
afforded  by  husbands,  friends,  and  fathers.  Christ  is  become  a 
husband  to  the  church,  a  father  to  her  children,  and  the  only  friend 
to  both  in  time  of  need.  Else  were  we  all  in  the  state  of  strangers 
and  orphans,  exposed  with  our  widowed  mother  to  the  unrelenting 
malice  and  fury  of  the  gieat  oppressor  and  murderer. 

f.  Yet  they  say,  The  Lord  shall  not  see,  neither  shall  the  God 
of  Jacob  regard  it.  -8.  Understand,  ye  brutish  among  the  people; 
and  yv  fools,,  when  icillye  be  icise  ?  9.  He  that  planted  the  tar, 
shall  he  not  hear?  he  that  formed  the  eye,  shall  he  not  sec?  10. 
lie  that  chastiseth  the  heathen,  shall  not  he  correct?  he  that  teac/i- 
cth  man  knowledge,  shall  not  he  know?  Or,  He  that  instructeth 
the  nations,  shall  he  not  rebuke  ;  even  he  that  teacheth  man  knoic- 
ledge? 

The  Psalmist  informeth  us  that  men  are  encouraged  in  their  in- 
justice and  villany  by  a  persuasion,  that  God  doth  not  behold  or 
regard  what  they  do  to  his  people.  The  absurdity  of  such  a  con- 
ceit is  shown  from  these  considerations;  that  it  is  God  who  be- 
stoweth  on  man  the  powers  of  seeing  and  hearing,  and  therefore 
that  he  himself  nmst  needs  be  possessed  of  those  powers  in  the 
highest  perfection;  that  it  is  God  who  iiath  instructed  the  world  by 
his  revelations  in  religious  knowledge,  and  consequently,  without 
all  doubt,  he  cannot  be  ignorant  of  the  use  and  abuse  which  men 
make  of  that  his  unspeakable  gift. 

11.  The  Lord  knoioeth  the  thoughts  of  man,  that  they  are  va- 
nity. 

So  far  is  God  from  being  a  stranger  to  the  actions,  that  he  is 
privy  to  the  first "  thoughts''  of  men,  from  whence  those  actions 
flow;  he  is  acquainted  with  all  their  counsels  against  his  church, 
and  knoweth  them  to  be  vain  as  the  imagination  that  he  is  ignorant 
of  them.  The  wicked  can  no  more  escape  the  hand,  than  they 
can  elude  the  eye,  of  Heaven, 

12.  Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  chastenest,  or,  instructest,  O 
Lord,  and  teachest  him  out  of  thy  law;  13.  That  thou  may  est 
give  him  rest  from  the  days  of  adversity,  until  the  pit  be  digged 
for  the  wicked. 

Since,  therefore,  the  schemes  of  the  adversary  are  vain,  and  the 
counsels  of  Jehovah  shall  infallibly  stand,  happy  is  the  man,  who 
having  learned  from  the  Scriptures  of  truth,  the  lessons  of  faith  and 


406  A  COMMENTARY  rsAL.XCIV, 

patience,  enjoys  tnmquillity  of  niinu  in  time  of  trouble,  while  de- 
struction is  preparing  for  the  impenitent.  Then,  when  "  the  days 
of  adversity"  are  over,  shall  pain  and  sorrow  take  a  final  leave  of 
the  righteous,  to  go  and  dwell  with  the  wicked  to  eternal  ages. 
The  former  shall  enter  into  the  rest  and  joy  of  their  Lord,  the  lat- 
ter into  the  fire  prepared  originally  for  the  devil  and  his  angels. 

14.  For  the  Lord  icill  not  cast  off  his  people,  neither  icill  he 
forsake  his  inheritance.  15.  But  judgment  shall  return  unto 
righteousness  ;  and  all  the  upright  in  heart  shall  follow  it. 

The  faith  and  patience  of  the  saints  are  built  upon  the  foundation 
of  God's  promise  not  to  "  cast  off  and  forsake,"  however  he  may 
chasten  and  correct,  his  '''  people  and  inheritance."  At  a  fit  time, 
"  judgment  shall  return  to  righteousness,"  which  it  might  seem  to 
have  forsaken ;  iniquitous  oppressors  shall  meet  with  the  punish- 
ment they  have  deserved,  and  the  faithful  shall  experience  the  pro- 
mised redemption.  For  thus  Dr.  Hammond  renders  and  expounds 
the  last  clause  of  the  two  verses  under  consideration — "  and  after 
this,"  i.  e.  after  "judgment"  shall  have  '^returned  to  righteousness, 
all  the  upright  in  heart;"  i.  e.  it  shall  be  their  time;  they  shall  suc- 
ceed and  flourish.  Such  were  those  halcyon  daj's  enjoyed  by  the 
Jews,  after  the  fall  of  Babylon,  and  their  return  to  their  own  land ; 
such  those  times  of  refreshment  to  the  church  Christian,  when  the 
Pagan  persecutions  were  at  an  end,  and  the  Roman  empire  became 
Christian.  Far  transcendent  is  the  felicity  of  a  soul  when  it  ex- 
changes the  miseries  of  the  world  for  the  delights  of  paradise,  there 
to  wait,  with  its  sister  spirits,  until  the  bodies  of  saints  shall  pass 
from  the  dishonours  of  the  grave  to  the  glories  of  immortality. 

l6.  Wiio  will  rise  up  for  me  against  the  evil  doers?  or  u'lto  will 
stand  up  for  me  against  the  tcorkers  of  iniquitij  ?  IJ.  Unless  the 
Lord  had  been  my  help,  my  soul  had  almost  dwelt  in  silence. 

But  in  the  mean  season,  while  "  evil  doers"  are  permitted  to 
prosper,  and  "  the  workers  of  iniquity"  carry  on  their  designs,  the 
prophet  asks,  in  the  person  of  the  church,  Who  is  there  that  will, 
or  can  protect,  defend,  and  deliver?  The  answer  is,  God  only 
can  do  it ;  "  Unless  the  Lord  had  been  my  help,  my  soul  had  al- 
most dwelt  in  silence,"  or,  I  had  almost  been  in  the  state  of  death. 
How  often  have  our  spiritual  enemies  arisen  against  us,  threatening 
to  bring  us  into  a  state  of  eternal  death !  but  the  Lord  Jesus  was 
6ur  help  and  our  salvation. 

18.  When  I  said,  My  foot  sUppcLh  ;  thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  held 
mc  up. 

When  the  child  of  God,  walking  in  the  slippery  paths  of  life, 
fmdeth  himself  falling  into  temptation,  if  he  confesseth  his  inability 


DayXVIIT.E.P.        on  the  psalms.  407 

to  stand  his  ground,  and  crieth  out  like  Peter  on  the  water,  to  his 
lieiivenlv  Father,  "  Lord,  s;ive  me,  1  jierish ;"  a  niercifid,  !:;racioiis 
and  powerful  hand  will  immediately  be  stretched  out,  to  support 
his  steps,  and  establish  his  c^oinos. 

19.  In  the  multitude  of  wy  thoughts  within  vte,  thy  comforts 
(Might  my  soul. 

The  excellent  Norris,  in  a  masterly  sermon  on  this  verse,  has 
civen  us  the  following  elegant  and  aflecting  paraphrase  of  it — 
"  When  my  mind  sallies  out  into  a  multitude  of  thoughts,  and  those 
thoughts  make  me  sad  and  heavy,  anxious  and  solicitous,  as  pre- 
senting to  my  view  my  own  weakness  and  infirmity,  and  the  uni- 
versal vanity  of  all  those  seeming  props  and  stays,  upon  which  my 
deluded  soul  was  apt  to  lean  ;  the  many  great  calamities  of  life,  and 
the  much  greater  terrors  of  death ;  the  known  miseries  of  the  pre- 
sent state,  and  the  darkness  and  uncertainty  of  the  future ;  still 
urging  me  with  fresh  arguments  of  sorrow,  and  opening  new  and 
new  scenes  of  melancholy,  till  my  soul  begins  to  faint  and  sink  un- 
der the  burthen  she  has  laid  upon  herself:  when  I  am  thus  thought- 
ful, and  thus  sorrowful,  then  it  is,  O  my  God,  that  I  feel  the  relief 
of  thy  divine  refreshments;  I  find  myself  supported  and  borne  up 
by  the  strong  tide  of  thy  consolations,  which  raise  my  drooping 
head,  strike  a  light  into  my  soul,  and  make  me  not  only  dismiss, 
but  even  forget  that  sorrow  and  melancholy  which  my  thoughtful- 
ness  had  brought  upon  me."  Who,  that  reads  this,  will  not  thank- 
Ailly  take  and  follow  the  advice  ofiered  in  another  part  of  the  same 
discourse  ?  "  Whenever,  therefore,  thoughts  arise  in  thy  heart,  and 
troubles  from  those  thoughts;  when  thy  mind  is  dark  and  cloudy, 
and  all  the  regions  of  the  soul  are  overcast;  then  betake  thyself  to 
thy  oratory,  either  to  thy  closet,  or  the  church,  and  there  entertain 
thy  soul  with  the  pleasures  of  religion,  and  the  satisfaction  of  a  clear 
conscience."    See  Norris's  Practical  Discourses,  vol.  iii.  Serm.  4. 

20.  Shall  the  throne  of  ini(juity  have  fellowship  tvith  thee,  which 
frameth  mischief  hy  a  Imo  ? 

One  consideration  which  afibrdeth  comfort  to  the  faithful  under 
persecution  and  ailliction,  is  this,  that  God  can  never  be  on  the  side 
of  oppression  and  injustice,  though  to  answer  wise  and  salutary 
])urposes,  he  may,  for  a  time,  sufler  them  to  have  the  dominion, 
and  to  establish  iniquity  by  law.  A  distinction  there  certainly 
must  be  between  right  and  wrong ;  and  the  former  must  as  cer- 
tainly triumph  at  the  last  day. 

21.  They  gather  themselves  together  against  the  soul  of  the 
righteous,  and  condemn  the  innocent  blood. 

Righteousness  and  innocence  are  most  atrocious  crimes  in  the 


40«  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XCV. 

eyes  of  wickedness  and  giiilt.  For  these  crimes  Cain  slew  his  bro- 
ther Abel,  the  Jews  crucified  Christ,  the  Pagans  tortured  and  mur- 
dered his  disciples,  and  bad  men  in  all  ages  have  persecuted  the 
good.  "  Marvel  not,  my  brethren,  if  the  world  hate  you,"  1  John 
iii.  13. 

22.  But  the  Lord  is  my  defence ;  and  my  God  is  the  rock  of 
my  refuge.  23.  And  he  shall  bring  upon  them  their  own  iniquity, 
and  shall  cut  them  off  in  their  oum  loichedness ;  yea,  the  Lord 
m(r  God  shall  cut  them  off. 

Jehovah  is  our  "  defence;"  we  fear  not  the  fiery  darts  of  the 
enemy:  He  is  "the  rock  of  our  refuge;"  we  bid  defiance  to  the 
rage  and  malice  of  earth  and  hell.  Armed  with  the  shield  of  faith, 
and  the  sword  of  the  Spirit,  we  rise  superior  to  every  effort  of  dia- 
bolical malice  and  secular  power';  waiting  in  patience  and  hope  for 
the  coming  of  that  day,  when  He  w  ho  hateth  unrighteousness,  and 
with  whom  the  throne  of  iniquity  can  have  no  fellowship,  shall 
visit  the  wickedness  of  the  wicked  upon  them ;  when  the  world  of 
the  ungodly  shall  share  the  fate  of  apostate  Jerusalem,  and  the 
righteous  shall  be  glorified  with  their  Lord  and  Saviour. 

NINETEENTH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XCV. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm  hath  been  long  used  in  the  Christian  church,  as  a  proi)or  ititro- 
duction  to  her  holy  services.  It  containeth,  1,  3.  an  exhortation  to  praise 
Jehovah,  3.  for  his  greatness,  4,  5.  and  for  his  works  of  creation ;  6.  men 
are  invited  to  worship  him,  as  their  Maker,  and,  7.  as  their  Preserver  ; 
8 — 11.  they  are  warned  against  tempting-  and  provoking  him,  by  the  ex- 
ample of  the  Israelites  in  the  wilderness.  The  author  of  the  epistle  to 
the  Hebrews  hath  taught  us  to  consider  the  Psalm  as  an  address  to  be- 
lievers under  tlie  Gospel. 

1.  O  come,  let  us  sing  unto  </<e  Lord;  let  us  make  a  joyful 
noise  to  the  rock  of  our  salvation. 

In  this  first  verse,  Christians  now  exhort  and  stir  up  each  other, 
as  the  Jews  did  of  old,  to  employ  their  voices  in  honour  of  Jeho- 
vah, to  celebrate  "  the  rock  of  their  salvation."  Jesus,  by  redeem- 
ing us  from  our  enemies,  hath  opened  our  lips,  and  our  mouths 
ought,  therefore,  to  show  forth  his  praise.  He  is  the  Rock  of 
ages,  in  which  is  opened  a  fountain  for  sin  and  uncleanness ;  the 
Rock  which  attends  the  church  in  the  wilderness,  pouring  forth  the 
water  of  life  for  her  use  and  comfort ;  the  Rock  which  is  our  for- 


Day  XIX.  M.  P. ,       ON  THE  PSALMS.  409 

tress  against  every  enemy,  shadowing  and  refieshinc  a  weary  land. 
*'  O  come,  then,  let  us  sing  unto  this  our  Lord  ;  let  us  make  a  joy- 
ful noise  unto  this  Rock  of  our  salvation." 

-2.  Let  us  come  before  his  presence  urith  thanksgiving,  and  make 
a  joi/fid  noise  unto  him  with  psalms. 

The  "  presence"  of  Jehovah  dwelt  formerly  between  the  cheru- 
bim, in  a  tabernacle,  or  temple,  made  with  hands,  whither  the  Is- 
raelites were  to  resort,  until  God  became  manifest  in  the  flesh. 
After  that  time,  the  Divine  presence  left  the  synagogue,  and  re- 
moved into  the  Christian  church ;  by  her  we  are  now  invited  to 
"  come  before  that  presence  with  thanksgiving,"  and,  while  we 
*'  make  a  joyful  noise,"  by  chanting  these  divine  "  psalms,"  to 
imitate  in  some  measure,  the  heavenly  choirs,  who  "  rest  not" 
from  tlieir  blessed  employment  of  praising  God,  "  day  nor  night," 
Rev.  iv.  8. 

3.  For  the  Lord  is  a  great  God,  and  a  great  King  above  all 
gods. 

It  is  not  without  reason,  that  we  are  exhorted  to  give  thanks 
and  praise  unto  our  God  and  King;  for  he  is  "  worthy  to  receive 
glory  and  blessing,"  Rev.  v.  12.;  he  is  a  God  above  all  that  ai"e 
called  by  that  name ;  above  those  deities,  which  were  once  wor- 
shipped by  the  ancient  heathen  ;  above  the  world,  which  still  con- 
tinues to  be  an  object  of  adoration  among  infatuated  mortals.  His 
throne  is  over  all,  and  power  and  dominion  are  his. 

4.  In  his  hand  are  the  deep  places  of  the  earth;  the  strength 
of  the  hills  is  his  also.  5.  The  sea  is  his,  and  he  made  it:  and 
his  hands  formed  the  dry  land. 

The  treasures,  which  lie  hid  in  the  "  deep  places"  of  the  earth 
beneath;  the  majestic  pride  and  "strength  of  the  hills,"  which 
tower  above,  and  lift  up  their  heads  to  heaven ;  the  unnumbered 
waves  of  the  great  and  wide  "  sea,"  which  roll  in  perpetual  motion 
round  the  world ;  the  rich  and  variegated  produce  of  the  "  dry 
land,"  crowned  with  verdure  and  beauty  ;  together  with  every  thing 
that  livetli  in  the  waters  or  on  the  earth;  all  are  under  the  govern- 
ment of  our  God;  by  him  were  all  things  created;  by  him  have  all 
things  been  redeemed. 

6.  O  come,  let  us  worship  and  boio  down  :  let  us  kneel  before  the 
Lord  our  Maker. 

As  in  the  beginning  of  tlie  Psalm  we  were  called  upon  to  "  praise" 
.fehovah,  so  here  we  are  invited  to  humble  ourselves  before  him  in 
"  prayer."  From  him  we  had  our  being;  him  therefore  we  are  to 
supplicate  for  every  other  blessing,  both  in  this  life  and  that  which 


410  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XCV. 

is  to  come.  And  since  he  made  our  bodies  as  well  as  our  souls,  it 
is  meet  and  right  that  they  should  bear  their  part  in  his  service,  and 
that  internal  worship  should  be  accompanied  and  signified  by  that 
which  is  external. 

7.  Fo7-  he  is  our  God;  and  we  are  the  people  of  his  pasture, 
and  the  sheep  of  his  hand. 

An  additional  reason  why  we  should  both  praise  Jehovah  and 
pray  to  him,  is  the  peculiar  relation  into  which  he  hath  been  pleased 
to  put  himself  by  the  covenant  of  grace ;  "  he  is  ouir  Qod  :"  we 
are  the  objects  of  his  tender  care  and  unspeakable  love;  we  are  his 
"people!"  and  his  "sheep;"'  his  chosen  flock,  which  he  hath 
purchased  with  liis  blood,  which  he  feeds  with  his  word,  and  re- 
freshes with  his  Spirit,  in  fair  and  pleasant  pastures.  From  these 
pastures,  O  thou  good  Shepherd!  suffer  us  not  to  stray;  or,  if  we 
do  stray,  bring  us  speedily  back  again,  by  any  means,  which  thou, 
in  thine  infinite  wisdom,  shalt  think  fit.  Wholesome  is  the  disci- 
pline which  drives  us  into  the  fold,  and  keeps  us  there. 

To-day  if  ye  will  hear  his  voice,  8.  Harden  not  your  heart,  as  in 
the  provocation,  and  as  in  the  day  of  temptation  in  the  wilderness; 
9.   When  your  fathers  tempted  me,  proved  me,  and  saw  my  work. 

The  first  clause  of  these  two  verses  may  be  joined  to  the  pre- 
ceding verse,  thus,  "  He  is  our  God,  we  are  the  people  of  his  pas- 
ture and  the  sheep  of  his  hand,  if  ye  will  hear  his  voice  to-day,'' 
that  is,  if  ye  will  be  his  obedient  people,  he  will  continue  to  be 
your  God.  Or  else,  the  word  ow,  translated  "  if,"  may  be  ren- 
dered in  the  optative  form — "  O  that  you  would  hear  his  voice  to- 
day," saying  unto  you,  "  Harden  not,"  &c.  However  this  be,  what 
follows,  to  the  end  of  the  Psalm,  is  undoubtedly  spoken  in  the 
person  of  God  himself,  who  may  be  considered  as  addressing  us, 
in  these  latter  days,  by  the  Gospel  of  his  Son;  for  so  the  Apostle 
teaches  us  to  apply  the  whole  passage,  Heb.  iii.  4.  The  Israelites, 
when  they  came  out  of  Egypt,  had  a  day  of  probation,  and  a  pro- 
mised rest  to  succeed  it;  but  by  unbelief  and  disobedience,  they  to 
whom  it  was  promised,  that  is,  the  generation  of  those  who  came 
out  of  Egypt,  fell  short  of  it,  and  died  in  the  wilderness.  The 
Gospel,  in  like  manner,  offers,  both  to  Jew  and  Gentile,  another 
day  of  probation  in  this  world,  and  another  promised  rest  to  suc- 
ceed it,  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God  in  heaven.  All 
whom  it  concerns  are,  therefore,  exhorted  to  beware,  lest  they  for- 
feit the  second  rest,  as  murmuring  and  rebellious  Israel  came  short 
of  the  first.  The  verses  now  before  us  allude  to  what  passed  at  the 
place  called  "  Massah,"  and  ''  Meribah,"  from  the  people  there 


DayXIX.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  liJ 

•'  tcniptiiig/'  and  striving  with  their  God,  notwithstanding  all  the 
mighty  works  which  he  had  wrought  for  them  before  their  eyes, 
Exod.  xvii.  7. 

10.  Forfi/  years  long  was  I  grieve  J^  or,  disgusted,  with  this  ge- 
neration, and  said,  It  is  a  people  that  do  err  in  their  hearts,  and 
they  have  not  known  my  ways. 

O  the  desperate  presumption  of  man,  that  he  should  ofiend  his 
Maker  "  forty  years!"  O  the  patience  and  long-suliering  of  his 
Maker,  that  he  should  allow  him  forty  years  to  ollend  in  !  Sin  be- 
gins in  the  "  heart,"  by  its  desires,  "  wandering"  and  going  astray 
after  forbidden  objects ;  whence  follows  inattention  to  the  "  ways" 
of  God ;  to  his  dispensations,  and  our  own  duty.  Lust  in  the 
heart,  like  vapour  in  the  stomach,  soon  aflects  the  head,  and  clouds 
the  understanding. 

11.  Unto  whom  I  sware  in  my  xorath,  that  they  should  not  enter 
into  my  rest. 

Exclusion  from  Canaan  was  the  punishment  of  Israelitish  con- 
tumacy; exclusion  from  heaven  is  to  be  the  punishment  of  disobe- 
dience among  Christians.  To  take  vengeance  on  those  who  reject 
the  gospel  terms,  is  no  less  a  part  of  the  covenant  and  oath  of  God, 
than  it  is  to  save  and  glorify  those  who  accept  them.  Yet  men 
continue  deliberately  to  commit  those  sins,  which  the  Almighty 
standeth  thus  engaged  to  punish  with  destruction  !*  "  Take  heed," 
therefore,  ''  brethren,  lest  there  be  in  any  of  you  an  evil  heart  of 
unbelief,  in  departing  from  the  living  God.  But  exhort  one  another, 
daily;  while  it  is  called  to-day,  lest  any  of  you  be  hardened 
through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin.  For  we  are  made  partakers  of 
Christ,  if  we  hold  the  beginning  of  our  confidence  steadfast  unto 
the  end;  while  it  is  said,  To-daj',  if  ye  will  hear  his  voice,  harden 
not  your  hearts  as  in  the  provocation.  For  some  when  they  had 
heard,  did  provoke ;  howbeit,  not  all  that  came  out  of  Egypt  by 
Moses.  But  with  whom  was  he  grieved  forty  years  ?  Was  it  not 
with  them  that  had  sinned,  whose  carcasses  fell  in  the  wilderness? 
And  to  whom  sware  he  that  they  should  not  enter  into  his  rest, 
but  to  them  that  believed  not  ?  So  we  see  that  they  could  not  en- 
ter in  because  of  unbelief.  Let  us  therefore  fear,  lest  a  promise  be- 
ing made  us  of  entering  into  his  rest,  any  of  you  should  seem  to 

*  Sensus  liujus  loci  ex  Paulo  sic  concinnandus:  nempe  requiem  a  Deo  Is- 
lai-litis  esse  piomissain  in  terra  Cliaiiaiiffia;  omnes  taiucn  interim  in  deserto 
•  eridisse  hue  rcquic  frustratos:  quaie  Spirifum  Sanctum  per  DaviJem  ad 
novam  requiem  invitasse ;  ad  novum  illud  sabbatum  ab  ipso  mundi  exordio 
diei  septima:  requie  figuratum,  novumquc  indixisse  diem  quo  sub  Cluisto,  in 
Ecrlesia,  ac  ccclesti  patria  (luiesceremus,  nisi  esscmus  increduli:  undo  sic  coa- 
rludit  Faulus :  "  Festiuemus  ingredi  in  illam  requiem."  Bo!sv.f'(. 


412  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.XCVI. 

come  short  of  it.  For  unto  us  was  the  Gospel  preached,  as  well 
as  unto  thera;  but  the  word  preached  did  not  profit  them,  not  be- 
ing mixed  with  faith  in  them  that  heard  it,"  Ileb.  iii.  12,  &c. 


PSALM  XCVI. 

ARGUMENT. 

By  common  consent  of  Jews  and  Christians,  we  apply  this  Psalm  to  the 
times  of  Messiah.  1 — 4.  Men  are  exhorted  to  sing  his  praises  ;  to  declare 
his  salvation ;  4,  5.  to  acknowledge  his  supremacy  over  the  gods  of  the 
nations,  with  6.  the  glory  and  beauty  of  his  sanctuary  ;  7 — 9.  to  give  him 
the  honour,  the  worship,  and  the  obedience  due  unto  him,  and,  10.  to 
publish  the  glad  tidings  of  his  kingdom  being  established :  11 — 13.  the 
whole  creation  is  called  upon  to  rejoice  at  this  great  event.  We  find,  by 
1  Chron.  xvi.  that  David  delivered  out  this  Psalm,  to  be  sung  on  occasion 
of  temporal  blessings,  prefigurative  of  future  spiritual  ones. 

1.  O  sing  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song:  sing  mito  the  Lord,  aU 
the  earth. 

Jehovah,  our  Redeemer,  is  the  person  whose  praises  are  to  be 
sung.  They  are  to  be  sung  in  a  "  new"  song ;  a  song  calcuhited 
to  celebrate  new  mercies,  prefigured  by  old  ones  wrought  for  Israel 
in  former  times;  a  song  fit  for  the  voices  of  renewed  and  regene- 
rate men  to  sing  in  the  new  Jerusalem,  in  those  new  heavens  and 
that  new  earth,  which  constitute  the  new  creation,  or  "kingdom  of 
Jesus  Christ.  And  as  the  mercies  of  God  are  universal,  extending 
themselves  not  only  to  the  Jews,  but  to  all  the  nations  of  the  earth, 
all  the  nations  of  the  earth  are  therefore  exhorted  to  bear  a  part 
in  this  new  song;  "  Sing  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song:  sing  unto 
the  Lord,  all  the  earth."  Thus  St.  John,  after  reckoning  up  the 
144,000,  or  full  number  of  those  who  were  sealed  to  salvation  from 
among  the  tribes  of  Israel,  proceeds  to  tell  us,  that  he  "  beheld, 
and  lo,  a  great  multitude,  which  no  man  could  number,  of  all  na- 
tions, and  kindreds,  and  people,  and  tongues,  stood  before  the 
throne,  and  before  the  Lamb,  clothed  with  white  robes,  and  palms 
in  their  hands."  All  these  sung  a  new  song,  which  none  could 
learn  but  the  redeemed;  they  "cried  with  aloud  voice,  saying, 
Salvation  to  our  God  which  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  to  the 
Lamb."     See  Rev.  v.  vii.  xiv. 

2.  Sing  unto  the  Lord,  hkss  his  name;  shew  forth  his  salua- 
tion  from  day  to  day. 

Again  are  we  excited  to  sing  unto  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  in  Psalms, 
and  hymns,  and  spiritual  songs,  to  bless  his  saving  name.  The 
latter  clause  of  the  verse  is  very  expressive  in  the  original,  late^J, 


Day  XIX.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  413 

"  preach,"  or  '-evangelize  his  salvation  from  day  to  day  ;''  let  it 
be  the  constant  theme  of  all  your  discourses;  publish  it  to  the  world 
in  every  possible  way,  by  your  words,  and  by  your  actions;  and 
while  God  allows  you  breath  and  life,  let  one  day  transmit  the  glo- 
rious employment  to  another,  until  it  be  resumed  and  continued  in 
heaven  to  all  eternity. 

3.  Declare  his  glory  among  the  heathen,  his  wonders  among  all 
people. 

The  "  glory"  of  Messiah  in  his  incarnation,  his  life,  his  death, 
resurrection,  ascension,  anil  kingdom  ;  the  "  wonders"  or  miracles 
by  him  wrought  upon  the  bodies  and  souls  of  men  ;  these  were  the 
things  "  declared  anwng  the  heathen,"  even  "  among  all  people," 
by  the  apostles  and  their  successors  ;  these  things  are  still  de- 
clared, by  the  Scriptures  read,  and  sermons  preached  tn  the  church, 
which  was  gathered  originally  from  among  (he  Gentiles. 

4.  For  the  Lord  is  great,  and  greatly  to  be  praised:  he  is  to 
be  feared  above  all  gods.  5.  For  all  the  gods  of  the  nations  are 
idols,  or,  things  of  nought :  but  the  Lord  made  the  heavens. 

Christ  is  to  be  celebrated,  his  glory  and  wonders  are  to  be  de- 
clared, because  he  is,  in  every  possible  sense,  '-great;"  great  in 
dignity,  in  power,  in  mercy ;  and  therefore,  "  greatly  to  be  praised" 
by  every  creature.  The  heavens  and  heavenly  bodies,  adored  by 
the  nations,  were  no  gods,  but  the  works  of  his  hands,  who  hath 
fixed  his  everlasting  throne  high  above  them  all.  At  the  publica- 
tion of  the  Gospel,  idolatry  fell  before  it ;  and  what  is  the  world 
itself  but  one  great  idol,  which  is  to  fall  and  disappear  in  like 
manner  ? 

6.  Honour  and  majesty  are  before  him ;  strength  and  beauty 
are  in  his  sanctuary. 

What  are  the  splendour  and  the  magnificence  of  earthly  courts, 
when  compared  with  that  glory  and  majesty,  the  unutterable  bright- 
ness of  which  fills  the  court  of  the  heavenly  King  ?  some  portion  oJ 
this  celestial  light  is  communicated  through  grace  to  the  Christian 
church,  which  is  described  by  St.  John,  under  images  borrowed 
from  the  figurative  sanctuary,  and  the  earthly  Jerusalem,  as  an  edi- 
fice composed  of  gold  and  precious  stones,  illuminated  by  the  glorv 
of  God  and  the  Lamb,  residing  in  the  midst  of  it.    See  Rev.  xxi. 

7.  Give  unto  the  Lord,  O  ye  kindreds,  or,  families,  or,  tribes, 
of  the  people,  give  unto  the  Lord  glory  and  strength.  8.  Give 
unto  the  Lord  the  glory  due  unto  his  tiamc:  bring  an  offering, 
and  come  into  his  courts.  9.  O  tcorship  the  Lord  in  the  beauty 
of  holiness :  fear  before  him  all  the  earth. 

In  these  three  verses,  the  tribes  of  the  spiritual  Israel  are  enjoined 


414  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XCVI. 

to  ascribe  to  their  Redeemer  all  "  glory  and  strength,"  as  essen- 
tially inherent  in  him,  and  by  him  communicated  to  his  people;  to 
give  him  the  entire  "  glory  of  his  name/'  and  of  that  salvaion  im- 
ported by  it ;  to  bring  the  "  sacrifices"  of  the  new  law,  and  to 
assemble  in  the  "courts"  of  his  house;  to  worship  him  in  that 
"  beauty  of  holiness,"  which  is  constituted  by  the  regular  and  so- 
lemn services  of  the  church;  to  fear  and  obey  him,  as  the  subjects 
of  a  King  invested  with  plenitude  of  power  in  heaven  and  earth. 

10.  Sai/  among  the  heathen,  That  the  Lord  reigmth:  the  world 
also  shall  be  established  that  it  shall  not  be  moved:  he  shall  judge 
the  people  righteously. 

In  other  words — Make  proclamation,  therefore,  O  ye  apostles 
and  preachers  of  the  Gospel,  that  a  new  and  eternal  kingdom  is 
erected ;  the  usurped  empire  of  Satan  is  overthrown,  and  the  Lord 
Jesus  having  redeemed  mankind,  reigneth  in  the  hearts  of  his  peo- 
ple by  faith;  a  community  is  I'ormed,  not  upon  the  plan  of  secular 
policy,  but  upon  the  divine  principle  of  heavenly  love  ;  it  is  estab- 
lished on  immoveable  foundations,  nor  shall  the  gates  of  hell  prevail 
against  it ;  righteousness  shall  dwell  in  it,  since  He,  who  is  the 
King  of  Righteousness,  presides,  directs,  and  determines  all  things, 
by  his  word  and  his  Spirit. 

11.  Let  the  heavens  rejoice,  and  let  the  earth  be  glad;  let  the 
sea  rour,  and  the  fulness  thereof.  12.  Let  the  field  be  joyful,  and 
all  that  is  in  it:  then  shall  all  the  trees  of  the  wood  rejoice  before 
the  Lord. 

Transported  with  a  view  of  these  grand  events,  and  beholding  in 
spirit  the  advent  of  King  Messiah,  the  Psalmist  exults  in  most  ju- 
bilant and  triumphant  strains,  calling  the  whole  creation  to  break 
forth  into  joy,  and  to  celebrate  the  glories  of  redemption.  The 
heavens,  with  the  innumerable  orbs  fixed  in  them,  which,  while 
they  roll  and  shine,  declare  the  glory  of  beatified  saints;  the 
earth,  which,  made  fertile  by  celestial  influences,  showeth  the 
work  of  grace  on  the  hearts  of  men  here  below  ;  the  field,  which, 
crowned  with  a  produce  of  an  hundred  fold,  displayeth  an  em- 
blem of  the  fruit  yielded  by  the  seed  of  the  Word  in  the  church  : 
the  trees  of  the  wood,  lofty,  verdant,  and  diffusive,  apt  representa- 
tives of  holy  persons,  those  "  trees  of  righteousness,  the  planting 
of  Jehovah,"  (Isa.  Ixi.  3.)  whose  examples  are  eminent,  fair,  and 
extensive;  all  these  are  by  the  prophet  excited  to  join  in  a  chorus 
of  thanksgiving  to  the  Maker  and  Redeemer  of  the  world. 

13.  For  he  comet h,  for  he  comet h  to  judge  the  earth:  he  shall 
judge  the  ivorld  icith  righteousness,  and  the  people  rcith  his  truth. 

The  coming  of  Christ  is  twofold ;  first,  he  came  to  sanctify  the 


Day  XIX.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  415 

creature,  and  he  will  come  again  to  glorify  it.  Either  of  his  king- 
doms, that  of  grace,  or  that  of  glory,  may  be  signified  by  his 
"  judiling  the  world  in  righteousness  and  truth.''  If  creation  bo 
represented  as  rejoicing  at  the  establishment  of  the  former,  how 
much  greater  will  the  joy  be  at  the  approach  of  the  latter,  seeing 
that,  notwithstanding  Christ  be  long  since  come  in  the  flesh,  though 
he  be  ascended  into  heaven,  and  have  sent  the  Spirit  from  thence, 
yet  the  whole  creation,  as  the  Apostle  speaks,  Rom.  viii.  22. 
"  groaneth  and  travaileth  in  pain  together  until  now,  expecting  to 
be  delivered  from  the  bondage  of  corruption,  into  the  glorious  li- 
berty of  the  sons  of  Cod.  And  not  only  they,  but  ourselves  also, 
which  have  the  first-fruits  of  the  Spirit,  even  wc  ourselves  groan 
within  ourselves,  waiting  for  the  adoption,  to  wit,  the  redemption 
of  the  body;"  when,  at  the  renovation  of  all  things,  man,  new 
made,  shall  return  to  the  days  of  his  youth,  to  begin  an  immortal 
spring,  and  be  for  ever  yoimg. 


PSALM  XC\  IL 

ARGUMENT. 

la  this  Psalm,  1.  tlie  reign  of  Christ  is  again  celebrated,  and  the  nations 
are  again  called  to  rejoice  oa  tlial  account:  2 — 7.  he  is  described  as 
taking  vengeance  on  his  enemies,  overthrowing  idolatry  in  the  heatiien 
world,  connnandiug  adoration  from  all  creatures,  and,  8,  9.  inspiring 
gladness  into  the  church,  by  subduing  her  enemies  :  10 — 12.  The  duties 
of  holiness,  thankfulness,  and  religious  joy,  are  inculcated. 

1.  T7te  Lord  reigneth;  let  the  earth  rejoice  ;  let  the  multitude  of 
the  isles  be  glad  thereof. 

Triumphant  over  death  and  hell,  the  Lord  Jesus  is  gone  up  on 
high,  and  "  reigneth."  What  greater  cause  can  the  whole  earth 
have  to  "  rejoice  ;"  yea,  even  the  most  distant  isles  of  the  Gen- 
tiles, to  "  be  glad,"  and  to  sing  for  joy;  since  they  are  all  become 
his  subjects,  and  share  the  unspeakable  blessings  of  so  gracious  a 
reign.  VV^e  Britons,  as  inhabiting  one  of  those  heathen  isles,  and 
enjoying  so  fair  a  portion  of  evangelical  blessings,  have  reason  to 
repeat  this  verse  with  a  particular  pleasure  and  energy.  The  He- 
brews called  by  the  name  of  "  isles,"  CD^'h,  not  only  countries  sur- 
rounded by  the  sea,  but  all  the  countries  which  the  sea  divided 
from  them ;  so  that  the  term  became  synonymous  with  Gentiles. 
Thus,  it  is  said,  Isa.  xlii.  4.  "  The  tsles  shall  wait  for  his  ia»v ;" 
which  passage,  Matt.  xii.  21.  is  expounded  as  follows,  '•  In  him 
shall  the  Gentiles  trust." 


416  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XCVII. 

2.  Clouds  and  darkness  are  round  ahotit  him:  rigliteousness 
and  judgment  are  the  habitation,  or,  establishment,  of  his  throne. 

When  the  mercy  and  grace  of  our  heavenly  King  are  to  be  de- 
scribed, he  is  Ukened  to  the  sun  shining  in  a  clear  firmament,  and 
gladdening  universal  nature  with  his  beneficent  rays.  But  when 
we  are  to  conceive  an  idea  of  him,  as  going  forth,  in  "justice  and 
judgment"  to  discomfit  and  punish  his  adversaries,  the  imagery  is 
then  borrowed  from  a  troubled  sky ;  he  is  pictured  as  surrounded 
by  "  clouds  and  darkness ;"  from  whence  issue  lightnings  and 
thunders,  storms  and  tempests,  affrighting  and  confounding  the 
wicked  and  impenitent. 

3.  A  fire  goeth  before  him,  and  burneih  up  his  enemies  round 
about.  4.  His  lightnings  enlightened  the  world:  the  earth  saw 
and  trembled.  5.  The  hills  melted  like  wax  at  the  presence  of  the 
Lord,  at  the  presence  of  the  Lord  of  the  whole  earth. 

The  judgments  of  God,  and  their  effects  upon  the  world,  are  here 
set  forth  under  the  usual  similitude  of  lightning  and  fire  from  hea- 
ven, causing  the  earth  to  tremble,  and  the  mountains  to  melt  and 
dissolve  away.  The  exaltation  of  Christ  to  the  throne  of  his  king- 
dom, was  followed  by  a  dreadful  display  of  that  vengeance,  which 
broke  in  pieces  the  Jewish  nation,  and  brought  their  civil  and  reli- 
gious polity  to  an  utter  dissolution.  In  the  history  of  their  destruc- 
tion, the  world  of  the  ungodly  may  view  a  striking  picture  of  the 
great  and  terrible  day,  when  the  Lord  Jesus  shall  render  a  recom- 
pence  to  all  his  enemies.  He  is  then  to  descend  in  flaming  fire ; 
lightnings  shall  be  his  harbingers;  the  earth  shall  tremble;  and  the 
hills  shall,  literally,  "  melt  like  wax  at  the  presence  of  Jehovah." 

6.  The  heavens  declare  his  righteousness,  and  all  the  people  see 
Ins  glory. 

"  The  heavens,"  by  the  manifestation  of  vengeance  from  thence, 
reveal,  declare,  and  proclaim,  the  "  righteous"  judgments  of  Mes- 
siah ;  and  "  all  the  people"  upon  earth  are  witnesses  of  the  "  glory" 
of  his  victory  over  every  thing  that  opposeth  itself  to  the  establish- 
ment of  his  kingdom.  This  will  be  more  eminently  the  case  at  the 
second  advent,  when  the  trumpet  of  the  archangel  shall  proclaim 
his  approach  in  the  clouds  of  heaven,  and  all  the  tribes  of  the  earth 
shall  see  him  coming  in  the  glory  of  his  Father,  with  the  holy  angels. 

7-  Confounded  be,  or,  shall  be,  all  they  that  serve  graven  ima- 
ges, that  boast  themselves  of  idols :  worship)  him,  all  ye  gods. 

When  Jesus  was  exalted,  his  Gospel  jjublished,  and  his  power 
and  glory  made  known  in  the  heathen  world,  men  grew  "  ashamed" 
of  their  "images,  and  boasted  themselves  in  their  idols"  no  more. 
The  last  clause  of  our  verse,  "  Worship  him,  all  ye  gods,"  de- 


Day  XIX.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  41? 

Clares  the  supremacy  of  Christ,  over  all  that  arc  called  gods,  OTl^X 
in  heaven  and  in  earth,  who  are  enjoined  to  pay  adoration  unto 
him,  instead  of  claiming  it  for  themselves. 

8.  Zio7i  heard,  and  teas  glad  ;  and  the  daughters  of  Judah  re- 
joiced, because  of  thy  judgments,  O  Lord.  9-  For  thou.  Lord, 
art  high  above  all  the  earth  ;  thou  art  exalted  far  above  all  gods. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  new  "  Sion,*'  or  tiie  people  of  God, 
"heard"  the  tidings,  that  idolaters  and  idols  were  fallen,  and 
the  Lord  Jesus  reigned  triumphant ;  they  heard,  "  and  were  glad; 
the  daughters  of  Judah,"'  or  Christian  churches,  "rejoiced''  in  the 
Hoi}'  Ghost,  with  joy  unspeakable,  "  because  of  these  judgments" 
of  their  God  upon  his  enemies,  whereby  he  evinced  himself  supe- 
rior to  the  pow  ers  of  the  earth,  and  the  gods  of  the  nations.  Thus 
at  the  fall  of  Babylon,  it  is  said,  Rev.  xviii.  20.  "Rejoice  over 
her,  thou  heaven,  and  ye  holy  apostles  and  prophets,  for  God  hath 
avenged  you  on  her."  And  Eusebius  speaks  in  the  following  terms 
of  the  times  under  Constantine,  which  succeeded  the  overthrow  of 
Maxentius  and  Maximin ;  "  A  bright  and  glorious  day,  no  cloud 
overshadowing  it,  did  enlighten  with  rays  of  heavenly  light  the 
churches  of  Christ  over  all  the  earth  : — and  among  all  Christians 
there  was  an  inex])ressible  joy,  and  a  kind  of  celestial  gladness." 
Ecclesiast.  Hist.  B.  x. 

10.  Ye  that  love  the  Lord,  hate  evil:  he  preservcth  the  souls  of 
Ms  saints;  he  delivereth  them  out  of  the  hand  of  the  wicked. 

Having  sung  the  glory  of  the  Redeemer,  the  Psalmist  delineates 
the  duty  of  the  redeemed.  They  are  characterized  by  their  "  love 
to  God  ;"  they  are  enjoined  to  "  hate  evil ;"  this  hatred  is,  indeed, 
a  consequence,  and  a  sure  proof  of  that  love,  w^hen  it  is  genuine 
and  sincere.  Religion  must  be  rooted  in  the  heart,  and  spring  from 
thence.  A  Christian  must  not  only  serve  God  outwardly,  but  must 
inwardly  love  him;  he  must  not  content  himself  with  abstaining 
from  overt  acts  of  sin,  but  must  truly  hate  it.  They  who  do  so, 
are  "  the  saints  of  God,  whose  souls  he  preserveth"  from  evil,  and 
will  finally  deliver  them  from  the  evil  one  and  his  associates,  by  a 
happy  death,  and  a  glorious  resurrection. 

11.  Light  is  sown  for  the  righteous,  and  gladness  for  the  up- 
right in  heart. 

However  gloomy  our  prospect  may  at  any  time  be,  let  us  wait 
patiently,  as  the  husbandman  doth  all  the  winter,  in  expectation 
of  a  future  crop  from  the  seed  which  lieth  buried  in  the  earth. 
"  Light  and  gladness  are  sown  for  the  righteous  and  true-hearted," 
though  they  may  not  yet  appear:  the  seed-time  is  in  this  world: 


418  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  XCVIII. 

the  harvest  will  be  in  that  to  come.  "  In  due  season  we  shall  reap, 
if  we  faint  not,"  Gal.  vi.  9. 

12.  Rejoice  in  the  hoRD,  yc  righteous;  and  give  tJianJcs  at  the 
remembrance  of  his  holiness. 

Tribulation  itself,  therefore,  should  not  prevent  our  "  rejoicing 
in  Jehovah  our  righteousness,"  who  justifieth  us  from  our  sins;  no 
adversity  ought  to  make  us  negligent  in  celebrating,  with  thanks- 
giving, the  "  commemorations  of  his  holiness,"  which  the  church 
hath  appointed  to  be  observed ;  to  the  end  that  we  may  always  re- 
member with  gratitude  how  great  things  he  hath  done  for  us  already, 
and  reflect  with  comfort  on  those  much  greater  things  which  he  hath 
promised  to  do  for  us  hereafter. 


NINETEENTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  XCVIII. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  this  evangelical  hymn,  the  Prophet,  1 — 3.  extols  the  miracles,  the  victory, 
the  salvation,  the  righteousness,  the  mercy,  and  truth  of  the  Redeemer;  on 
account  of  which,  4 — 9.  he  calls  upon  man  and  the  whole  creation,  to  re- 
joice, and  praise  Jehovah. 

1.  0  sing  unto  the  Lord  a  ncto  song  ;  for  he  hath  done  marvel- 
lous things :  his  right  hand  and  his  holy  arm  hath  gottcji  him  the 
victory. 

New  mercies  and  wonders  demand  new  songs.  And  what  mer- 
cies, what  wonders  can  be  compared  with  those  wrought  by  the  holy 
Jesus?  "  Go  and  tell  John,"  saith  he  to  John's  disciples  ;  go  and  tell 
all  the  world,  saith  he  to  his  own  disciples,  "  the  things  wliich  ye 
see,  and  hear;"  the  marvellous  things  which  I  do  to  the  bodies  and 
to  the  souls  of  men.  "  The  blind  receive  their  sight,"  and  the  ig- 
norant minds  are  enlightened  with  knowledge;  "  the  lame  walk,-' 
and  strength  is  communicated  to  impotent  souls ;  "  the  lepers  are 
cleansed,"  and  the  lascivious  rendered  chaste ;  "  the  deaf  hear," 
and  the  obstinate  listen  to  instruction  and  reproof;  "  the  dead  are 
raised,"  and  sinners  justified;  "  the  Gospel  is  preached,"  and  the 
world  converted.  ''  His  own  right  hand,  and  his  holy  arm,"  hath 
done  these  marvellous  things,  without  and  against  all  worldly 
power ;  not  by  spear  and  sword,  but  by  patience  and  charity,  he 
hath  "  gotten  the  victory,"  and  gained  the  glorious  dajk 

2.  TJie  Lord  hath  made  knoion  his  salvation :  his  righteousness 
hath  he  openly  shewed  in  the  sight  of  the  heathen. 


DayXIX.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  4iiy 

The  "  salvation"  of  Jehovah  was  made  known  by  the  preaching 
of  Christ  himself  in  Judea,  for  the  space  of  three  years ;  "  his 
righteousness,"  whereby  sinners  are  justified,  was  "  openly  show- 
ed," by  the  sermons  of  his  apostles,  "  in  the  sight  of  the  heathen.'' 
Still  let  that  salvation  be  made  known,  still  let  that  righteousness 
be  openly  showed,  by  the  ministers  uf  the  Gospel,  until  the  fulness 
of  the  Gentiles  be  come  in,  and  the  remnant  of  the  Jews  converted  j 
until  antichrist  be  overthrown,  and  death  himself  fallen  before  the 
all-conquering  cross. 

3.  He  hath  remembered  his  mercy  and  truth  toward  the  house 
of  Israel:  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  hace  seen  the  saluaiion  of  our 
God. 

In  sending  the  Messiah,  God  showed  himself  mindful  of  the  pro- 
mises, which  "  mercy"  prompted  him  to  make,  and  "  truth"  re- 
quired him  to  perform.  These  promises  were  made  to  "  the  house 
of  Israel;"  to  the  lost  sheep  of  that  house,  Christ  declared  himself 
sent ;  and  the  apostles  oflered  salvation  first  to  the  Jews :  but  to 
them  it  was  never  intended  that  evangelical  blessings  should  be  con- 
fined. The  prophets  spake  in  plain  terms  of  the  call  of  the  Gen- 
tiles, who  were  to  be  adopted  into  the  holy  family,  and  made  the 
children  of  Abraham.  The  Gospel  was  accordingly  preached  to 
the  nations,  the  apostles  made  their  progress  through  the  world, 
and  '•  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  saw  the  salvation  of  God."  The 
Jews  fell  from  the  faith  of  their  fathers,  and,  to  this  day,  continue 
in  their  apostacy.  And  are  not  the  Gentiles,  in  their  turn,  falling 
away,  after  the  same  example  of  unbelief?  "  Remember,"  yet 
once  again,  O  Lord,  thy  "  mercy  and  truth  towards  the  house  of 
Israel ;"  yet  once  again  let  "  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  see  thy  sal- 
vation." 

4.  Make  a  joyful  noise  unto  the  Lord,  all  the  earth:  make  a  loud 
noise,  and  rejoice,  and  sing  praise.  5.  Sing  unto  the  Lono  with 
the  harp;  with  the  harp,  and  the  voice  of  a  psalm.  6.  With  trum- 
pets and  sound  of  cornet,  make  a  joyful  noise  before  the  Lord  the 
King. 

The  Psalmist,  beholding  in  spirit  the  accomplishment  of  the  pro- 
mises, the  advent  of  Christ,  and  the  glory  of  his  kingdom,  thinks 
it  criminal  in  any  creature  to  be  silent;  he  bids  the  whole  earth 
break  forth  into  joy,  and  exult  in  God  her  Saviour,  with  every 
token  of  gratitude  and  thankfulness;  with  voices,  and  instruments 
of  all  kinds,  in  perfect  harmony,  with  tempers  and  afiections  ac- 
cording in  like  manner,  men  are  enjoined  to  sound  aloud  the  praises 
.  of  their  great  Redeemer. 

7.  Let  the  sea  roar,  and  the  fulness  thereof;  the  world,  and 


420  A  COMMENTARY  Fsal.  XCIX. 

they  that  dwell  therein.  8.  Let  the  floods  clap  their  hands :  let 
the  hills  be  joyful  together,  9.  Before  the  Lord  ;  for  he  cometh 
to  Judge  the  earth :  with  righteousness  shall  he  judge  the  world, 
and  the  people  icith  equity. 

The  inanimate  parts  of  creation  are  called  upon  to  bear  their 
parts  in  the  new  song,  and  to  fill  up  the  universal  chorus  of  praise 
and  thanksgiving,  in  honour  of  him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne. 
Or,  perhaps,  the  converted  heathen  nations  are  intended  under  the 
figures  of  the  "  sea,"  the  "  rivers,"  and  "  the  hills,"  and  their  ex- 
ultations expressed  by  the  noise  of  many  waters,  their  beauty  and 
fruitfulness  by  those  of  the  hills,  when,  crowned  with  plenty,  they, 
as  it  were,  laugh  and  sing  at  the  approach  of  harvest.  The  sub- 
ject of  this  general  joy  is,  as  before,  in  Psalm  xcvi.  13.  the  advent 
of  Messiah  to  reform  the  world,  to  execute  judgment  upon  the 
wicked,  and  to  establish  a  kingdom  of  righteousness  upon  the  earth. 
We  expect  his  second  advent  to  restore  all  things,  to  judge  the 
world,  to  condemn  his  enemies,  and  to  begin  his  glorious  reign. 
Then  shall  heaven  and  earth  rejoice,  and  the  joy  of  the  redeemed 
shall  be  full. 


PSALM  XCIX. 


Under  images  borrowed  fVomtlie  old  dispensation,  the  Prophet  celebrates, 
1.  the  reign  of  Messiali,  and  the  submission  of  his  enemies;  2 — 4.  his 
exaltation,  holiness,  power,  and  justice;  which,  5.  men  are  exhorted  to 
acknowledge  and  adore.  6 — 9.  The  examples  of  Moses,  Aaron,  and 
Samuel,  are  introduced,  to  encourage  us  in  worshipping  and  serving  our 
God  and  Saviour. 

1.  TAe  Lord  reigneth;  let  the  people  tremble:  he  sitteth  he- 
tween  the  cherubims ;  let  the  earth  be  moved,  or,  bow. 

Jehovah  reigneth  in  the  Christian  church,  as  he  did  of  old  in 
the  Jewish  temple;  when  he  aj)peared  between  the  cherubims  in 
the  holy  of  holies,  in  the  form  and  likeness  of  a  man,  encompassed 
with  glory,  Ezek.  i.  26.  Numb.  vii.  89.  he  subdued  the  enemies 
of  Israel,  when  they  raged  most  furiously  against  his  people :  he 
will  also  bring  into  subjection  the  adversaries  of  the  Gospel,  and 
finally  render  us  victorious  over  the  powers  of  darkness.  The  pas- 
sions and  afiections  may  mutiny  and  rebel  j  but  if  Christ  reign  in 
the  heart  by  faith,  they  must  soon  tremble  and  submit. 

2.  The  Lord  is  great  in  Zion,  and  he  is  high  above  all  people. 
c.  Let  them  praise  thy  great  and  terrible  name;  for  it  is  holy. 

The  power  and  pre-eminence  of  the  Redeemer,  whom  no  crea- 


Day  XIX.  E.  V.  ON  THE  PSALIVIS.  421 

ture  is  able  to  resist,  are  reasons  why  all  should  sav(^  themselves, 
by  yielding  in  time  to  his  sceptre ;  by  taking  the  benefit  of  his  pro- 
tection, instead  of  incurring  his  displeasure;  by  "  praising  his 
great,  terrible,  and  holy  name,"  instead  of  suflering  the  almighty 
vengeance,  which  he  who  owns  that  name  can  inflict. 

4.  The  King- s  strength  also  loveth  judgment :  thou  dost  esta- 
blish equity;  thou  executest  judgment  and  righteousness  in  Jaeob. 
5.  Exalt  ye  the  Lord  our  God,  and  worship  at  his  footstool ;  for 
he  is  holy. 

For  although  the  "  strength''  of  our  King  be  infinite,  yet  is  it 
never  exerted  but  in  "  righteousness"  and  just  "  judgment,"  which 
are  his  delight;  they  compose  the  firm  basis  of  his  throne,  and  di- 
rect his  whole  administration.  Impenitent  rebels  must  feel  the 
weight  of  his  arm,  and  none  can  accuse  the  justice  of  their  punish- 
ment ;  but  in  all  other  cases,  he  is  "  mighty  only  to  save,"  Isa.  Ixiii. 
1.  This  holiness  of  his  proceedings,  this  due  temperament  of  jus- 
tice with  mercy,  the  redeemed  are  exhorted  toacknowledge  and  to 
proclaim,  falling  down  before  the  throne,  and  uttering  the  angelical 
trisagion,  "  Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  which  was, 
and  is,  and  is  to  come." 

G.  Moses  and  Aaron  among  his  priests,  or,  chief  rulers,  and 
Samuel  among  them  that  call  upon  his  name:  they  called  upon  the 
Lord,  and  he  answered  them.  7.  He  spake  unto  them  in  the 
cloudy  pillar :  they  kept  his  testimonies,  and  the  ordinances  that 
he  gave  them. 

To  encourage  the  faithful  in  the  worship  of  God,  the  examples 
of  Moses,  Aaron  and  Samuel,  are  adduced,  men  of  like  infirmities 
with  ourselves,  whose  prayers  were  heard  both  for  themselves  and 
others,  and  answers  were  returned  to  them  from  the  mystic  cloud, 
that  symbol  of  the  Divine  presence,  which,  for  a  while,  was  itine- 
rant with  the  camp  in  the  wilderness,  and  then  became  fixed  in 
the  tabernacle  at  Shiloh,  till  its  last  removal  to  mount  Sion.  These 
men  were  heard  through  the  intercession  of  the  great  Mediator, 
whom  they  represented.  Through  that  same  intercession,  our 
prayers  also  are  heard,  if  we  "  keep  his  testimonies,  and  the  ordi- 
nances that  he  hath  given  us." 

8.  Thou  answerest  them,  O  Lord  our  God:  thou  wast  a  God 
that  forgacest  them,  though  thou  tookest  vengeance  of  their  iii- 
ventions. 

The  construction  of  the  verse  seems  to  be  this :  "  O  Lord  our 
God,  thou  didst  hear  or  answer  them,"  that  is,  the  aforementioned 
typical  mediators,  Moses,  Aaron,  and  Samuel ;  "  thou  beramcst  a 
forbearuig  God  for  them,"  or,  at  their  intercession :  and  that,  even 


422  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.C. 

when  punislijng,  or,  when  thou  hadst  begun  to  punish  the  wicked 
deeds  of  them,  that  is,  not  of  Moses,  Aaron,  and  Samuel,  but  of  the 
people  who  had  transgressed,  and  for  whom  they  interceded.  This 
was  the  case,  when  Moses  interceded  for  the  idolaters,  Exod.  xxxii. 
32. ;  Aaron  for  the  schismatics.  Numb.  xvi.  47- ;  and  Samuel  for 
the  whole  nation,  1  Sam.  vii.  9-  "Pray  one  for  another,"  saith 
an  apostle  to  Christians,  "  that  ye  may  be  healed :  the  eflectual 
fei-vent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man  availcth  much,"  James  v.  16. 

9.  Exalt  the  Lord  our  God,  and  ioorship  at  his  holy  hill:  fur 
the  Lord  ovr  God  is  hob/. 

The  Psalmist  repeats  his  exhortation,  enforced  by  the  preceding 
exan^ples  of  IMoses,  Aaron,  and  Samuel,  and  again  invites  all  peo- 
ple to  worship  a  holy  God  in  a  holy  place,  and  to  adore  the  con- 
s<immate  rectitude  of  all  his  proceedings,  singing,  with  the  spirits 
above,  "  Great  and  marvellous  are  thy  works,  Lord  God  Almighty : 
just  and  true  are  thy  ways,  thou  King  of  saints,"  Rev,  xv.  S. 

PSALM  C. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  I'salmist  invites  all  (he  world  to  join  with  the  Israelites  in  tlie  service 
of  him  who  was  kind  and  gracious  to  them  beyond  expression.  Accord- 
ingly, we  Christians  now  properly  use  this  Psalm  in  acknowledgment  of 
God's  wonderful  love  to  us  in  Christ;  by  whom  we  offer  up  continually 
spiritual  sacrifices,  for  redeeming  us  by  the  sacrifice  which  he  made  of 
himself;  for  making  the  world  anew,  and  creating  us  a!:;ain  unto  good 
works  ;  according  to  his  faithful  j)romises,  which  we  may  depend  upon 
for  ever. — rAxiiicK. 

1.  Make  a  joyful  noise  unto  the  Lord,  all  ye  lands.  2.  Serve 
the  Lord  with  gladness:  come  before  his  presence  with  singing. 

The  prophet  addresseth  himself  to  "  all  lands,"  or  to  "  all  the 
earth ;"  to  Gentiles  as  well  as  Jews.  lie  exhorteth  them  to  "  make 
a  joyful  noise,  a  noise"  like  that  of  the  trum|)€ts  at  the  time  of  ju- 
bilee, a  sound  of  universal  triumph  and  exultation,  in  honour  of  Je- 
hovah, now  become  their  Lord  and  Saviour.  The  service  of  this 
our  Master  is  perfect  freedom;  it  is  a  service  of  love,  a  freedom 
from  Pharaoh  and  the  task-masters,  from  Satan  and  our  own  impe- 
rious lusts ;  it  is  a  redemption  from  the  most  cruel  bondage,  into 
the  glorious  liberty  of  the  sons  of  God.  Lot  us  therefore  do  as  we 
are  commanded  ;  let  us  "  serve  the  Lord  with  gladness ;"  and  when 
we  come  ^'  before  his  presence"  in  the  temple,  let  it  be  with  sing- 
ing to  the  [)raise  and  glory  of  our  Redeemer.  Thus  he  is  served 
in  heaven,  and  thus  he  delighteth  to  be  served  on  earth. 


UayXIX.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  423 

3.  Know  ye  that  the  Lord  he  is  God:  it  is  ho  that  hath  made 
us,  and  not  we  ourselves:  we  are  his  people,  and  the  sheep  of  his 
pasture:  or,  he  hath  made  us,  and  ive  are  his,*  his  people,  and 
the  sheep  of  his  pasture. 

The  motives  here  urged  for  serving  and  praising  Jehovah,  are 
tlie  same  with  those  above,  in  Psalm  xcv.  G,  7-  namely,  that  he  is 
"our  God,"  engaged  by  covenant  on  our  behalf;  that  his  hands 
created  us,  and  have  since  new  created  us ;  that  we  stand  in  the 
peculiar  relation  of  "  his  people,"  whom  he  hath  chosen  to  him- 
self, and  over  whom  he  jjrosideth  as  King;  that  we  are  '-the 
sheep  of  his  pasture,"  for  whom  the  good  Shepherd  laid  down  his 
life,  and  whom  he  nourishelh  by  the  word  and  sacraments  unto 
eternal  life.  These  are  points  which  every  Christian  ouglit  to 
know  and  believe,  unto  his  soul's  health.  And  whoever  doth  know 
them  aright,  will  ever  be  ready  with  heart  and  voice  to  obey  thp 
injunction  which  foUoweth  in  the  next  verse. 

4.  Enter  into  his  gates  with  thanksgicing,  and  into  his  courts 
7cith  praise :  he  thankful  unto  him,  and  bless  his  name. 

The  Christian  church  is  a  temple,  whose  "gates"  stand  continu- 
ally open  for  the  admission  of  the  nations  from  all  the  four  quarters 
of  the  world,  Rev.  xxi.  13.  25.  I«to  the  '-courts"  of  this  temple, 
which  are  now  truly  "  courts  of  the  Gentiles,"  all  men  are  invited 
to  come,  and  ofler  their  evangelical  sacrifices  of  "  confession  and 
praise ;"  to  express  their  gratitude  to  their  Saviour,  and  '■  bless"' 
his  gracious  and  hallowed  '•  name."  How  glorious  will  be  that  day 
which  shall  behold  the  everlasting  gates  of  heaven  lifting  up  their 
heads,  and  disclosing  to  view  those  courts  above,  into  which  tlie 
children  of  the  resurrection  are  to  enter,  there  with  angels  and 
archangels  to  dwell  and  sing  for  evermore  ! 

D.  For  the  Lord  is  good;  his  mercy  is  everlasting ;  and  his 
truth  endureth  to  all  generations. 

'•  Jehovah  is  good;"  he  is  the  source  of  all  beauty  and  perfec- 
lion  in  the  creature;  how  altogether  lovely  must  he  needs  be  in 
himself!  "  His  mercy  is  everlasting,"  extending  through  time  into 
eternity;  "and  his  truth,"  or  fidelity,  in  accomplishing  his  pro- 
mises, "'  endureth  to  all  generations,"  evidenced  to  the  whole  race 
of  mankind  from  Adam  to  his  last  born  son.  The  Psalms,  which 
'■elebratc  these  attributes,  will  never,  therefore,  be  out  of  date,  but. 


■  "  I  am  pcrsu.idcd  that  the  Masoretical  rorrcctioa  T7I  (and  we  are  hi^) 
IS  ri'jht:  the  ronstniction  and  parallelism  both  favour  it."  Bishop  Loicth. 
V  correspondent  sugq:ests — Might  not  the  clause  be  rendered  int<Tro^afivply 

•  Nr''  not  wo  hi*  people,  and  the  sheep  of  his  pasture  '" 


424  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CI. 

each  successive  generation  will  chant  them  with  fresh  propriety, 
and  fresh  delight,  until  by  saints  and  angels  they  are  sung  new  in 
(he  kingdom  of  God. 

PSALM  CI. 

ARGUMENT- 

in  the  person  of  David,  advanced  to  the  throne  of  Israel,  we  hear  King  Mes- 
siah declaring  how  he  intended  to  walk,  and  to  govern  his  household  the 
church,  and  also  describing  the  qualifications  which  he  should  require  in 
his  ministers  and  servants. 

1.  I  will  sing  of  mercy  and  judgment :  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  will 
I  sing. 

David,  having  determined  to  sing  unto  Jehovah,  chooseth  for 
his  theme  "  mercy  and  judgment :"  either  that  mercy  which  God 
had  shown  to  him,  and  that  judgment  which  had  been  inflicted  on 
his  enemies;  or  else,  that  upright  administration  of  mercy  and 
judgment,  with  which  he  himself  intended  to  bless  his  people.  The 
righteous  administration  of  mercy  and  judgment  in  the  kingdom 
of  Messiah,  is  a  topic  on  which  his  subjects  always  expatiate  with 
pleasure  and  profit.  His  mercy  encourageth  the  greatest  of  sin- 
ners to  hope;  his  judgments  forbid  the  best  of  men  to  presume. 

2.  1 7vill  behave  myself  loisely  in  a  perfect  way.  0  when  unit 
thou  come  tmto  me  ?  I  will  loalk  within  my  house  with  a  perfect 
heart. 

In  return  for  the  favours  of  Heaven,  we  hear  the  Israelitish  mo- 
narch declaring  his  resolution  to  set  his  court  and  kingdom  an  ex- 
ample of  true  wisdom,  and  unshaken  integrity  ;  at  the  same  time, 
sighing  for  that  visitation  of  divine  grace,  which  alone  could  enable 
him  to  put  his  resolution  in  practice — "  O  when  wilt  thou  come 
unto  me  ?"  This  was  ever  the  voice  of  the  church,  longing  for  the 
presence  of  God  in  human  nature,  "  O  when  wilt  thou  come  unto 
me  ?"  And  this  must  ever  be  the  wish  of  a  Christian,  who  knoweth 
that  though  in  himself  he  be  nothing,  yet  that  he  can  do  all  things 
through  Christ,  who  strengtheneth  him  by  his  Spirit  in  the  inner 
man.  Messiah  was  the  only  King  of  Israel  whose  life  held  forth 
to  his  subjects  a  perfect  pattern  of  wisdom  and  righteousness,  and 
whose  death  procured  them  grace,  in  their  different  measures  and 
degrees,  to  follow  it. 

3.  /  ioill  set  no  wicked  thing  before  mine  eyes :  I  hate  the  work 
of  them  that  turn  aside;  it  shall  not  cleave  unto  me. 

"  I  will  set  no  wicked  thing  before  mine  eyes ;"  that  isj  I  will  not 


Day  XIX.  E.  p.        ON  THL  PSALMS.  42;-> 

propose  to  mysell',  or  liiink  of  carrying  into  execution,  any  iniciuilous 
scheme  of  politics,  however  advantageous  and  tempting  it  niiiy  ap- 
pear; I  will  turn  away  my  eyes  and  my  attention,  and  reject  it  at 
once :  '•  I  hate  the  work  of  tiiein  that  turn  aside ;"  of  them  who, 
in  their  counsels  and  their  actions,  deviate  from  the  Divine  law,  to 
serve  their  o^n  interest :  ''  it  shall  not  cleave  unto  me ;"  no  such 
corrupt  principle  shall  adhere  to  my  soul,  or  fnid  a  place  in  my 
affections.  How  noble  a  resolution  for  a  king  to  make;  but  how 
dilficult  a  one  for  a  king  to  keep?  Thou  only,  O  King  of  Righte- 
ousness, didst  never  set  any  wicked  thing  before  thine  eyes;  thou 
«nly  hadst  a  perfect  aversion  to  tlie  ways  of  transgressors. 

4.  A  froward  heart  shall  depart  from  me ^  I  icill  not  knoio  a 
wicked  person. 

As  is  the  king,  so  will  be  the  court ;  as  is  the  master  of  the 
house,  such  will  be  those  of  his  household.  David,  having  re- 
solved to  "  walk  within  his  house  with  a  perfect,''  a  sincere  and  up- 
right '•'  heart,''  determines  at  the  same  time  to  expel  from  thence  all 
whose  hearts  were  perverted  and  depraveil ;  as  he  would  '*  set  no 
wicked  thing  before  his  eyes,''  so  neither  would  he  form  any  con- 
nexions with  '•  wicked  persons;"'  they  should  not  be  of  his  ac- 
quaintance, much  less  should  they  be  his  favourites.  In  the  same 
manner  speaketh  our  heavenly  King,  w  ith  regard  to  the  appoint- 
ment of  his  ministers  and  servants — '•  I  know  you  not,  whence  you 
are;  depart  from  me,  all  ye  workers  of  iniquity,"  Luke  xiii.  27. 

b.  Whoso  privili/  slandercth  his  neighbour,  him  will  I  cut  off: 
him  that  hath  an  high  loo/:,  and  a  proud ^  or,  extended,  om^Z  there 
fore  insatiable  heart,  icill  not  I  suffer. 

Detraction,  ambition,  and  avarice,  are  throe  weeds  which  spring 
and  flourish  in  the  rich  soil  of  a  court.  The  Psalmist  declareth 
his  i-esolution  to  undertake  the  difficult  task  of  eradicating  them, 
for  the  benefit  of  his  people,  that  Israelites  might  not  be  harassed 
by  informers,  or  oppressed  by  insolent  and  rapacious  ministers. 
Shall  we  imagine  these  vices  less  odious  in  the  eyes  of  that  King, 
whose  character  was  composed  of  humility  and  charity :  or  will 
Christ  adnnt  those  tempers  into  the  court  of  heaven,  which  David 
determined  to  exclude  from  his  court  upon  earth  ? 

G.  Mine  eyes  shall  be  upon  the  faithful  of  the  land,  that  they 
may  dwell  with  me:  he  that  walketh  in  a  perfect  loay,  he  shall 
serve  me. 

The  '-ej-es''  of  princes  cannot  be  better  employed,  than  in  look- 
ing around  them,  in  order  to  choose  from  among  their  own  subjects, 
fit  and  able  men  to  transact  the  public  business ;  men  of  inviolable 
•■  fidelity"  and  unshaken  integrity;  men  who  know  li<>w  to  think 
.0  1 


426  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CII 

aright,  and  how  to  speak  what  they  thhik ;  men  likewise  who 
"  walk  in  the  perfect  way"  of  holiness,  who  do  not  disgrace  their 
poUtics  by  their  lives,  or  prejudice  their  master's  cause  by  their  sins, 
more  than  they  can  ever  advance  it  by  their  abihties.  Bishops 
may  be  called  the  eyes  of  Christ;  they  are  to  overlook  his  people, 
and  we  pray  him  at  the  seasons  of  ordination,  "  so  to  guide  and 
govern  their  minds,  that  they  may  faithfully  and  wisely  make 
choice  of  fit  persons  to  serve  in  the  sacred  ministry  of  the  church.'' 

7.  He  that  worketh  deceit  shall  not  dwell  within  my  house:  he 
that  telleth  lies  shall  not  tarry  in  my  sight. 

To  purge  a  court  of  "  deceit  and  falsehood,"  was  a  resolution 
worthy  king  David,  worthy  the  representative  of  him  who  styleth 
himself  the  truth,  from  whose  heavenly  palace  and  city  will  be 
for  ever  excluded,  as  St.  John  informeth  us,  "  whosoever  loveth 
and  maketh  a  lie,"  Rev..xxii.  15. 

8.  I  icill  early  destroy  all  the  wicked  of  the  land,  that  I  may 
cut  off  all  wicked  doers  from  the  city  of  the  Lord. 

Every  earthly  prince  should  consider  himself  as  raised  to  a 
throne,  and  invested  with  power, ''  for  the  punishment  of  wickedness 
and  vice,  and  the  maintenance  of  God's  true  religion  and  virtue." 
"  Early,"  therefore,  in  the  "  morning"  of  his  reign,  he  should  set 
about  the  work  of  reformation,  that  so  the  blessings  of  heaven  may 
descend  upon  himself  and  his  people,  according  to  the  infallible 
promises  of  the  iMost  High.  And  let  each  individual,  in  like  man- 
ner, and  for  the  same  reason,  be  zealous  and  diligent  to  reform  his 
own  heart  and  ways,  ever  mindful  of  that  future  most  awful  morn- 
ing, when  the  King  of  Righteousness  shall  cut  off,  with  the  sword  of 
eternal  judgment,  all  wicked  doers  from  that  city  of  Jehovah,  the 
new  and  heavenly  Jerusalem. 

TWENTIETH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER 
PSALM  CII. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm  is  entitled,  "  A  pr.iycr  of  the  afflirted,  when  he  is  overwhelmed, 
and  pouretli  out  his  complaint  before  tlie  Lord."  It  seems  to  have  been 
written  dining  tiie  captivity,  by  one  of  the  prophets,  who,  like  Daniel  \n 
parallel  circumstances,  1,  2.  maketh  supplication  before  his  Godj  3 — 1] 
setteth  forth,  in  the  most  affecting  strains,  his  wretched  and  sorrowful 
estate,  or  rather,  perhaps,  that  of  Jerusalem,  which  he  personates;  12. 
he  comfortcth  himself,  by  reflecting  on  the  eternity  and  immutability  of 
Jehovah ;  13 — 24.  he  predicteth  and  describeth  the  restoration  of  Sion, 
with  her  enlargement  by  the  accession  of  the  Gentiles,  when  Messiah 


Dav  XX.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  427 

sliall  have  visited  and  redeemed  her ;  23.  24.  he  returneth  ao:ain  to  his 
laiiiontuliuiis  ;  but,  25 — 28.  again  reposeth  his  confidence  on  him  wlio 
created  all  things,  and  who  would  not  tail  to  make  good  his  «ord  and 
promise,  if  not  to  tlic  generation  then  present,  yet  to  their  posterity 
This  is  the  filth  of  those  styled  Penitential  Psalms  ;  and  St.  Paul,  Ileb. 
i.  10.  hath  asserted,  that  it  is  addressed  to  the  eternal  Son  of  God,  and 
Saviour  of  the  world. 

1 .  Hear  my  prayer,  O  Loud,  atid  let  my  cry  come  unto  thee. 
2.  Hide  not  thy  face  from  me  in  the  day  when  I  am  in  trouble; 
incline  thine  ear  u7ito  me:  in  the  day  wlieii  I  call  answer  mt 
fipcedily. 

Sin  and  sorrow  force  prayers  and  cries  from  the  sons  of  Adam, 
The  first  petition  here  preferred  is,  that  these  prayers  and  cries 
may  be  '.'  heard''  in  iieaven.  The  day  of  hiniian  Hfe  is  a  "  day 
of  trouble,"  a  day  of  darkness  and  gloominess,  which  nothing  can 
brighten  but  the  light  of  God's  countenance;  nothing  can  render 
comfortable  but  a  "  speedy  answer"  of  mercy  and  peace  from  above. 

3.  For  my  days  are  consumed  like,  or,  in,  smoke,  and  my  bones 
nre  burnt  as  an  hearth,  or,  a  fire-brand. 

The  eftects  of  extreme  grief  on  the  human  frame  are  compared 
to  those  which  lire  produceth  upon  fuel.  It  exhausts  the  radical 
moisture,  and,  by  so  doing,  soon  consumes  the  substance.  A 
man's  time  and  his  strength  evaporate  in  melancholy,  and  his 
i)ones,  those  pillars  and  supports  of  his  body,  become  Uke  wood, 
on  which  the  fire  hath  done  its  work,  and  left  it  without  sap,  and 
without  cohesion.  A  single  penitent,  or  a  whole  church,  bewailing 
their  respective  transgressions,  when  under  the  rod  of  God,  may 
use  these  words,  and  will  understand  the  force  of  them. 

4.  My  heart  is  smitten,  and  withered  like  grass  ;  so  that  I  for- 
get to  eat  my  bread. 

The  metaphor  is  continued,  and  the  heart  itself,  out  of  which 
flow  the  streams  of  life,  is  represented  as  suflering  that  from  grief, 
which  the  grass  of  the  field  suffers  from  the  burning  heat  of  the 
sun :  it  is  "  smitten  and  withered."  And  when  grief  hath  thus 
dejected  the  spirits,  the  nian  has  no  appetite  for  that  food  which 
is  to  recruit  and  elevate  them.  Ahab,  smitten  witii  one  kind  of 
grief,  David  with  another,  Daniel  with  a  third,  all  "  forgot"  or  re- 
fused "to  eat  their  bread,"  1  Kings  xxi.  4.  2  Sam.  xii.  l6.  Dan. 
X.  3.     Such  natural  companions  are  mourning  and  fasting. 

5.  By  reason  of  the  voice  of  my  groaning  my  bones  cleave  to 
my  skin. 

Extremity  of  sorrow  causeth  the  flesh  to  waste,  and  the  bones  to 
j)ress  upon  the  skin,  through  which  they  are  ready  to  force  their 
way.     Sickness  is  the  chastisement  of  Heaven,  inflicted  often  upon 


428  A  COMIMKNTARY  Psal.  CII. 

us  to  supply  the  want  of  that  disciphne  which  we  should  exercise 
upon  ourselves.  "  For  if  we  would  judge  ourselves,  we  should  not 
be  judged.  But  when  we  are  judged,  we  are  chastened  of  the  Lord, 
that  we  should  not  be  condemned  with  the  world,"  1  Cor.  xi.  31. 

6.  I  am  like  the  pelican  of  the  wilderness  ;  I  am  like  an  owl, 
or,  bittern,  of  the  desert,  or,  of  waste  ruinous  places.  7-  I  watch, 
and  am  as  a  sparroio  alone  upon  the  house-top. 

The  sorrowful  man  is  naturally  desirous  of  retiring  from  the 
world,  to  vent  his  complaints  in  solitude,  and  to  pass  the  nights  in 
Avatchfulness  and  prayer.  In  such  a  situation  the  true  penitent 
placeth  himself,  worthily  to  bewail  his  sins,  and  deprecate  the 
judgments  of  his  God,  And  in  such  a  situation  did  captivity  place 
the  daughter  of  Zion,  that  she  might  do  likewise.  The  use  which 
Daniel  made  of  it  for  this  purpose  may  be  seen  in  the  ninth  chap- 
ter of  his  book. 

8.  Mine  enemies  reproach  me  all  the  day ;  and  they  that  are 
mad  against  me  are  sioorn  against  me. 

The  scoffs  and  reproaches  of  men  are  generally  added  to  the 
chastisements  of  God;  or  rather,  perhaps,  are  a  part,  and  some- 
times the  bitterest  part  of  them.  How  the  enemies  of  Jerusalem 
behaved  in  the  day  of  her  calamity  is  well  known.  How  carnal 
and  ungodly  men  behave  to  a  penitent,  when  mourning  for  his 
sins  under  the  afflicting  hand  of  Heaven,  is  as  well  known. 

9.  For,  or,  therefore,  I  have  eaten  ashes  like  h'ead,  and  mingled 
my  drink  with  weepitig.  1 0.  Because  of  thine  indignation  and  thy 
wrath:  for  thou  hast  lifted  me  up,  and  cast  me  down. 

By  "  eating  ashes,  and  drinking  tears,"  we  may  understand  the 
same  as  if  it  had  been  said,  "  I  have  eaten  the  bread  of  humilia- 
tion, and  drank  the  water  of  affliction ;"  ashes  being  the  emblem 
of  the  one,  and  tears  the  consequence  of  the  other ;  while  the  ac- 
tions of  eating  and  drinking  intimate  to  us  the  fulness  and  satiety 
which  the  sufferer  had  experienced  of  both,  from  "  the  wrath  and 
indignation  of  God."  Prosperity  and  adversity  are  from  him; 
'"  he  liftcth  up,  and  he  casteth  down ;"  he  lifted  up  Jerusalem  above 
all  the  earth,  and  cast  her  down  to  be  trodden  under  foot  by  the 
Gentiles. 

11.  My  days  are  like  a  shadow  that  declincth ;  and  lam  7vi- 
ihered  like  grass.  12.  But  thou,  O  Lord,  shall  endure  for  ever; 
and  thy  remembrance  iinto  all  generations. 

A  "  shadow"  never  continueth  in  one  stay,  but  is  still  gliding 
imperceptibly  on,  lengthening  as  it  goes,  and  at  last  vanisheth  into 
darkness.  The  period  of  its  existence  is  limited  to  a  day  at  far- 
thest.    The  rising  sun  gives  it  birtli,  and  in  that  moment  when  the 


Day  XX.  M.  p.  0.\  THE  PSALMS.  429 

sun  sets  it  is  no  more.  The  "  grass"'  of  the  field,  in  like  man- 
ner hath  a  bcinij  of  the  same  duration.  In  the  morning,  clothed 
with  verdure  and  beauty,  it  refrcsheth  and  deli<:htetii  the  rye  t.t 
the  beholder;  but  the  evening  fnideth  it  cut  down,  dried  up,  and 
withered.  Such  is  the  life  of  man,  sojourning  in  this  land  of  his 
captivity,  and  doing  penance  for  his  sins,  liut  the  eternity  of  Je- 
hovah, the  infallibility  of  his  promises,  and  the  remembrance  of  his 
former  works  and  mercies,  comfort  our  hearts,  and  encourage  us 
to  hope,  nav,  even  to  rejoice,  in  the  midst  of  sorrow  and  tribulation. 

13.  Thou  ahalt  arise,  and  hare  mcrci/  upon  Zion:  for  the  time 
to  favour  her,  yea,  the  set  time  is  come.  14.  For  thij  servants 
take  pleasure  in  her  stones,  and  favour  the  dust  thereof. 

From  this  passage,  and  what  follows,  it  appears,  that  the  suppli- 
ant, in  this  Psalm,  bewails  not  only  his  own  miseries,  but  those  of 
the  church.  Israel  was  in  captivity,  and  Sion  a  desolation.  A 
"time"  notwithstanding,  a  '-set  time"  there  was  at  hand,  when 
God  had  promised  to  "  arise  and  to  have  mercy  upon  her."  The 
bowels  of  her  children  yearned  over  her  ruins :  they  longed  to  see 
her  rebuilt,  and  were  ready,  whenever  the  word  of  command  should 
be  given,  to  set  heart  and  hand  to  the  blessed  work.  Such  ought 
to  be  our  affection  towards  our  Sion,  however  aillicted  and  desti- 
tute she  may  at  any  time  appear  to  be ;  such  should  be  our  faith 
in  the  promises  of  God  concerning  the  future  glorification  of  his 
church,  at  the  time  appointed. 

15.  So  the  heathen  shall  fear  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  all  the 
kings  of  the  earth  thy  glory.  l6.  When  the  Lord  shall  build 
up  Zion,  he  shall  appear  in  his  glory.  17.  He  will  regard  the 
prayer  of  the  destitute,  and  not  despise  their  prayer. 

The  object  to  which  the  ])ropliets  of  old  had  chiefly  respect,  was 
not  only  the  deliverance  of  Israel  from  Babylon,  and  the  reburld- 
ing  of  the  material  temple,  but  the  salvation  of  sinners,  and  the 
erection  of  the  Christian  church  in  the  days  of  Messiah's  king- 
dom. "  When  the  Lord"  Jesus  thus  "  built  up  Sion,  he  appeared 
in  his  glory ;  the  heathen  feared  his  name,  and  all  the  kings  of  the 
earth"  adored  his  niajcsty,  because  he  had  '•  regarded  the  prayer  of 
the  destitute"  sons  of  Adam,  in  their  worse  than  P)abylonish  capti- 
vity, and  had  arisen  himself  to  be  their  Saviour  and  mighty  Deli- 
verer. We  in  these  latter  days  look  and  pray  for  tiie  second  ap- 
pearance of  the  same  Redeemer,  with  power  and  great  glory,  to 
raise  the  dead,  and  to  build  up  from  the  dust  a  Jerusalem  which 
shall  experience  no  more  vicissitudes,  but  continue  for  ever  in  un- 
.  hangeable  beauty  and  brightness. 


430  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CII. 

18.  This  shall  he  written  for  the  generation  to  come  ;  and  the 
jieojjle  lohich  shall  be  created  shall  praise  the  Lor.D. 

The  history  of  "this"'  redemption  and  restoration  by  Messiah, 
thus  foretold,  had  been  '•  written"  in  tlie  Gospel  for  the  benefit  of 
"  after  generations,"  to  the  end  that  "  the  people  who  are  created" 
anew  in  Christ  Jesus,  may  from  age  to  age  praise  Jehovah,  in 
psalms,  and  hymns,  and  spiritual  songs;  as  it  is  done  at  this  day  ia 
the  church,  and  ever  will  continue  to  be  done,  till  the  choirs  of  hea- 
ven and  earth  shall  be  united  before  the  throne  of  the  Lamb. 

19.  For  he  hath  looked  down  from  the  height  of  his  sanctuary  ; 
froia  heaven  did  the  Lord  behold  the  earth;  20.  To  hear  the 
groaning  of  the  prisoner;  to  loose  those  that  are  appointed  to 
death  ;  21.  To  declare  the  name  of  the  Lord  in  Zion,  and  his 
praise  in  Jerusalem  ;  22.  When  the  people  are  gathered  together, 
and  the  kingdoms,  to  serve  the  Lord. 

Redemption  is  the  subject  of  praise  in  the  Christian  church  ;  and 
the  process  of  that  great  work  is  here  described  by  images  borrowed 
from  the  temporal  deliverance  and  restoration  of  Israel.  God  is 
represented  as  looking  with  an  eye  of  pity  from  heaven  upon  poor 
mankind  ;  as  hearing  the  groans  of  sinners,  fast  bound  in  the  chains 
of  their  sins,  and  sentenced  to  death  eternal;  as  coming  down  to 
forgive  and  release  them  ;  that  being  so  forgiven  and  released,  they 
might  cause  the  church  to  resound  with  his  praises,  when,  upon 
the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  it  should  be  filled  with  converts,  as- 
sembled from  every  people  and  kingdom  of  the  world.  Look 
down,  O  Lord  Jesus,  yet  once  again  upon  thy  servants,  still  under 
the  dominion  of  death,  and  the  bondage  of  corruption  ;  loose  these 
chains,  even  these  also,  O  Lord,  and  bring  us  forth  into  the  glo- 
rious liberty  of  thy  children;  that  with  the  whole  assembly  of  the 
redeemed,  in  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  we  may  bless  and  praise  thy 
name  for  ever  and  ever. 

23.  He  iceakened  my  strength  in  the  ivay  ;  he  shortened  my  days. 

The  prophet,  in  the  person  of  captive  Sion,  having  from  verse 
13,  to  verse  22,  expressed  his  faith  and  hope  in  the  promised  re- 
demption, now  returns  to  his  mournful  complaints,  as  at  verse  11. 
Israel  doubteth  not  of  God's  veracity,  but  feareth  lest  his  heavy 
hand  should  crush  the  generation  then  in  being  before  they  should 
behold  the  expiration  of  their  troubles.  They  were  in  "  the  way," 
but  their  '■'  strength  was  so  weakened,"  and  their  "  days  shortened," 
that  they  almost  flespaired  of  holding  out  to  their  journey's  end. 
A.  sore  trial  hath  the  Christian  church  to  undergo  in  the  last  days, 
before  the  second  advent  of  her  Lord  and  Saviour.     Strong  faith 


Dav  XX.  INI.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  >  431 

and  invincible  patience  will  be  necessary  to  enable  her  to  iiuUirc 
until  the  end  shall  come. 

24.  And  I  said,  O  my  God,  take  me  not  away  in  the  midi>t  of 
my  dai/s:  tin/  years  are  thmngltoiit  all  generations. 

Israel  prayeth  that  the  holy  seed  might  not  be  extirpated,  and 
perish  by  a  kind  of  untimely  death,  ere  yet  the  promise  had  been 
made  good,  and  Sion  had  seen  the  salvation  of  her  God.  Every 
man  hath  reason  to  pray,  that  God  would  "  not  take  him  away  in 
the  midst  of  his  days,"  or  call  upon  him  when  unprepared ;  but 
that  time  may  be  allowed  him,  to  perfect  his  re})entancc,  and  to 
work  out  his  salvation. 

25.  Of  old  hast  thou  laid  the  foundation  of  the  earth  ;  and  the 
heavens  are  the  tcork  of  thy  hands.  26.  They  shall  perish,  hut 
thou  shall  endure  ;  yea,  all  of  them  shall  wax  old  like  a  garment : 
as  a  vesture  shall  thou  change  them,  and  they  shall  he  changed: 
2J.   But  thou  art  the  same,  and  thy  years  shall  have  no  end. 

Amidst  the  changes  and  chances  of  this  mortal  life,  one  topic 
of  consolation  will  ever  remain,  namely,  the  eternity  and  immuta- 
bility of  God  our  Saviour;  of  him  who  was,  and  is,  and  is  to 
come.  Kingdoms  and  empires  may  rise  and  fall ;  nay,  the  hea- 
vens and  the  earth,  as  they  were  originally  produced  and  formed 
by  the  Word  of  God,  the  Son,  or  second  Person  in  the  Trinity, 
to  whom  the  Psalmist  here  addresseth  himself;  (see  Heb.  i.  10.) 
so  will  they  at  the  day  appointed,  be  folded  up,  and  laid  aside,  as 
an  old  and  worn-out  garment ;  or,  if  the  substance  remain,  the  pre- 
sent form  and  fashion  of  them  will  perish,  and  they  will  be  utterly 
changed  and  altered  from  the  state  in  which  they  now  are.  But 
Jehovah  is  ever  the  same:  his  years  have  no  end,  nor  can  his 
promise  fail,  any  more  than  himself.  "  Heaven  and  eartli,"  saitli 
he,  "  shall  pass  away;  but  my  words  shall  not  pass  away,"  JMatt. 
xxiv.  3:3. 

28.  The  children  of  thy  servants  shall  continue,  and  their  seed 
shall  he  estahlisked  hefore  thee. 

Whatever  be  the  fate  of  the  present  generations,  whether  they 
may  live  to  see  the  accomplishment  of  all  that  has  been  foretold 
or  not,  yet  the  word  of  God  standeth  sure;  there  shall  be  always 
a  church,  and  a  holy  seed,  to  whom  the  promises  shall  be  made 
good.  They  have  already  been  fulfdled  with  regard  to  the  advent 
of  Messiah,  and  the  vocation  of  the  Gentiles.  The  events  which 
are  behimi,  will  be  brought  forward  and  come  to  pass  in  their  sea- 
sons, until  the  counsel  of  God  shall  be  finished,  and  every  predic- 
tion receive  its  full  accouiplishmcnt  in  the  glorification  of  the  nv 
deemed. 


432  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CIII. 

PSALM  CIII. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  this  evangelical  and  most  comfortable  hymn,  Davitl,  after,  1,  2.  exciting: 
himself  to  the  work,  3 — 5.  praiseth  Jehovah  for  the  mercies  of  redemp- 
tion ;  6,  7.  cclebrateth  his  goodness  to  Moses  and  Israel ;  8 — 13.  scttcth 
forth  the  Divine  philanthropy,  under  various  beautiful  expressions  and 
images ;  14 — 16.  describeth,  in  a  manner  wonderfully  aflecting,  man's 
frail  and  perishable  state;  but,  17,  18.  leadeth  him,  for  consolation,  to 
the  everlasting  mercy  of  God  in  Christ,  the  stability  of  whose  throne  and 
kingdom,  19.  he  declareth,  and,  20 — 22.  calleth  upon  heaven  and  earth 
to  join  with  him  in  blessing  and  praising  bis  holy  name. 

1.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul;  and  all  that  is  loith'm  me,  bless 
Ms  holy  name. 

The  Psalmist,  about,  to  ulter  a  song  of  praise,  fust  endeavours  to 
awaken  and  stir  up  his  "soul"  to  the  joyful  task.  He  calleth  forth 
all  his  powers  and  faculties,  "  all  that  is  within  him,"'  that  every 
part  of  his  frame  may  glorify  its  Saviour ;  that  the  understanding 
may  know  him,  the  will  choose  him,  tlie  affections  delight  in  him, 
the  heart  believe  in  him,  and  the  tongue  confess  him.  "  Bless  the 
Lord,  O  my  soul ;  and  all  that  is  within  me  bless  his  holy  name." 

2.  Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul,  and  forget  not  allhis  benefits. 
Thanksgiving  cannot  be  sincere  and  hearty,  unless  a  man  bear 

impressed  upon  his  mind,  at  the  time,  a  quick  sense  of  "benefits" 
received;  and  benefits  we  are  most  apt  to  "forget;"  those  espe- 
cially, which  are  conferred  upon  us  by  God.  Therefore  David  re- 
peateth  his  self-awakening  call,  and  summoneth  all  his  powers  of 
recollection,  that  none  of  the  Divine  favours  might  continue  unno- 
ticed and  unacknowledged.  A  catalogue  of  such  particular  mer- 
cies, temporal  and  spiritual,  as  each  individual  hath  experienced 
through  life,  might  be  of  service  to  refresh  the  memory  upon  this 
important  head. 

3.  Who  forgivcth  all  thine  iniquities;  who  hcaleth  all  thine  in- 
Jirmities. 

At  the  head  of  God's  mercies  must  for  ever  stand  "  remission  of 
sin,"  or  that  full  and  free  pardon  purchased  for  us  by  Jesus  Christ, 
whereby,  if  we  truly  repent  and  believe  in  him,  our  transgressions, 
though  ever  so  many,  and  ever  so  great,  are  done  away,  and  be- 
come as  if  they  had  never  been ;  from  a  state  of  guilt  we  pass  into 
one  of  justification,  from  a  state  of  enmity  into  one  of  reconcilia- 
tion, from  a  state  of  servitude  into  one  of  liberty  and  sonship.  Next 
to  the  pardon  of  sin,  considered  as  a  crime,  we  are  to  commemo- 
rate the  cure  of  it,  considered  as  a  disease,  or  indeed  as  u  compli- 


Day  XX.  INI.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  433 

cktion  of  diseases — "Who  l»(?alctli  all  thine  infirmities."'  The 
body  cxpericnceth  the  melancholy  consequences  of  Adam's  oflV-nce, 
and  is  subject  to  mai^  infirmities,  but  the  soul  is  subject  to  as  many. 
What  is  pride,  bli^lunacy  ?  what  is  anger,  but  a  fever  ?  what  is 
avarice,  but  a  dropsy  ?  what  is  lust,  but  a  leprosy  ?  what  is  sloth, 
but  a  dead  palsy?  Perhaps  there  are  spiritual  maladies  similar  to 
all  corporeal  oneS.  ^■^When  Jesus  Christ  was  upon  earth,  he  proved 
himself  the  Physician  of  men's  souls  Ijy  the  cures  wliich  he  wrought 
upon  their  bodies.  It  is  he  alone  who  **  forgiveth  all  our  iniqui- 
ties ;"  it  is  he  alone  who  "  healeth  all  our  infirmities."  And  the 
person  who  findcth  his  sin  cured,  hath  a  well-grounded  assurance 
that  it  is  forgiven. 

4.  jr/io  rcdcenicth  thy  life  from  destruction;  who  crowneth, 
or,  encirclcth,  thee  with  loving-kindncHs  and  tender  mercies. 

Man  hath  two  lives;  he  is  therefore  subject  to  a-double  destruc- 
tion; and,  consequently,  capable  of  a  twofold  redemption.  He," 
who  is  recovered  from  sickness,  and  thereby  <•'  redeemed"  from 
that  "  destruction"  which  natural  death  bringeth  upon  the  body, 
will  undoubtedly  sing  this  strain  in  transports  of  gratitude;  and  he 
ought  so  to  do.  But  what  will  be  the  sensations  of  him,  who  cele- 
brates, in  the  same  words,  the  spiritual  redemption  of  his  soul 
from  death  and  destruction  everlasting?  How  is  he  "crowned" 
with  the  "  loving-kindness"  of  Jehovah,  iiow  is  he  encircled  by  the 
arms  of  mercy  !  "  Length  of  days  is  in  her  right  hand,  and  in  her 
left  hand  riches  and  honour;"  never-ending  length  of  days;  true 
riches  that  abide  for  ever  :  and  the  honour  which  cometh  from  God 
only. 

5.  Who  satisfieth  thy  mouth  toifh  goodihrngs  ;  so  that  thy  youth 
is  renewed  like  the  eaglets. 

It  is  God  who  givcth  us  the  "  good  things"  of  this  world,  and 
who  giveth  us  likewise  an  appetite  and  a  taste  to  enjoy  them.  It  is 
God  who  restoreth  a  body,  emaciated  by  sickness,  to  bloom,  vi- 
gour, and  agility.  And  he  doth  greater  things  than  these  :  He 
"satisfieth"  all  the  desires  of  the  soul  with  a  banquet  of  spiritual 
dainties,  and  bestoweth  on  her  a  relish  for  the  same.  By  the  re- 
novating power  of  his  Spirit,  he  restoreth  her  from  decrepitude  to 
the  health  and  strength  of  a  young  '•  eagle  ;"*  so  that  she  can  as- 

*  Of  all  birds  it  is  known,  that  thoy  liave  yearly  their  moulting  times, 
when  thfv  shed  their  old,  and  are  aiVesli  liirnishcd  with  a  new  stock  ol 
feathers.  'This  is  most  obseivable  of  hawks  and  vultures,  and  especially  of 
"eagles,"  which  when  they  are  near  a  hundred  years  old,  cast  their  lea- 
thers, and  become  balil,  and  like  youn!^  ones,  and  then  new  feathers  sprout 
forth.  Thus  St.  Ambrose,  "  Aqnila  longamiftatem  ducit,  duni  vPluMis  plu- 
mis  fatisccutibus,  nova  petmarum  succes«ione  juvenescit.'    Dr.  IlammonJ. 


434  A  COiMMENTARY  Psal.  CIII. 

cend  up  oh  high,  and  contemplate  the  splendour  of  the  Son  of  righ- 
teousness. Thus,  at  the  day  of  the  resurrection,  clothed  anew  witli 
salvation  and  glory,  the  body  likewise  shall  arise  from  earth,  and 
fly  away  as  an  eagle  towards  heaven,  to  begin  an  immortal  life, 
and  be  for  ever  young. 

6.  The  Lord  executeth  righteousness  and  judgment  for  all  that 
are  oppressed.  7-  He  made  hioion  his  ways  unto  Dioses,  his  acifi 
unto  the  children  of  Israel. 

From  a  consideration  of  his  own  particular  case,  the  Psalmist 
niaketh  a  general  reflection  on  that  attribute  of  God,  which  in- 
clineth  him  to  deliver  his  people,  and  to  punish  their  oppressors,  oi 
what  kind  soever  they  be.  And  here,  that  grand  display  of  the 
'•  ways"  and  '-  works"  of  Jehovah,  the  redemption  of  '"  Israel"  by 
the  hand  of  "  Moses,"  immediately  occurs,  and  is  celebrated.  Thus 
each  private  mercy,  whether  of  a  temporal  or  spiritual  nature, 
should  rejnind  us  of  that  public  and  universal  blessing  of  redemp- 
tion by  Jesus  Christ,  from  which  every  other  blessing  floweth,  as  a 
stream  from  its  fountain,  and  for  which  God  ought,  therefore,  upon 
all  occasions,  to  be  praised  and  glorified. 

8.  The  Lord  is  merciful  and  gracious,  slow  to  anger,  and 
plenteous  in  mercy. 

When  Moses  desired  Jehovah  to  show  him  his  way,  and  his 
glory,  (Exod.  xxxii.  13.18.)  Jehovah  passed  by,  and  proclaimed 
himself,  as  here,  "Jehovah,  merciful,  and  gracious,"  &c.  Exod. 
xxxiii.  G.  How  full  of  consolation  to  the  penitent  soul  are  all  the 
words  of  this  verse!  The  Lord  is  "merciful,"  OIH"],  the  bowels 
of  his  tender  compassion  yearn  over  us,  as  those  of  a  mother  yearn 
over  the  child  of  her  womb ;  "  yea,  a  woman  may  forget  her  suck- 
ing child,  yet  can  he  not  forget  us,"  Lsa.  xlix.  10.  He  is  "gra- 
cious," |Un,  ready  to  give  us  freely  all  things  that  are  needful  for 
our  salvation.  He  is  "  slow  to  anger,"  bearing  with  the  froward- 
ness  of  his  children,  with  their  provocations  and  relapses,  for  40, 
50,  60,  70  years  together,  before  he  strikes  the  blow ;  giving  them, 
by  this  his  long-suffering,  time  for  repentance.  And  he  is  "  j^len- 
teous  in  mercy,"  lDn2^,  great,  mighty  in  mercy,  placing  his  chicl 
glory  in  this  attribute,  and  hereby  teaching  us  how  to  estimate  true 
greatness. 

9.  He  will  not  always  chide  ;  neither  will  he  Icecp  his  anger yb/' 
ever.  10.  He  hath  not  dealt  ivith  us  after  our  sins  ;  nor  rewarded 
vs  according  to  our  iniquities. 

God's  chastisements  arc  some  of  the  most  eminent  proofs  of  his 
mercy.  They  are  sent  to  reclaim  us,  and  to  save  us  from  eternal 
punishment.     They  continue  not  "always,"  but  are  removed  when 


DayXX.  M.P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  43.'^ 

tliov  have  clone  their  work  ;  and  while  they  last,  are  as  nothing,  in 
runiparison  of  those  heavy  stripes  which  our  sins  have  deserved, 

1 1 .  For  as  the  heaven  is  hi^k  above  the  earth,  so  great  is  his 
mercy  toicards  them  that  fear  him.  12.  Js  far  as  the  cast  is 
from  the  west,  so  far  hath  he  removed  our  transgressions  from  us. 
13.  Like  as  a  father  pitieth  liis  children,  so  the  Lono  jutieth  them 
that  fear  him. 

We  are  here  presented  with  three  of  the  most  beautiful,  apposite, 
and  comforting  similitudes  in  the  world.  When  we  lift  up  our 
eyes  and  behold  around  us  the  lofty  and  stupendous  vault  of  hea- 
ven, encirclinfr,  jirotecting,  enlightening,  refreshing,  and  cherishing 
the  earth,  and  all  things  that  are  therein,  we  are  bidden  to  contem- 
plate in  this  glass  the  immeasurable  height,  the  boundless  extent, 
and  the  salutary  influences  of  that  mercy,  which,  as  it  were,  em- 
braceth  the  creation,  and  is  over  all  the  works  of  God.  Often  as 
we  view  the  sun  arising  in  the  east,  and  darkness  flying  away  from 
before  his  face  towards  the  opposite  quarter  of  the  heavens,  we  may 
see  an  image  of  that  goodness  of  Jehovah,  whereby  we  are  placed 
in  the  regions  of  illumination,  and  our  sins  are  removed  and  put 
far  away  out  of  his  sight.  And  that  our  hearts  may,  at  all  times, 
have  confidence  towards  God,  he  is  represented  as  bearing  towards 
us  the  fond  and  tender  aflection  of  a  father,  ever  ready  to  defend, 
to  nourish,  and  provide  for  us,  to  bear  with  us,  to  forgive  us,  and 
to  receive  us  in  the  paternal  arms  of  everlasting  love. 

14.  For  he  knoweth  our  frame;  he  remcmbercth  that  we  arc 
dust.  15.  As  for  manyhis  days  are  as  grass;  as  afloicer  of  the 
field,  so  he  flourisheth.  l6.  For  the  icind passeth  over  it,  and  it 
is  gone;  and  the  place  thereof  shall  Icnow  it  no  more. 

The  consideration  of  man's  frail  and  perishable  estate  weighs  with 
the  Almighty,  and  prevails  upon  him  to  spare  his  creature.  And  doth 
not  the  tear  of  compassion  start  in  the  eye  of  him,  who  reads  the 
description  which  David  hath  given  of  it  in  these  verses?  "Man," 
fallen,  mortal  man,  "  his  days  are  as  grass ;"  like  that,  he  cometh  out 
of  the  earth,  and  continucth  but  a  short  tiine  upon  it ;  "  as  a 
flower  of  the  field,"  fair  but  transient,  «•  so  he"  unfoldeth  his  beauty 
in  youth,  and  "'  flourisheth"  a  while  in  the  vigour  of  manhood  ;  but 
lo,  in  a  moment,  the  breath  of  Heaven's  displeasure,  as  a  blighting 
"  wind,  passeth  over  him,  and  he  is  gone;"  he  boweth  his  drooping 
head,  and  mingleth  again  with  his  native  dust;  his  friends  and  his 
companions  look  lor  him  at  the  accustomed  spot,  which  he  once 
adorned — but  in  vain — the  earth  has  opened  her  mouth  to  receive 
liim,  and  "  his  place  shall  know  him  no  more." 

17.  But  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  from  everlasting  to  ever.- 


436  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  Clll. 

lasting,  upon  them  that  fear  him,  and  his  i-ighicousness  unto  chil- 
dren's children  ;  IS,  To  such  as  keep  his  coccnant,  and  to  those 
that  remember  his  commandments  to  do  them. 

Let  not  man  presume,  who  witliereth  like  the  green  herb ;  but 
then,  let  not  man  despair,  whose  nature,  with  all  its  infirmities,  the. 
Son  of  God  iiath  taken  upon  him.  The  flower  which  fadeth  in 
Adam,  blooms  anew  in  Christ,  never  to  fade  again.  *•  The  mercy 
of  Jehovah,"  in  his  Messiah,  "  is  everlasting ;"  and  of  that  ever- 
lasting mercy  poor  frail  man  is  the  object.  It  extendeth  to  all  the 
generations  of  the  faitliful  servants  of  God.  Death  shall  not  de- 
prive them  of  its  benefits,  nor  shall  the  grave  hide  them  from  the 
efficacious  influence  of  its  all-enlivening  beams,  which  shall  pierce 
even  into  those  regions  of  desolation,  and  awaken  the  sleepers  of 
six  thousand  years.  Man  must  pay  tojustice  the  temporal  penalty 
of  his  sins;  but  mercy  shall  raise  him  again,  to  receive  the  eternal 
reward,  purchased  by  his  Saviour's  righteousness.  A  passage  in 
the  first  epistle  of  St.  Peter  doth  most  admii-ably  illustrate  this  part 
of  our  Psalm:  "We  are  born  again,  not  of  corruptible  seed,  but 
of  incorruptible,  by  the  word  of  God,  which  liveth  and  abideth  for 
ever.  For  all  flesh  is  grass,  and  all  the  glory  of  man  as  the  flower 
of  grass.  The  grass  witherelh,  and  the  flower  thereof  falleth 
away ;  but  the  word  of  the  Lord  endureth  for  ever.  And  this  is 
the  WORD  which  by  the  Gospel  is  preached  unto  you."  1  Pet.  i. 
23,  &c. 

19.  TAe  Lord  hath  prepared  his  throne  in  the  heavens;  and 
his  kingdom  ruleth  over  all. 

The  glorious  person  who  worketh  all  these  wonders  of  mercy 
for  his  people,  the  word  of  God,  and  Saviour  of  the  world,  is  tri- 
umphantly seated  upon  his  "  throne  in  heaven,"  and  is  possessed 
of  all  power  to  accomplish  his  will,  even  until  all  things  shall  be 
subdued  unto  him.  The  glories  of  his  throne,  the  brightness  of  his 
excellent  majesty,  and  the  might  of  his  irresistible  power,  are  de- 
scribed at  large  by  St.  John,  Rev.  iv.  v.  xix. 

20.  Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels,  that  excel  in  strength,  that  do 
his  commandments,  hearkening  unto  the  voice  of  his  loord.  21. 
Bless  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  hosts;  ye  ministei's  of  his,  that  do  his 
pleasure.  22.  Bless  the  Lord,  all  his  loorks  in  all  places  of  his 
dominion:  bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soid. 

Joy  is  observed  to  be  of  a  diffusive  and  communicative  nature. 
The  heart  of  the  Psalmist  is  full,  and  overfloweth  with  it.  Unable 
worthily  to  praise  Jehovah  for  his  mercies  vouchsafed  to  the 
church,  he  inviteth  heaven  and  earth  to  join  with  him,  and  to 
celebrate  in  full  chorus  the  redemption  of  man.     St.  John  saw  the 


Day  XX.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  4ru 

tiiioiu;  of  Messiah  prepared;  he  beheld  the  iiniversal  band  assem- 
bled ;  and  he  heard  when  "  all  the  angels  round  about  the  throne, 
ten  thousand  times  ten  thousand,  and  thousands  of  thousands,  witli 
every  creature  in  heaven,  earth,  and  sea,"  lifted  up  their  voices, 
and  sang  together,  ''  Blessing,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  power, 
be  unto  him  that  sitteth  upon  tlie  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb,  for 
ever  and  ever.-' 


TWENTIETH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  CIV. 

AROUMEXT. 

This  is  a  eucharistic  hymn,  full  of  majesty  and  sweetness,  addressed  to  Je- 
hovah as  Creator  of  the  world.  It  setteth  forth  his  glory,  wisdom,  good- 
ness, and  power,  displayed,  1 — 9.  in  the  formation  of  the  heavens  and 
earth  ;  10 — 18.  in  the  various  provision  made  for  beasts  and  birds,  and  for 
man,  the  lord  of  all ;  19 — 24.  in  the  revolutions  of  the  celestial  bodies,  and 
the  consequent  interchanges  of  day  and  night,  of  labour  and  rest;  25,26. 
in  the  sea,  and  every  thing  that  raoveth  in,  or  upon  the  waters.  27-^0. 
The  dependence  of  the  whole  creation  upon  God  for  its  being  and  well- 
being,  is  beautifully  represented,  with,  31,  32.  the  glory  which  the  Creator 
receiveth  from  his  works,  the  pleasure  which  he  takcth  in  them,  and  the 
power  which  he  hath  over  them.  33.  The  Psalmist  declareth  his  resolution 
over  to  praise  Jehovah,  and,  34.  predictcth  the  destruction  of  those  who 
refuse,  or  neglect  so  to  do.  As  there  is  a  similitude  between  the  natural 
and  the  spiritual  creation,  allusions  of  that  sort  are  frequently  made  in  the 
ensuing  comment,  wiiich  may  perhaps  point  out  the  reason  why  tlie  church 
liath  appointed  tliis  Psalm  to  be  used  on  Whitsunday. 

1.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul:  O  Lord  mi/  Qod,  thou  art  very 
great;  thou  art  clothed  toith  honour  and  majesty;  lleb.  loith 
glory  and  beauty.  2.  Who  covcrest  thyself  with  light  as  with  « 
garment;  tcho  stretchest  out  the  heavens  like  a  curtain;  i.  e.  of  a 
tent,  or  pavilion. 

The  Scriptures  inform  us,  that  the  same  person  who  redeemed 
the  world  did  also  create  it.  In  the  ciid  Psalm,  as  we  are  assured 
by  St.  Paul,  "  to  the  Sox  it  is  said,  Thou,  Lord,  in  the  beginning, 
hast  laid  the  foundation  of  the  earth,  and  the  heavens  are  the  works 
of  thy  hands."  To  him,  therefore,  as  Creator,  is  the  civth  Psalm 
likewise  adihessed.  He  is  described  as  invested  with  "  the  glory 
which  he  had  with  the  Father  before  the  world  was  :"  a  glimpse  of 
which  he  vouchsafed  to  the  three  disciples,  who  were  present  at 
his  transfiguration,  when  "  his  face  did  shine  as  the  sun,  and  his 
raiment  was  white  as  the  light."    The  first  instance  of  his  creating 


438  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CIV. 

power  is  aflbrded  us  by  the  '•  heavens,"  which  form  a  magnificent 
"  canopy,  or  pavilion,"'  comprehending  within  it  the  earth  and  all 
the  inhabitants  thereof.  It  is  enlightened  by  the  celestial  orbs  sus- 
pended in  it,  as  the  holy  tabernacle  was  by  the  lamps  of  the  golden 
candlestick.  And  it  was  originally  framed,  erected,  and  furnished 
by  its  Maker,  with  more  ease  than  man  can  construct  and  pitch  a 
"  tent"  for  his  own  temporary  abode.  Yet  must  this  noble  pavilion 
also  be  taken  down  ;  these  resplendent  and  beautiful  heavens  must 
pass  away  and  come  to  an  end.  IIow  glorious  then  shall  be  those 
new  heavens,  which  are  to  succeed  them,  and  to  endure  for  ever  ! 

3,  Who  layeth  the  beams  of  his  chambers  in  the  loaters ;  who 
viaketh  the  clouds  his  chariot;  who  walketh  iipon  the  wings  of  the 
wind. 

The  Divine  architect  is  here  represented  as  '•  laying  the  beams 
of  his  chambers,"  as  compacting  his  lofts,  or  stories,  "  in  the  wa- 
ters." Some  think  the  formation  of  the  terrestrial  strata  in  the 
waters,  which  at  the  beginning  covered  all  things,  is  here  alluded 
to.  If  it  be  objected,  that  the  Psalmist,  in  the  course  of  his  descrip- 
tion, is  not  yet  arrived  at  the  formation  of  the  earth,  but  is  still  in 
the  upper  regions  of  the  air;  may  we  not  suppose  that  the  subject 
is,  in  this  particular,  a  little  anticipated,  which  is  no  uncomraoh 
case  in  the  sacred  writings  }  The  generality  of  expositors,  how- 
ever, interpret  the  passage  of  those  "  dark  waters,  compacted  into 
thick  clouds  of  the  skies,"  which  the  Almighty  is  elsewhere  said  to 
make  the  "  secret  place,"  or  chamber  of  his  residence,  and  a  kind 
of"  footstool"  to  his  throne.  Psalm  xviii.  9.  11.  And  thus,  indeed, 
the  former  part  of  our  verse  is  plainly  and  immediately  connected 
with  what  follows:  "  AVho  maketh  the  clouds  his  chariots,  and 
walketh  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind."  How  astonishingly  mag- 
nificent and  tremendous  is  the  idea  which  these  words  convey  to  us 
of  the  great  King,  riding  upon  the  heavens,  encompassed  with 
clouds  and  darkness,  attended  by  the  lightnings,  those  ready  exe- 
cutioners of  his  vengeance,  and  causing  the  world  to  resound  and 
tremble  at  the  thunder  of  his  power,  and  the  noise  of  his  chariot 
wheels.  By  these  ensigns  of  royalty,  these  emblems  of  omnipo- 
tence, and  instruments  of  his  displeasure,  doth  Jehovah  mani- 
fest his  presence,  when  he  visiteth  rebellious  man,  to  make  him 
own  and  adore  his  neglected  and  insulted  Lord.  See  and  compare 
Psalm  xviii.  10.  and  the  context. 

4.  Who  maketh  his  angels  spirits,  his  tninistcrs  a  faming  fire. 
From  the  manner  in  which  these  words  are  introduced,  and  the 

place  where  they  stand,  one  should  conceive  the  meaning  of  them 
to  be,  that  God  employeth  the  elements  of  air  and  fire,  the  winds. 


Dav  XX.  E.  P.  OX  THE  PSALMS.  -m 

ninn,  and  the  li{?htnings,  as  liis  messengers,  VDN^o,  and  ministers 
to  execute  his  commands  upon  the  earth.*  But  the  Apostle,  Ileb, 
i.  7.  int'ormoth  us,  that  they  have  a  further  reference  to  immaterial 
angels  ;  either  because  those  angels  often  appeared  in  the  likeness, 
or  because  they  were  endued  with  the  properties,  of  "  wind  and 
flame."  Intellectual  beings  of  the  highest  order  in  the  realms 
above,  are  as  ready  to  fulfil  the  word  of  Jehovah,  as  are  the  ele- 
ments of  this  lower  world.  Both  teach  a  lesson  of  obedience  to  the 
sons  of  men ;  to  tliose  of  them  more  especially,  who  are  appointed 
"  angels"  of  the  churches,  and  "  ministers"  of  Christ. 

5.  Who  laid  the  foundations  of  the  earth,  that  it  should  not  be 
removed  for  ever. 

In  the  original  it  is,  "  Who  hath  founded  the  eartli  upon  its  ba- 
sis." The  formation  of  this  globe,  on  which  we  tread,  is  a  wonder- 
ful instance  of  divine  wisdom  and  powCT,  whether  we  consider  the 
manner  in  which  the  parts  of  it  are  put  and  kept  together,  or  its 
suspension  in  the  circumambient  fluid,  which,  as  some  philoso- 
phers suppose,  by  pressing  upon  it  on  every  side,  forms  so  many 
columns,  as  it  were,  to  support  and  keep  it  balanced.  The  words, 
"  that  it  should  not  be  removed  for  ever,  do  by  no  means  imply, 
that  the  earth  is  stationary,  or  that  it  is  eternal ;  but  only  thus 
much,  that  it  is  so  constructed,  as  to  answer  the  end,  and  to  last 
the  time,  for  which  it  was  created  and  intended.  It  shall  continue 
the  same  in  itself,  and  with  relation  to  other  bodies,  neither  alter- 
ing its  shape,  nor  changing  its  course,  till  the  day  appointed  for  its 
dissolution ;  after  which,  as  there  are  to  be  "  new  heavens,"'  so 
will  there  also  be  a  "  new  earth." 

6.  Thou  coveredst  it  icith  the  deep  as  with  a  garment :  the  wafers 
stood  above  the  mountuing.  7-  At  thy  rebuke  they  fed;  at  the  voice 
of  thy  thunder  they  hasted  aivay.  8.  They  go,  or,  icent,  up  by  the 
mountains  ;  they  go,  or,  went,  doicn  by  the  vallies,  unto  the  place 
which  thou  hadst  founded  for  them.  9-  Thou  hast  set  a  bound 
that  they  may  not  pass  over;  that  they  turn  not  again  to  cover 
the  earth. 

Most  interpreters  suppose  this  to  be  a  description  of  the  situation 
of  things,  and  of  what  was  effected  by  the  power  of  God,  on  the 
third  day  of  the  creation,  when  he  said,  "  Let  the  waters  be  ga- 
thered together  into  one  place,  and  let  llie  dry  land  a})pear;  and  it 
was  so."  Indeed,  the  process  at  the  creation  was  so  exactly  simi- 
lar to  that  at  the  deluge,  with  regard  to  the  circumstances  here 
mentioned,  that  it  matters  not  to  which  we  ajjply  the  beautiliil  and 

"  III  thn  French  translation  it  is — '•  Who  maUclh  the  m  iiKl<  his  iui;;d«. 
•ho.  flaiainj  fire  liis  ministers  ' 


440  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CIV. 

truly  poetical  jjassage  before  us.  In  both  cases,  the  earth  was  co- 
vered with  the  waters  as  with  a  trariiicnt,  in  every  part;  in  both 
cases,  they  fled  at  the  Almighty  word,  like  the  scattered  remains  of 
a  routed  army  ;  from  the  heights  of  mountains,  whither  they  had  as- 
cended, they  sunk  down  into  the  valleys;  from  the  valleys  they  re- 
tired to  the  bed  of  the  ocean,  and  a  part  of  them  descended  from 
thence  into  the  great  deep,  that  lieth  beneath.  Bounds  were  set 
them,  beyond  which  they  should  never  pass,  to  overwhelm  us  any 
more  for  ever.  And  the  experience  of  4000  years  hath  taught  us, 
that  where  the  Creator  hath  laid  his  commands,  plain  sand  is  a  suffi- 
cient bai-rier.  Thus  the  church  hath  been  delivered  from  her  spi- 
ritual enemies ;  and  she  hath  a  promise,  on  which  she  may  with 
full  confidence  rely,  that  '•  the  gates  of  hell  shall  never  prevail 
against  her." 

10.  He  sendeth  the  spnngs  into  the  valUes,  which  run  among 
the  hills.  11.  They  give  drink  to  every  beast  of  the  field:  the 
wild  asses  quench  their  thirst. 

The  waters  of  the  sea  are  not  only  prevented  from  destroying 
the  earth,  but  by  a  wonderful  machinery  are  rendered  the  means 
of  preserving  every  living  thing  which  moveth  thereon.  Partly 
ascending  from  the  great  deep  through  the  strata  of  the  earth, 
partly  exhaled  in  vapour  from  the  surface  of  the  ocean  into  the 
air,  and  from  thence  falling  in  rain,  especially  on  the  tops  and  by 
the  sides  of  mountains,  they  break  forth  in  fresh  "  springs,"  hav- 
ing left  their  salts  behind  them;  they  trickle  through  the  '''valleys, 
between  the  hills,"  receiving  new  supplies  as  they  go ;  they  be- 
come large  rivers,  and  after  watering,  by  their  innumerable  turnings 
and  windings,  immense  tracts  of  country,  they  return  to  the  place 
from  whence  they  came.  Thus  every  animal  hath  an  opportunity 
of  "  quenching"  that  thirst,  which  must  otherwise  soon  i)ut  a  pe- 
riod to  its  existence.  The  "  wild  asses"  are  particularly  mentioned, 
because  they  live  in  remote  and  sandy  deserts ;  yet  even  such 
creatures,  in  such  places,  are  by  the  God  of  nature  taught  the  way 
to  the  waters ;  insomuch  that  the  parched  traveller,  when  in  search 
of  a  fountain,  findeth  them  to  be  the  best  guides  in  the  world,  and 
needeth  only  to  observe  and  follow  the  herds  of  them  descending 
to  the  streams.  In  the  spiritual  system,  or  new  creation,  there  are 
wells  of  salvation,  hving  springs,  waters  of  comfort,  of  which  all 
nations,  even  the  most  savage  and  barbarous,  are  invited  to  come 
and  drink  freely.  They  flow  among  the  churches;  they  descend 
into  the  hearts  of  the  lowly ;  and  they  refresh  us  in  our  passage 
through  the  wilderness :  for  even  there  "  do  waters  break  out,  and 
streams  in  the  desert,"  Isa.  xxxv.  G. 


DayXX.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  4  11 

12.  Jii/  them  shall  the  futols  of  the  air  have  their  habitation, 
which  sin^  among  the  branches: 

"  By  them,"  that  is,  "  by  springs  of  water  in  the  valleys,"  the 
birds  delight  to  have  their  habitatit)ns,  and  to  sing  amidst  the  ver- 
dant branches,  which  conceal  them  from  our  sight.  ''  The  music 
of  birds,'-  as  one  hath  well  observed,  "  was  the  first  song  of  thanks- 
giving wiiich  was  ofl'ered  on  earth  before  man  was  formed.  All 
their  sounds  are  different,  but  all  harmonious,  and  all  together  com- 
pose a  choir  which  we  cannot  imitate."*  If  these  little  choristers 
of  the  air,  when  refreshed  by  the  streams,  near  which  they  dwell, 
express  their  gratitude  by  chantins,  in  tiieir  way,  the  praises  of 
their  Maker  and  Preserver,  how  ought  Cliristians  to  blush,  who, 
besitles  the  comforts  and  conveniences  of  this  world,  are  indulged 
with  copious  draughts  of  the  water  of  eternal  life,  if,  for  so  great 
blessings,  they  pay  not  their  tribute  of  thanksgiving,  and  sing  not 
unto  the  Lord  the  songs  of  Sion !  "  He  that  at  midnight,  when  the 
very  labourer  sleeps  securely,  should  hear,  as  I  have  often  done, 
the  clear  aii-s,  the  sweet  descants,  the  natural  rising  and  falling, 
the  doubling  and  redoubling  of  the  nightingale's  voice,  might  well 
be  lifted  above  earth,  and  say.  Lord,  what  music  hast  thou  pro- 
vided for  the  saints  in  heaven,  wlien  thou  aflbrdest  bad  men  such 
music  upon  earth  !"     Walton''s  Complete  Angler,  p.  9- 

13.  He  watereth  the  hills  from  his  chambers :  the  earth  is  satis- 
fed  with  the  fruit  of  thy  works.  14.  He  causeth  the  grass  to 
grow  for  the  cattle,  and  herb  for  the  sonnce  of  man  ;  that  he 
may  bring  forth  food  out  of  the  earth  ;  15.  Andicine  that  maketh 
glad  the  heart  of  man,  and  oil  to  make  his  face  to  shine,  and 
bread  which  strengfheneth  tnan's  heart. 

The  fertility  of  the  earth  is  owing  to  God,  who  for  tliat  purpose 
"watereth"  it,  vnv'?>'n,  from  his  "chambers,"  whether  the  word 
has  a  reference  to  the  clouds  above,  or  the  depths  below,  for  both  are 
concerned  in  the  operation.  Hence  all  the  glory  and  beauty  of  the 
vegetable  world ;  hence  the  grass,  which  nourisheth  the  cattle  that 
they  may  nourish  the  human  race ;  hence  the'<rreen  herb,  lor  food 
and  for  medicine;  hence  fields  covered  with  corn,  for  the  support 
of  life ;  hence  vines  and  olive-trees  'laden  with  fruits,  whose 
juices  exhilarate  the  heart,  and  brighten  the  countenance.  Nor 
let  us  forget  the  s])iritual  benedictions  coVresponding  to  these  exter- 
nal ones;  the  fruitfulnessof  the  church  through  grace,  the  bread  of 
everlasting  life,  the  cup  of  salvation,  and  the  oil  of  gladness. 

■  Wesley's  Survey  of  flu-  Wrsdom  of  God  in  thn  Crcatiop.  toI    i    p    1 1^^ 


442  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CIV. 

16.  The  trees  of  the  Lord  are  full  of  sap ;  the  cedars  of  Le- 
banon, which  he  hath  planted. 

The  whole  earth  is  a  garden,  planted  by  the  hand,  and  watered 
by  the  care  of  Jehovah.  But  hi  a  more  especial  manner  is  his 
glory  set  forth  by  the  lofty  and  magnificent  cedars,  which,  growing 
wild  on  the  mountain  and  in  the  forest,  owe  nothing  to  the  skill 
and  industry  of  man.  The  moisture  of  the  earth,  rarefied  by  the 
beat  of  the  sun,  enters  their  roots,  ascends  in  their  tubes,  and  by 
due  degrees  expands  and  increases  them,  till  they  arrive  at  their 
growth.  God  hath  also  another  garden  in  which  there  are  other 
trees  of  his  planting,  called  by  Isaiah,  ch.  lxi.3.  "trees  of  righteous- 
ness." These  are  his  faithful  servants,  who  through  the  Spirit 
which  is  given  unto  them,  become  eminent  and  steady  in  good- 
ness ;  their  examples  are  fragrant,  and  their  charity  difl'usive. 

17.  Where  the  birds  make  their  nests:  as  for  the  stork,  the  fir- 
trees  are  her  house. 

Most  admirable  is  that  wisdom  and  understanding,  which  -the 
Creator  hath  imparted  to  the  birds  of  the  air,  whereby  they  distin- 
guish times  and  seasons,  choose  the  properest  places,  construct  their 
nests  with  an  art  and  exactness  unattainable  by  man,  and  secure 
and  provide  for  their  young. — "  Is  it  for  the  birds,  O  Lord,  who 
have  no  knowledge  thereof,  that  thou  hast  joined  together  so  many 
miracles  ?  Is  it  for  the  men  who  give  no  attention  to  them  ?  Is  it 
for  those  who  admire  them,  without  thinking  of  thee?  Rather,  is 
it  not  thy  design,  by  all  these  wonders,  to  call  us  to  thyself;  to 
make  us  sensible  of  thy  wisdom,  and  fill  us  with  confidence  in 
thy  bounty,  who  watchest  so  carefully  over  these  inconsiderable 
creatures,  two  of  which  are  sold  for  a  farthing?"* 

18.  The  high  hills  are  a  refuge  for  theioild  goats,  and  the  rocks 
for  the  conies. 

The  same  force  of  what  no  call  instinct,  prevails  in  terrestrial 
animals,  and  directs  them  to  places  of  refuge,  where  tiiey  may  be 
safe  from  their  enemies.  Thus  the  wild  goats  climb  with  ease  to 
the  tops  and  crags  of  mountains,  where  they  deposit  their  young. 
And  thus  animals  of  another  kind,  which  arc  more  defenceless  than 
the  goats,  and  not  able  to  climb  like  them,  yet  have  a  way  of  en- 
trenching themselves  in  a  situation  perfectly  impregna.ble  among 
the  rocks  ;t  we  find  them  on  that  account,  numbered  by  Solomon 
among  the  four  kinds  of  animals,  which,  though  little  upon  the 

'  Wesley,  as  above. 

t  It  is  unceitaitt  what  species  ui  animals  is  here  inteiuleJ  by  the  wort! 
i3'J3t!'.  But  it  isenoiish  <or  our  purpose,  that  they  arc  creatures  remark 
^ble  for  securing  themselves  in  the  manner  hero  mentioned. 


Day  XX.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  443 

eartli,  are  exceeding  wise :  "  The  □usi!'  arc  but  a  feeble  folk,  yet 
make  they  their  houses  in  the  rocks,"  Piov.  xxx.  26.  They  wlio 
in  themselves  are  feeble  and  helpless,  should  look  out  betimes  for 
a  mountain  of  refuge,  and  rock  of  safety. 

19.  He  appointeth  the  moo7i  for  seanofts:  the  sun  hnowcth  hit,- 
goinpr  down.  * 

From  a  survey  of  the  works  of  God  upon  earth,  the  Psalmisi 
proceedeth  to  extol  that  divine  wisdom,  which  is  manifested  in  the 
motions  and  revolutions  of  the  heavenly  bodies,  and  in  the  grate- 
ful vicissitude  of  day  and  night,  occasioned  thereby.  A  beautiful 
passage  in  the  book  of  Ecclesiasticus  will,  perhaps,  be  tiie  best 
comment  on  the  former  part  of  this  verse.  "  He  made  the  moon 
to  serve  in  her  season,  for  a  declaration  of  times,  and  a  sign  to  the 
world.  From  the  moon  is  the  sign  of  feasts,  a  light  that  decreaseth 
in  her  perfection.  The  njonth  is  called  after  her  name,  increasing 
wonderfully  in  her  changing,  being  an  instrument  of  the  armies 
above,  shining  in  the  firmament  of  heaven;  the  beauty  of  heaven, 
the  glory  of  the  stars,  an  ornament  giving  light  in  the  highest 
places  of  the  Lord,"  ch.  xlii.  G.  The  latter  part  of  the  verse  ex- 
presseth  the  obedience  of  the  "  sun,"  or  solar  light,  to  the  law  of 
its  Creator;  it  seemeth  to  "know"  the  exact  time  of  its  coming 
on,  and  going  off,  and  fulfdleth  the  course  prescribed  to  it,  without 
the  least  deviation.  O  that  we,  who  are  endowed  with  sense  and 
reason,  could  in  like  manner  fulfil  our  course;  and  that  God's  will 
were  "  done  on  earth,  as  it  is"  even  in  this  lower  and  material 
"  heaven !" 

20.  Thou  malcest  darkness,  and  it  is  night;  wherein  all  the 
beasts  of  the  forest  do  creep  forth.  21.  The  young  lions  roar 
after  their  prey,  and  seek  their  meat  from  Cod. 

Night  and  darkness  invite  the  wild  beasts  of  the  forest  and  desert 
from  their  dens  and  recesses,  to  "seek"  the  "prey"  allotted  them 
by  the  providence  of  that  God,  who  feedeth  the  young  lions,  as  well 
sis  the  young  ravens,  when  hunger  enforceth  them,  as  it  were,  to 
call  upon  him.  Thus,  when  a  nation  hath  filled  up  the  measure  of 
its  iniquities,  the  Sun  of  righteousness  knoweth  the  time  of  his  de- 
parture from  it ;  the  light  of  the  Gospel  is  darkened,  and  a  hor- 
rible night  succeeds ;  the  executioners  of  vengeance  arc  in  motion, 
and  a  commission  from  above  is  given  them  to  seize  upon  the  prey. 

22.  The  sun  ariseth,  they  gather  themselves  together,  and  lay 
them  down  in  their  dens.  23.  Man  goeth  forth  to  his  %oork  and 
to  his  labour,  until  the  evening. 

At  the  return  of  day  the  sons  of  ravage  retire  and  skulk  away  to 
their  several  hiding-places,  that  man,  the  lord  of  the  creation,  may 


444  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.CIV. 

arise  and  perform,  unmolested,  the  task  which  his  INIaker  hath  ap- 
pointed liiin.  When  tlie  liglit  of  truth  and  righteousness  shineth, 
error  and  iniquity  lly  away  before  it,  and  tlie  "  roaring  lion"  him- 
self departeth  for  a  time.  Then  the  Christian  goeth  forth  to  the 
work  of  his  salvation,  ftnd  to  his  labour  of  love,  until  the  evening 
of  old  age  warns  him  fb  prepare  for  his  last  repose,  in  faith  of  a 
joyful  resurrection. 

24.  0  Lord,  how  manifold  are  tluj  worhs!  in  tcisdom  hast  thou 
wade  them  all:  the  earth  is  full  of  thy  riches. 

Transported  with  a  survey  of  the  wonders  which  present  them- 
selves in  heaven  above,  and  on  earth  below,  the  Psalmist  breaks 
forth  into  an  exclamation  (and  what  heart  hath  not  already  anti- 
cipated him)  on  the  variety  and  magnificence,  the  harmony  and 
proportion  of  the  works  of  God,  in  this  outward,  and  visible,  and 
perishable  world.  What  then  are  the  miracles  of  grace  and  glory  ? 
What  are  those  invisible  and  eternal  things,  which  God  hath  pre- 
}>ared  for  them  that  love  him,  in  another  and  a  better  world,  and 
of  which  the  things  visible  and  temporary  are  no  more  than  sha- 
dows ?  Admitted  to  that  place,  where  we  shall  at  once  be  indulged 
with  a  view  of  all  the  Divine  dispensations,  and  of  that  beatitude 
in  which  they  terminate,  shall  we  not,  with  angels  and  archangels, 
cry  out,  "O  Lobd,  how  manifold  are  thy  works!  in  wisdom  hast 
thou  made  them  all ;  heaven  and  earth  are  full  of  thy  riches,  and  of 
thy  glory." 

25.  So  is  this  great  and  wide  sea,  wherein  are  things  creeping 
innumerable,  both  small  and  great  beasts,  or,  living  creatures.  26. 
There  go  the  shijjs  :  there  is  that  leviathan,  whom  thou  hast  made 
to  play  therein. 

There  is  not  in  all  nature  a  more  august  and  striking  object  than 
the  ocean.  Its  inhabitants  are  as  numerous  as  those  upon  the 
land;  nor  is  the  wisdom  and  the  power  of  the  Creator  less  displayed, 
perhaps,  in  their  formation  and  preservation,  from  the  smallest  tish 
that  swims,  to  the  enormous  tyrant  of  the  deep,  the  leviathan  him- 
self, ^y  means  of  navigation.  Providence  hath  opened  a  commu- 
nication between  the  most  distant  parts  of  the  globe;  the  largest 
solid  bodies  are  wafted,  with  incredible  swiftness,  upon  one  fluid, 
by  the  impulse  of  another,  and  seas  join  the  countries  which  they 
appear  to  divide.  In  the  ocean  we  behold  an  emblem  of  the 
world:  under  a  smooth  deceitful  surface  it  conceals  dangerous 
rocks  and  devouring  monsters;  its  waves  are  ever  restless,  and 
oftentimes  it  is  all  over  storm  and  tempest,  threatening  to  over- 
whelm the  helpless  despairing  mariner  in  a  moment.  Such  is  the 
voyage  we  all  have  to  make,  ere  we  can  reach  the  desired  haven, 


Day  XX.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  AAC, 

and  attain  that  happy  cUmate,  where,  as  we  are  told,  "  there  is  no 
more  sea,"  Rev.  xxi.  1. 

27.  These  icuit  all  upon  thee  ;  that  thou  maycst  give  them  their 
moot  indue  season.  28.  That  thou  givest  them,  they  gather : 
thou  opcnest  thine  hanrlj  they  arejilled  with  good. 

In  various  ways  liath  God  provideil  food  for  the  support  of  all 
livine  creatures,  and  directed  them  to  seek  and  to  find  it.  How 
pleasing  a  spccuhition  is  it,  to  consider  the  wl\ole  family  of  air, 
earth  and  sea,  as  '•'  waiting  upon"'  the  Father  and  Lord  of  all  things, 
expecting  when  he  should  '•  open  his  hand,"  and  distribute  to  each 
member  his  "  portion  of  meat  in  due  season !"  The  case  is  the 
same  w  ith  regard  to  beings  intellectual  and  spiritual,  of  which  is 
composed  the  church  and  family  of  Christ  in  heaven  and  earth ; 
these  wait  all  upon  Him,  by  whom  Jehovah  hath  opened  the  hand 
of  mercy,  and  abundantly  supplied  all  our  needs,  Ihrough  the  riches 
of  his  grace. 

29.  Thou  hidest  thy  face,  they  are  troubled:  thou  takest  airay 
their  breath,  they  die,  and  return  to  their  dust.  30;  Thou  sendcst 
forth  thy  Spirit,  they  are  created:  and  thou  reneicest  the  face  of 
the  earth. 

When  God,  in  the  season  of  winter,  seenieth  to  hide  his  face, 
and  to  have  withdrawn  his  beneficent  influences,  we  hear  the  cries 
of  the  creation  in  distress;  if  he  recall  the  breath  of  life  from 
any  creature  to  which  he  had  communicated  it,  that  creature 
presently  ceaseth  to  be  what  it  was ;  sense  and  motion  are  at  an 
end;  the  form  and  figure  of  it  perish ;  and  it  is  resolved  into  its  ori- 
ginal dust.  But  again  he  exerteth  his  quickening  power,  and  lo,  fresh 
generations  of  animals  are  produced;  fresh  crops  yf  vegetables 
shoot  forth  to  nourish  them ;  and  there  is  a  renovation  of  universal 
nature.  The  presence  of  God,  in  like  manner,  is  the  life,  his  ab- 
sence is  the  death,  of  the  soul.  If  he  withdraw  his  grace,  we  pe- 
rish everlastingly ;  but  when  he  '•  sendeth  forth  his  Spirit,"  as  he 
did  on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  "  old  things  pass  awa}',  and  all  things 
become  new;"  the  winter  is  over,  and  spring  succeeds  in  its  place. 
Nay,  the  hour  is  coming,  when  through  the  same  Spirit,  he  shall 
also  quicken  our  mortal  bodies,  and  thus,  in  a  more  evident  and 
wonderful  manner,  "  renew  the  face  of  the  earth." 

31.  The  glory  of  the  Loud  shall  endure  for  ever:  the  T^ord 
shall  rejoice  in  his  works.  32.  He  looketh  on  the  earth,  and  il 
tremblcth;  he  toucheth  the  hills,  and  they  smoke. 

Such  being  the  works  of  God,  so  manifold  and  so  marvellous,  the 
prophet  foretelleth  that  his  "  glory,"  displayed  anti  declared  by  th*- 
same,  shouhl  "endure  for  ever;"  that  creatures  would  never  b( 


446  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CIV. 

wanting,  to  give  Iiim  the  praise  and  honour  clue  unto  him ;  inso- 
much that,  graciously  accepting  this  their  tribute,  and  pleased  to 
find  a  proper  return  made  him,  Jehovah  should,  as  at  the  first  crea- 
tion, acquiesce  and  rejoice  in  all  his  works  and  dispensations.  In 
the  mean  time,  let  the  unruly  and  disobedient  reflect  upon  the 
greatness  of  his  power,  and  the  terrors  of  his  vengeance,  who  with 
a  look  can  shake  the  earth,  and  with  a  touch  can  fire  the  moun- 
tains, as  when  he  once  descended  on  Sinai. 

33.  I  loill  sing  tinto  the  Lord  as  long  as  I  live;  1  will  sing 
liraise  unto  my  God  while  I  have  my  being.  34.  My  meditation 
of  him  shall  he  sivcet :  I  will  be  glad  in  the  Lord. 

And  who,  O  divine  Psalmist,  will  not  sing  with  thee,  that  hath 
an  understanding  to  apprehend,  and  a  tongue  to  celebrate  the  works 
of  his  Maker  and  Redeemer  !  To  whom  will  not  thy  heavenly  me- 
ditations be  sweet  as  honey,  fragrant  as  the  breath  of  spring,  plea- 
sant and  cheering  as  the  fruit  of  the  vine  ?    Who  doth  not  long  to 


ness 


partake  of  thy  spiritual  joy  and  holy  glad 

35.  Let  the  sinners^  or,  the  sinners  shall,  be  consumed  out  of  the 
earth,  and  let  the  ivicked,  or,  the  wicked  shall,  be  no  more.  Bless 
thou  the  Lord,  0  my  sold.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

"  The  sinners,"  and  "the  wicked,"  are  they  of  whom  it  is  else- 
where said,  that  they  "consider  not  the  works  of  Jehovah,  nor  re- 
gard the  operations  of  his  hands,"  to  give  him  praise  and  glory  for 
them.  These  shall  one  day  experience  the  power  of  that  God, 
■whose  wisdom  and  goodness  they  would  never  acknowledge.  They 
shall  be  "consumed,"  and  "perish  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord, 
and  from  the  glory  of  his  power,  when  he  ariseth  to  shake  terri- 
bly the  earth."  The  Psalmist,  therefore,  endeth  as  he  began; 
"  Bless  THOU  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ;"  adding  by  way  of  exhorta- 
tion to  us,  and  to  all  the  world,  "  Praise  ye  the  Lord."  Let  us, 
then,  with  "  the  four  and  twenty  elders,  fall  down  before  him  that 
sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  worship  him  that  liveth  for  ever  and 
ever,  saying,  Thou  art  worthy,  O  Lord,  to  receive  glory,  and  ho- 
nour, and  power;  for  thouliast  created  all  things,  and  for  thy  plea- 
-^uvc  they  are,  and  were  created,"  Rev.  iv.  10,  11. 


Day  XXI.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  147 

TWENTY-FIRST  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  ex. 

AUGUMENT. 

This  Psalm,  the  first  part  of  it,  at  least,  to  ver.  15.  we  know,  from  1  Chrou 
xvi.  to  have  been  composed  by  David,  and  given  out  on  occasion  of  his 
placinj^  the  ark  of  God  in  Sion.  It  containeth,  1 — 8.  an  cxhoitatiou  to 
praise  Jeliovah  for  liis  works  of  mercy  and  power,  w  rouglit  in  favour  of 
Israel.  9 — 44.  These  are  traced  from  their  source,  namely,  the  covenant 
made  with  Abraham,  through  the  patriarchal  history,  to  the  deliverance 
of  the  nation  from  the  Egyptians,  and  its  settlement  in  Canaan;  the  end 
of  all  which,  45.  is  declared  to  have  been,  that  God  might  have  a  people 
to  serve  him.  The  same  is  true  of  our  redemption  by  Jesus  Christ,  w  hich 
was  the  grand  subject  of  the  promise  made  to  Abraham,  and  of  which  the 
temporal  mercies,  vouchsafed  to  the  patriarchs  and  their  posterity,  were 
so  many  pledges  and  figures. 

1.  0  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord;  call  upon  his  name;  make 
known  his  deeds  among  the  people. 

God,  who  formerly  resided  in  mount  Sion,  vouchsafing  his  pre- 
.sence  in  a  tabernacle  made  with  hands,  hath  since  blessed  the  church 
with  his  appearance  in  the  flesh ;  and  wc  Christians  are  bound  to 
«  make  known  his  deeds,"  and  the  mercies  which  he  wrought  for 
us,  "  among  the  people ;"  that  so  all  the  world  may  know  him, 
and  love  him,  and  partake  of  his  salvation. 

2.  Si7ig  unto  him,  sing  psalms  unto  him :  talk  yc  of  his  won- 
droits  icorks. 

Music  and  conversation  are  two  things  by  which  the  mind  oi 
man  receiveth  much  good,  or  a  groat  deal  of  harm.  They  who 
make  Jehovah  and  his  wondrous  works  the  subjects  of  both,  enjoy 
a  heaven  upon  earth.  And  they  who  do  in  reality  love  their  Sa- 
viour, will  always  find  themselves  inclined  to  '*sing  to  him,"  and  to 
"talk  of  him." 

3.  Glory  ye  in  his  holy  name:  let  the  heart  of  them  rejoice  that 
seek  the  Loud. 

In  whom  should  the  redeemed  '"glory,"  exult,  and  triumph,  but 
in  their  Redeenicr,  who  hath  made  himself  one  with  tiicm,  that  they 
may  be  one  with  him  ?  They  who  "  seek"  the  Lord  Jesus  by 
prayer,  should  do  it  with  a  cheerful  and  joyous  heart,  because  bet- 
ter it  is  to  seek  him,  than  to  find  all  things  else ;  and  the  soul  tlmt  is 
brought  to  seek  him,  w  ill  soon  exchange  the  galling  cares  and  tor- 
menting desires  of  the  world,  for  the  light  yoke  and  easy  burthen 
of  her  Saviour,  in  whom  she  wall  find  rest,  and  peace,  and  comfort. 
Theretbre. 


448  A  COMMENTARY  Fsal.  CV. 

4.  Seek  the  Lord,  and  his  strength:  seek  his  face  evermore. 
By  faith  we  find  our  Redeemer  in  tliis  life,  and  experience  the 

power  and  comfort  of  his  grace ;  but  hope  and  love  still  seek,  and 
wish,  and  aspire  after  the  sight  and  enjoyment  of  him  in  heaven, 
whither  he  is  ascended. 

5.  Remember  his  marvellous  works  that  he  hath  done,  his  ivon- 
ders,  and  the  judgments  of  his  mouth,  6.  O  ye  seed  of  Abraham 
his  servant,  ye  children  of  Jacob  his  chosen. 

As  an  encouragement  to  seek  "  Jehovah  evermore,  the  seed  of 
Abraham,  and  the  children  of  Jacob,"  are  exhorted  to  bear  in  mind 
the  marvellous  "  works  which  he  hath  done"  for  them  from  the  be- 
ginning, to  protect  and  to  deliver  them  ;  as  also  "  the  judgments  of 
his  mouth,"  whether  by  this  phrase  we  understand  the  righteous 
laws  given  to  his  people,  or  the  denunciations  and  executions  of 
vengeance  against  their  enemies.  But,  alas!  the  '•  seed  of  Abra- 
ham" kept  not  the  faith  of  their  great  progenitor ;  the  "'  children  of 
Jacob"  have  forfeited  the  blessing  which  their  father  obtained.  We 
Gentiles  have  been,  for  a  long  season,  the  adopted  seed  of  Abra- 
ham, and  have  inherited  the  benediction -of  Jacob.  Let  us  not  for- 
get the  "  marvellous  works"  of  CJod  in  Christ,  and  "  the  judgments 
of  his  mouth." 

7.  He  is  the  Lord  our  God:  his  judgments  are  in  all  the  earth. 

If  Jehovah  were  the  God  of  Israel,  on  account  of  what,  in  cove- 
nant, he  promised  and  performed  for  them,  he  is  now  the  God  of 
us  all,  on  account  of  what  he  promised  and  hath  performed,  in 
Christ  Jesus,  for  them  and  for  us.  If,  when  he  settled  Israel  in 
Canaan,  "  his  judgments"  were  manifested  to  "  all  the  earth," 
were  they  not  manifested  also,  when  the  Christian  church  was  es- 
tablished, and  the  idolatrous  powers  of  the  world  were  overthrown 
by  the  Gospel  ? 

8.  He  hath  remembered  his  covenant  for  ever,  the  icord  which 
he  commanded  to  a  thousand  generations :  9-  fJ'hich  covenant  he 
made  tcith  Abraham,  and  his  oath  unto  Isaac;  10.  And  confirmed 
the  same  unto  Jacob  for  a  law,  and  to  Israel  for  an  everlasting 
covenant :  11.  Saying,  Urito  thee  will  I  give  the  land  of  Canaan ^^ 
the  lot  of  your  inheritance. 

Upon  bringing  the  ark  to  mount  Sion,  David  teacheth  Israel  to 
bless  and  praise  God  for  having  "  remembered  his  covenant,"  made 
with  an  "  oath"  to  their  forefathers,  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob, 
that  he  would  in  due  time  settle  his  j)cople  in  the  land  of  Canaan. 
Now,  it  is  very  observable,  that  in  the  hymn  uttered  by  Zacharias, 
the  father  of  St.  John  the  Baptist,  on  the  subject  of  our,  redemption 
by  Christ,  thanks  are  given  to  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  because  he 


Day  XXI.  M.  p.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  449 

had  "  remembered  his  holy  covenant,  and  performed  the  oath 
which  he  sware  to  our  forefather  Abraliam."  And  what  was  that? 
Whv  '•  that  we  being  dehvered  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies, 
should  serve  iiim  witliout  fear,  in  hohness  and  righteousness."  But 
when,  or  where  did  God  promise  any  sucli  thing  to  Abraham,  ex- 
cei)t  when  he  told  him,  '•  that  his  seed  should  be  in  bondage  four 
hundred  years,"  but  that  "  the  nation,"  which  detained  them  in 
bondage,  should  afterwards  be  "judged,"  and  that  they  should  be 
"  brought  out,"  and  come  to  Canaan,  (Gen.  xv.  13.)  where  tliey 
were  to  "  serve"  him  ?  The  case  seems  to  be  this :  Zacharias,  un- 
der the  immediate  influence  and  direction  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  trans- 
fers the  language  of  the  old  dispensation  to  the  affairs  of  the  new 
one;  he  celebrates  the  redemption  of  the  world  by  Christ  from 
sin  and  death,  in  words  which  literally  describe  the  redemption  of 
Israel  from  Egypt  by  Moses ;  to  teach  us,  that  we  should  regard 
one  as  a  sacramental  pledge  and  figure  of  the  other;  that  there  is 
another  bondage,  in  which  the  people  of  God  are  held ;  anotheV 
Moses,  who  is  to  deliver  them ;  another  land  of  promise  and  rest, 
where  they  are  to  be  settled.  This  the  Hebrews  might  have  known, 
as  St.  Paul  tells  them,  Ileb.  iv.  from  a  pasage  in  the  xcvth  Psalm, 
where,  long  after  they  had  been  in  possession  of  Canaan,  David 
speaks  of  another  day  of  probation,  and  "  another  rest."  The 
Jews  have  since  had  a  melancholy  proof  of  the  same  thing,  by  being 
dispossessed  of  that  earthly  inheritance  which  they  falsely  deemed 
to  have  been  perpetual,  and  vainly  regarded  as  the  end  of  all  the 
promises,  made  to  a  "  thousand  generations,"  that  is,  (a  definite 
number  being  put  for  an  indefinite)  to  them  and  to  us,  and  to  "  as 
many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call,"  while  the  world  shall  last. 

12.  IFhcn  theij  icerc  but  a  feio  men  in  number;  ijea,  very  feio, 
and  strangers  in  it.  13.  When  they  went  from  one  nation  to 
another,  from  one  kingdom  to  another  people. 

How  wonderful  was  the  display  of  God's  wisdom  and  power,  in 
his  choosing  a  single  family,  and  that  a  small  one,  the  members 
of  which  were  literally  "  strangers  and  pilgrims  upon  earth;"  in 
liis  promising  to  that  family,  in  those  circumstances,  a  large  and 
fertile  country,  where  the  thrones  of  many  princes  were  then  firmly 
established ;  and  lastly,  in  his  putting  them  into  actual  possession 
of  it  at  the  time  appointed !  Thus  the  family  of  the  holy  Jesus 
was  at  first  but  small ;  the  members  of  it  were  a  "  few,  yea,  a 
very  few;"  they  were  sojourners  in  a  land  not  theirs;  "they 
went  from  one  nation  to  another;"  nay,  they  were  accounted  the 
"  refuse  of  the  world,  and  the  oflscounng  of  all  things."  But, 
>■•  Fear  not, little  flock,"  saith  he  unto  th(^m,  "  for  it  is  your  Father's 
57 


450  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CV. 

good  pleasure  to  give  you  the  kingdom,"  Luke  xii.  32.  Let  us 
view  Israel  brought  into  Canaan,  nor  doubt  but  that  believers  shall 
inherit  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  succeed  to  the  thrones  of  apos- 
tate angels. 

14.  lie.  suffered  no  man  to  do  them  wrong;  yea,  he  reproved 
kings  for  their  sakes:  15.  Saying,  Touch  not  mine  anointed,  and 
do  my  prophets  no  harm. 

The  patriarchs,  during  their  peregrinations,  were  often  in  immi- 
nent danger ;  as  Abraham  on  account  of  Sarah,  Gen.  xx. ;  Isaac, 
in  a  similar  case,  Gen.  xxvi. ;  Jacob  from  Laban,  Gen.  xxxi.  and 
from  his  brother  Esau,  Gen.  xxxiii.  Yet,  destitute  as  they  were  of 
earthly  help,  the  mightiest  kings  could  not  hurt  them.  Their 
"  ways  pleased  the  Lord,  and  he  made  even  their  enemies  to  be  at 
peace  with  them,"  Prov.  xvi.  7-  They  were  the  typical  prophets 
and  Messiahs,  or  *Christs,  of  Jehovah ;  and  kings  were  forbidden  to 
lift  up  a  hand  against  them.  How  doth  the  same  kind  Providence 
watch  over  the  body  and  the  members  of  the  true  Christ  !  how 
often  hath  it  interposed  to  protect  and  preserve  them  from  the 
powers  of  the  world  ! 

16.  Moreover,  he  called  for  a  famine  upon  the  land:  he  brake 
the  whole  staff  of  bread. 

When  Jacob  had  escaped  other  perils,  we  find  him  and  his  fa- 
mily likely  to  perish  with  hunger.  Gen.  xlii.  "  Famine"  is  here 
finely  represented  as  a  servant,  ready  to  come  and  go  at  the  call 
and  cqmmand  of  God;  for  calamities,  whether  public  or  private^ 
are  the  messengers  of  divine  justice.  "  Bread"  is  the  staff  which 
supports  life;  when  that  staff  is  "broken"  the  body  fails,  and 
sinks  to  the  earth.  The  word  of  God  is  the  staff  of  spiritual  life, 
the  food  and  support  of  the  soul ;  and  the  sorest  of  Heaven's  judg- 
ments is  that  mentioned  by  the  prophet  Amos,  ch.  viii.  11.  "  Be- 
hold, the  days  come,  saith  the  Lord  God,  that  I  will  send  a  famine 
in  the  land ;  not  a  famine  of  bread,  nor  a  thirst  of  water,  but  of 
hearing  the  words  of  the  Lord."  Such  a  famine  was  sore  in  all 
lands,  when  Christ  made  his  appearance  in  the  flesh,  whose  ad- 
vent, with  the  blessed  effects  of  it,  is  wonderfully  shadowed  forth 
in  the  prophetical  history  of  the  patriarch  Joseph. 

*  Ideo  autem  Christi  sive  Uncti  dicuntiir,  quod  csseiit  et  saccrdotes  et 
reges;  suinina  quippe  potestate  piEediti,  nuUiqiie  obnoxii.  Hiuc  f'a'dtra 
aequo  jure  pacta  cum  regibus :  hinc  bclla  suscepta  et  quidoni  uutu  suo, 
auspiciis,  ut  auint,  suis,  Gen.  xiv.  21.  Hinc  Helha'i  ad  Abrahamum  : 
"  Audi  nos,  Doniine:  Princc-ps  Dei  es  apud  nos."  Ibid,  xxiii.  6.  nemiiii  obno- 
vius,  nisic  Deo.  Quo  jure  Isaacus  et  Jacobus  usi  sunt.  Gen.  xxvi.  &ic.  Ad 
ha;c  Prophctoe  erant;  ut  hie,  et,  Gen.  xx.  7.  Quos  oinnes  titulos  unum 
Christi  nomenc  coniplectstur.  Christi  autem  dicuntur,  in  typo  Christi  ipsius 
ab  eis  orituri.     Bossutf. 


Dav  XXI.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  45i 

17.  He  sent  a  man  before  t/icin,  even  Joseph,  who  tms  sold  for 
asenant;  18.  Whose  feet  they  hurt  with  fetters ;  he  wan  laid 
in  iron. 

Joseph  and  Jesus  were  both  enviid,  hated,  and  sokl  by  Uuir 
brethren ;  both  suflered  by  a  false  accusation  ;  the  former  was  hiid 
in  irons,  the  hitter  crucified,  and  confnied  in  the  prison  of  the  grave, 
fast  bound  with  the  bands  of  death.  The  wickedness  of  man,  in 
working  its  own  will,  did  unwittingly  accomplish  the  counsels  ol 
God.  "  As  for  you,"  saith  Joseph  to  his  brethren.  Gen.  I.  20. 
«  ye  thought  evil  against  me ;  but  God  meant  it  unto  good,  to  bring 
to  pass,  as  it  is  this  day,  to  save  much  people  alive."  And  how 
doth  St.  Peter  address  the  brethren  of  that  other  Joseph  ?  "  Him, 
being  delivered  by  the  determinate  counsel  and  foreknowledge  of 
God,  ye  have  taken,  and  by  wicked  hands  have  crucified  and  slain 
—And  now  brethren,  I  wot  that  through  ignorance  ye  did  it — But 
those  things  which  God  before  had  showed  by  the  mouth  of  all  his 
prophets,  that  Christ  should  suffer,  he  hath  so  fulfilled,"  Acts  ii. 
23.  and  iii.  17- 

19.  Until  that  time  that  his  icord  came :  the  word  of  the  Lord 
tried  him. 

Joseph  continued  in  prison,  ''  until  the  time  that  his  word,  or 
cause  nm,  came"  before  the  king,  and  was  known,  (according  to 
our  old  translation ;)  or,  "  until  his  word,"  or  prediction  concerning 
the  chief  butler's  promotion,  ''  came  to  pass,"  for  this  was  the 
means  of  Joseph's  enlargement  and  justification  ;  since  a  person, 
guilty  of  the  crime  with  which  he  stood  charged,  would  not  have 
been  inspired  to  foretel  future  events.  "  Can  we  find,"  said  Pha- 
raoh, "  such  an  one  as  this  is,  a  man  in  whom  the  Spirit  of  God 
is?"  Gen.  xH.  31.  In  the  mean  lime,  the  ''word,"  command- 
ment, or  decree,  nnnx,  "  of  the  Lord  tried  him,"  in  the  furnace  of 
affliction,  there  refining  and  preparing  him  for  his  approacliing 
exaltation  to  glory  and  honour.  Thus  was  there  a  time  appointed 
for  the  abode  of  Jesus  in  the  grave,  at  the  expiration  of  which,  all 
his  promises  and  predictions  were  fulfiUec}:  he  came  forth,  made 
"  perfect  through  sufferings,"  and  ready  to  "  enter  into  his  glory." 

20.  The  king  sent  and  loosed  him;  even  the  ruler  of  the  peo- 
ple, and  let  him  go  free.  21.  He  made  him  lord  of  his  house, 
and  ruler  of  all  his  substance:  22.  To  bind  his  princes  at  his 
pleasure,  and  teach  his  senators  wisdom. 

The  circumstances  of  Joseph's  advancement,  here  alluded  to,  are 
related.  Gen.  xli.  &c.  Those  of  our  Lord's  resurrection  and  glo- 
rification afford  a  marvellous  parallel.  At  the  determined  hour, 
•'the  King"  of  heaven  "sent"  his  angel,  "  and  loosed  him"  from 


452  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.CV. 

the  bands  of  death  ;  "the  Ruler"  of  the  world  "let  hiiu  go  free" 
from  the  penalty  which  he  had  undertaken  to  pay,  and  had  now 
fully  paid.  "  He  made  him  Lord  of  his  house,"  the  church,  and 
"  Ruler  of  all  his  substance"  in  heaven  and  in  earth,  that  he  might 
by  his  holy  discipline,  "  bind  princes  at  his  pleasure,"  and  by  his 
Gospel  "  teach  true  wisdom"  to  the  "  senators"  and  politicians  of 
the  world:  he  was  clothed  with  the  robes  of  majesty,  he  was 
adorned  with  all  the  ensigns  of  royalty,  and  to  him  it  was  or- 
dained that  "every  knee  should  bow."  The  storehouses  of  grace 
and  salvation  were  opened;  the  nations  came  to  be  supplied  by 
him  with  the  bread  of  life ;  and  we  look  for  that  happy  day  when 
the  Jews  shall  do  the  same,  and  "  Joseph  shall  be  made  known  to 
his  brethren." 

23.  Isi-ael  also  came  into  Egypt,  and  Jacob  sojourned  in  the 
land  of  Ham.  24.  And  he  increased  his  people  greatly,  and 
?nade  them,  stronger  than  their  ene?nies.  25.  He  turned  their  heart 
to  hate  his  people,  to  deal  suhtilely  with  his  servants. 

The  Psalmist  now  exhibiteth  to  our  view  a  fresh  scene  of  tribu- 
lation and  affliction,  which  occasioned  repeated  mercies,  and  a  new 
deliverance.  Israel,  by  means  of  Joseph,  obtained  an  establish- 
ment in  Egypt.  But  in  process  of  time,  the  increase  and  prospe- 
rity of  Israel  excited  the  envy  and  jealousy  of  Egypt,  and  brought 
on  a  persecution.  The  kindness  and  love  of  God  to  his  people, 
"  turned  the  hearts  ot  the  Egyptians  against  them,  and  caused  ani- 
mosity to  take  the  place  of  friendship.  A  king  arose  who  knew 
not  Joseph,  and  measures  were  concerted  to  keep  the  Hebrews  un- 
der; a  royal  edict  was  issued  to  prevent  their  increase,  by  putting 
the  males  to  death ;  and  the  generation  then  in  being  was  reduced 
to  a  state  of  the  most  abject  servitude  and  cruel  bondage.  Such 
usage  the  people  of  God  have  often  experienced  from  the  world, 
at  the  instigation  of  him,  who  in  Scripture  is  styled  the  "  prince  of 
the  world." 

26.  He  sent  Moses  his  servant,  and  Aaron  who?n  he  had  chosen. 
27.  They  shewed  his  sig7is  among  them,  and  wonders  in  the  land 
of  Ham. 

When  the  tyranny  and  oppression  of  Pharaoh  were  at  the  high- 
est, and  Israel  cried  unto  Jehovah  because  of  the  bondage,  he  re- 
membered his  promise  to  Abraham,  and  sent  Moses,  with  Aaron, 
to  efiect  that  mighty  deliverance,  which  was  to  be  the  grand  pledge 
and  figure  of  our  salvation  by  Jesus  Christ.  Of  him  Moses  pro- 
phesied, when  he  said,  "  A  prophet  shall  the  Lord  your  God  raise 
up  unto  you  of  your  brethren,  like  unto  me,"  Deut.  xviii.  15. 
(cited  and  applied,  Acts  iii.  22.)     He  came  to  rescue  mankind  from 


Day  XXI.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  4J3 

a  spiritual  bondage,  and  to  deliver  all  who  were  oppressed  by  the 
devil  Acts  x.  38.  he  came  at  a  time  wiien  that  oppression  was  most 
grievous  among  Jews  and  CJcntiles:  his  birth  was  signalized  by  an 
order  from  another  Pharaoh,  to  slay  the  infants  ;  and  Egypt  af- 
forded him  a  refuge  from  the  tyrant's  fury :  he  wrought  innumera- 
ble signs  and  wonders;  but  they  were  all  signs  of  mercy,  and  won- 
ders of  love.  Those  of  terror  and  vengeance  were  reserved  for  a 
future  advent,  foreshowed  in  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem. 

28.  He  sent  dar/Kiicss,  and  made  it  dark;  and  theij  i-ebcllednot 
against  his  leord:  or,  and  did  the ij  not  still  rebel  against  his 
word?  29.  He  tiiriied  their  waters  into  blood,  and  slew  their  jish. 
SO.  Tlicir  land  brought  forth  frogs  in  abundance  in  the  cham- 
bers of  their  kings.  31.  He  spake,  and  there  came  divers  sorts 
of  flics,  Heb.  a  mixture  came,  and  lice  in  all  their  coasts.  32. 
He  gave  them  hail  for  rain,  and  flaming  fire  in  their  land.  23. 
He  smote  their  vines  also,  and  fig-trees ;  and  brake  the  trees  of 
their  coasts.  34.  He  spake,  and  the  locusts  came  ;  and  caterpil- 
lars, and  that  without  number,  35.  ytnd  did  eat  up  all  herbs  in 
their  land,  and  dcvotired  the  fruit  of  their  ground.  36.  He  smote 
also  the  first-born  in  their  land,  the  chief  of  all  their  strength. 

Who  can  behold  this  army  of  divine  judgments  thus  passing  in 
dreadful  array  before  him,  whhout  trembling  very  exceedingly  at 
that  power  which  is  able  to  send  them,  singly  or  in  conjunction, 
upon  a  sinful  land  ?  Who  can  reflect  upon  their  number  and  va- 
riety, without  adoring  that  goodness,  patience,  and  long-suflering, 
which  tried  so  many  different  methods,  and  waited  so  long  to  lead 
the  oflenders  to  repentance  ?  For  more  particulars,  see  the  com- 
ment on  Psalm  Ixxviii.  43 — 51. 

37.  He  brought  them,  i.  e.  the  people  of  Israel,  forth  also  tcith 
silver  and  gold:  and  there  was  not  one  feeble  person  among  their 
tribes.  38.  Egypt  was  glad  ichen  they  departed:  for  the  fear 
of  them  fell  upon  them. 

The  Israelites  not  only  came  forth  from  Egypt,  but  came  forth 
laden  with  the  spoils  of  their  enemies,  whicli  they  were  commanded 
to  take,  by  him  who  is  the  absolute  Lord  of  all  property,  and  who, 
as  a  righteous  Judge,  did  award  to  his  people  the  wages  due  to  their 
incredible  labours,  the  Egyptians  being  now  willing  and  ready  to 
furnish  them  with  any  thing  required,  in  order  to  dismiss  them. 
''  The  Egyptians  were  urgent  upon  the  people,  that  they  might 
send  them  out  of  the  land  in  haste :  for  they  said.  We  be  all  dead 
men,"  Exod.  xii.  33.  And  what  was  very  extraordinary,  among 
such  a  number  of  men,  women,  children,  and  cattle,  nothing  was 
weak  and  "  feeble,"  nothing  unable  to  perform  the  journey.     The 


454  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CV. 

order  was,  that  "not  a  hoof  should  be  left  behind,"  Exod.  x.  26. 
and  he  who  commanded,  cave  strength  to  obey.  Thou  hast  also 
enjoined  us,  thy  servants,  O  Lord,  to  quit  Egypt,  and  march  for 
Canaan  ;  let  thy  grace  invigorate  us  from  time  to  time,  that  so  we 
faint  not  by  the  way. 

39.  He  spread  a  clovd  for  a  covering  ;  andjire  to  give  light 
in  the  night.  40.  The  people  asked,  and  he  brought  quails,  and 
satisfied  them  tvith  the  bread  of  heaven.  41.  He  opened  the  rock, 
and  the  waters  gushed  out;  they  ran  in  the  dry  places  like  a  river. 

"  Brethren,  1  would  not  that  ye  should  be  ignorant,  how  that  all 
our  fathers  were  under  tlie  cloud;  and  were  all  baptized  unto  Mo- 
ses in  the  cloud  ;  and  did  all  eat  the  same  spiritual  meat;  and  did 
all  drink  the  same  spiritual  drink :  for  they  drank  of  that  spiritual 
Rock  that  followed  them  ;  and  that  Rock  was  Christ,"  1  Cor.  x. 
1 — 4  In  our  passage  through  this  wilderness  of  life,  over  barren 
sands,  and  amidst  fiery  serpents,  be  thou,  blessed  Lord,  our  guide 
and  our  guard ;  protected  by  thy  providence,  supported  by  thy 
word,  and  refreshed  by  thy  Spirit,  lead  us  even  where  and  in  what 
manner  it  shall  seem  good  to  thee;  only  do  not  thou  forsake  us, 
and  we  ask  no  more. 

42.  For  he  renieinhered  his  holy  jiromise,  and  Abraham  his  ser- 
vant. 43.  And  he  broiight  forth  his  people  with  Joy,  and  his 
chosen  with  gladness. 

The  same  God  hath  since  "  remembered"'  again  "  his  promise 
to  Abraham  ;-'  he  hath  visited  his  people,  and  redeemed  them  from 
the  bondage  of  sin,  under  the  tyranny  of  Satan;  which  redemption 
they  daily  celebrate  in  the  church  with  "joy  and  gladness,"  wait- 
ing for  their  final  deliverance  from  death  and  the  grave,  when  they 
are  to  sing  in  heaven  "  the  song  of  Moses  and  of  the  Lamb,*"  Rev. 
XV.  3. 

44.  And  gave  them  the  lands  of  the  heathen:  and  they  inherited 
the  labour  of  the peoph' ;  45.  That  they  might  observe  Ms  statutes, 
and  keep  his  laws.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

It  was  not,  therefore,  intended,  that  the  Israelites  should  regard 
Canaan  as  their  paradise,  and  look  no  farther ;  but  that,  being 
rescued  from  their  enemies,  and  settled  in  peace  and  plenty,  they 
should  improve  the  opportunity  thereby  afforded  them,  of  serving 
the  Lord  their  God,  and  of  securing  to  themselves,  through  the 
obedience  of  faith,  an  inheritance  in  a  "  better  country,  that  is  to 
say,  an  heavenly."  And  let  all  the  children  of  faithful  Abraham, 
whose  lot  hath  fallen  in  "aland  flowing  with  milk  and  honey," 
upon  earth,  reflect,  that  God  hath  given  them  riches,  and  the  lei- 
sure which  riches  procure,  not  for  the  purpose  of  indulging  and 


DayXXI.  E.P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  455 

conii|)tiii!r  themselves  and  otliers,  but  that  they  may  glorify  hhn, 
benefit  their  neiirhbours,  and  save  tlieir  own  souls;  "that  they 
may  observe  his  statutes,  and  keep  his  laws."  Israel  was  delivered 
by  Moses,  and  the  church  redeemed  by  Christ,  that  God  might 
'•  purify  to  himself  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works." 
Titus  ii.  14. 


TWENTY-FIRST  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 


PSALM  CVL 

ARGUMENT. 

The  Psalmist  here  again  commeniorafps  the  Divine  benefits,  upbraiding 
withal  the  ingratitude  of  those  who  received  them.  1,2.  He  exhorteth 
men  to  the  praise  of  Jehovah;  3 — 5.  proclaimeth  the  blessedness,  and 
lonffeth  for  the  felicity  of  the  saints ;  6.  confesseth  the  sins  of  Israel,  and 
givoth  a  detail  of  their  rebellions,  7 — 12.  at  the  Red  Sea;  13 — 15.  when 
they  lusted  for  llesh  in  tiie  wilderness;  16 — 18.  in  the  matter  of  Korah; 
19 — 23.  in  that  of  tlie  golden  calf;  24 — 27.  at  the  report  of  the  spies ; 
28—31.  in  the  affair  of  Baal  Peor  ;  32,33.  at  the  waters  of  Meribah  ; 
34 — 39.  in  not  destroying  idolatry,  but  being  seduced  by  it.  40 — 46.  God's 
frequent  judgments,  and  as  frequent  mercies,  are  related;  47.  a  prayer 
is  made,  that  Jehovah  would  gather  Israel  from  among  the  heathen, 
which  shows  the  Psalm  to  have  been  written  during  some  captivity,  or 
dispersion.     The  last  verse  contains  an  act  of  blessing  ami  praise. 

1.  0  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ;  for  he  is  good:  for  his  mercij 
enduretii  for  ever. 

In  the  person  of  a  penitent  nation,  the  prophet  invites  mankind 
to  "give  thanks  unto  Jehovah,"  for  that  "goodness"  which  pre- 
ventcth  us  whh  blessings,  and  for  that  "  mercy"  which  forgiveth 
our  transgressions  ;  that  mercy  which  was  shown  to  our  forefathers, 
upon  their  repentance,  and  will  "  ever"  be  shown,  upon  the  same 
condition,  to  us  and  our  posterity;  that  mercy,  which  will  bring  sin 
and  misery  to  an  end,  itself  continuing  eternal  and  unchangeable. 

2.  Who  can  utter  the  mightrj  ails  of  the  Lord  r  who  can  sheio 
forth  all  his  praise  ? 

But  who  is  suflTicient  for  a  work,  which  demandeth  the  tongues 
and  harps  of  angels?  "  When  you  glorily  the  Lord,"  saith  tiie  son 
of  Sirach,  "  e.Kalt  him  as  much  as  you  can  ;  for  even  yet  will  he  far 
exceed :  and  when  you  c.\alt  him,  put  forth  all  your  strength,  and 
be  not  weary  ;  for  you  can  never  go  far  enough,"  Eccl.  .\liii.  30. 

3.  Blessed  are  the]/  that  keep  judgment;  and  he  that  docth 
righteousness  at  all  times. 

Next  to  angels,  they  are  blessed  and  qualified  to  praise  God  with 


456  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CVI. 

the  voice,  who  glorify  him  in  iheir  Hves ;  uho  liaving  experienced 
in  themselves  the  "  mighty  acts"  of  mercy,  pardoning  the  guilt,  and 
breaking  the  power  of  sin,  are  become  the  servants  of  Jesus,  and 
render  to  their  Saviour,  "  at  all  times,"  in  adversity  no  less  than  in 
prosperity,  the  due  tribute  of  unfeigned  love  and  obedience. 

4.  Remember  me,  O  Lord,  with  the  favour  which  thou  bearest 
unto  thj people:  O  visit  me  loith  thy  salvation ;  5.  That  I  rnay 
see  the  good  of  thj  chosen,  that  I  may  rejoice  in  the  gladness  of 
thy  nation  ;  that  I  may  glo7'y  tvith  thine  inheritance. 

The  Psalmist  offereth  a  prayer  for  himself,  or  rather  for  the 
church  of  Israel,  that  she,  with  liimself,  might  partake  of  such  bles- 
sedness. The  words  might  have  a  reference  to  a  temporal  resto- 
ration and  felicity;  but  they  certainly  extend  much  farther,  and 
form  the  most  spiritual  and  heavenly  petition  that  the  devoutest. 
Christian  can  prefer  to  the  throne  of  grace.  "  Remember  me,  O 
Lord,  with  the  favour"  which  thou  hast  always  shown  to  '•  thy 
people,"  in  whom  thou  hast  delighted  from  the  foundation  of  the 
world,  and  on  whom  it  is  thy  good  pleasure  to  confer  a  glorious 
kingdom.  "  O  visit  me  with  thy  salvation,"  with  which  so  many 
patriarchs,  prophets,  and  kings,  have  desired  to  be  visited,  the  sal- 
vation of  thy  Christ,  the  justifier  of  all  them  that  believe,  and  the 
rewarder  of  his  saints:  "  that  I  may  see  the  good  of  thy  chosen," 
their  felicity  in  beholding  tliy  countenance,  and  living  for  ever  in 
thy  presence;  "  that  I  may  rejoice  in  the  gladness  of  thy  nation," 
the  unspeakable  gladness  of  those  who  enter  into  the  joy  of  their 
Lord ;  "  and  glory  with  thine  inheritance,"  singing  hallelujahs  be- 
fore thine  everlasting  throne,  in  the  Jerusalem  which  is  above. 
The  Israelitish  church,  when  in  peace  and  tranquillity  serving  her 
God,  and  chanting  the  songs  of  Sion,  aflbrded  a  very  lively  represen- 
tation of  this  eternal  felicity. 

6.  We  have  sinned  with  our  fathers:  we  have  committed  ini- 
quity, ice  have  done  tvickedly. 

They  who  have  joined  with  the  prophet,  in  his  affectionate  aspi- 
ration after  the  Divine  favour,  may  here  learn  the  surest  way  to  at- 
tain it;  namely,  by  confessing  their  own  sins,  and  those  of  their  an- 
cestors. "  We  have  sinned  with  our  fathers,"  that  is,  after  their 
example  of  unbelief  and  disobedience,  of  which  an  account  imme- 
diately followeth.  The  father's  sins  are  often  reflected  in  their 
children,  and  each  new  reflection,  instead  of  being  weaker,  is 
stronger  than  the  foregoing ;  as  in  the  case  of  the  Jews. 

7.  Our  fathers  understood  not  thy  loonders  in  Egypt ;  they  re- 
membered not  the  multitude  of  thy  mercies;  but  provoked  hnxi  at 
the  sea,  even  at  the  Red  Sea. 


J 


Day  XXI.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  457 

The  Israelites  did  not  profit,  as  they  should  have  done,  by  the 
miracles  wrought  for  them  in  Egypt;  they  increased  not  in  the  wis- 
dom and  knowledge  of  God  their  Saviour;  but  when  they  saw 
themselves  pursued  by  Pharaoii,  their  faith  failed,  they  murmured 
against  Moses,  and  wished  themselves  again  in  the  bondage  from 
which  they  were  just  delivered,  Exod.  xiv.  10,  cVc.  Thus  when 
the  penitent  findeth  himself  beset  with  difliculties  and  dangers; 
when  he  seeth  before  him  that  death  unto  sin,  through  which  he 
must  pass  to  a  life  of  righteousness,  while  the  devil  and  the  world 
follow  hard  after  him,  to  destroy  or  bring  him  back  to  a  more  cruel 
bondage;  how  apt  is  he  to  forget  all  that  Christ  hath  done  for  him! 
Fear  puts  out  the  light  of  faith,  and  hides  the  prospect  of  the  pro- 
mised land;  imagination  recalls  the  former  gratification  of  sense; 
he  is  tempted  to  regret  the  desertion  of  Egypt,  and  to  wish  for  a  re- 
turn to  it  again. 

8.  Nevertheless  he  saved  them  for  his  name's  sake;  that  he 
might  make  his  mighty  poioer  to  he  kiioion.  9.  He  rebuked  the 
Red  Sea  also,  and  it  was  dried  up :  so  he  led  them  through  the 
depths,  as  through  the  wilderness.  10.  And  he  saved  them  from 
the  hand  of  him  that  hated  them :  and  redeemed  them  from  thti 
hand  of  the  enemy.  1 1 .  And  the  waters  covered  their  enemies : 
there  teas  not  one  of  them  left.  12.  Then  believed  they  his  words; 
they  song  his  j^raise. 

Comforted  and  encouraged  by  Moses,  the  armies  of  Israel  ad- 
vanced to  the  shore;  and  lo,  the  waves,  at  the  lifting  up  of  the 
powerful  rod,  instantly  parted,  and,  like  so  many  well-disciplined 
troops,  arranging  themselves  in  two  columns,  disclosed  a  new  and 
strange  path,  by  which  the  people  of  God  were  conducted,  in  per- 
fect security,  to  the  opposite  shore ;  when  the  waters,  falling  down, 
and  reassuming  their  ancient  habitation,  overwhelmed  the  infidel 
host,  and  left  not  a  man  to  carry  the  news  to  Egypt.  Through  all 
the  difficuhies  and  dangers  of  the  Christian  course,  faith  will  ever 
find  a  way  opened,  by  the  power  of  Jesus,  from  sin  to  righteous- 
ness, and  from  death  to  life ;  the  enemies  of  our  salvation,  how 
formidable  soever,  shall  disappear,  and  be  no  more  :  and  we  shall 
sing,  like  Israel,  a  song  of  triumph  to  the  Lord  our  God. 

13.  They  soon  forgat  his  works  ;  Ileb,  They  made  haste,  they 
forgat  his  works;  they  waited  not  for  his  counsel.  14.  But  lusted 
exceedingly  in  the  toilderness,  and  teinpted  God  in  the  desert.  15. 
And  he  gave  them  their  request  ;  but  sent  leanness  into  their  soide. 

Soon  after  the  Israelites  had  experienced  the  power  and  good- 
ness of  Jehovah  at  the  Red  Sea,  we  find  them  murmuring  against 
him,  Exod.  xv.  22.  They  grew  impatient,  they  looked  upon 
58 


408  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CVI. 

themselves  as  forgotten,  and  given  over  to  destmction.  They 
loathed  manna,  and  required  flesh;  flesh  was  sent  them,  on  which 
they  surfeited  themselves  ;  the  wrath  of  God  smote  them,  and  many 
were  carried  olT  by  a  grievous  plague,  Numb.  ix.  4.  33.  Let  us 
learn  to  wait  God's  time  and  counsel  for  the  supply  of  necessaries, 
much  more  of  conveniences  ;  remembering  that  he  hath  given  us 
his  Son  ;  and  therefore  will  not  deny  us  such  inferior  corporeal 
blessings  as  he  foreseeth  will  really  prove  blessings  to  us.  Let  us 
be  duly  thankful  for  that  "  bread  which  cometh  down  from  heaven," 
cautious  how  we  request  the  good  things  of  this  world,  and  strictly 
temperate  in  the  use  of  them  when  given. 

iG.  They  envied  Moses  also  in  the  camp,  and  Aaron  the  saint 
of  the  hoRD.  17.  The  earth  opened  and  swallowed  7ip  Dathan, 
and  covered  the  company  of  Ahiram.  18.  And  afire  was  kindled 
in  their  company  ;  the  fame  burnt  up  the  wicked. 

Moses  and  Aaron  were  the  divinely  appointed  governors  of  Is- 
rael, in  church  and  state.  Envy  and  ambition  led  Korah,  Dathan, 
and  Abiram,  to  accuse  the  former  of  tyranny,  and  the  latter  of 
priestcraft.  Jehovah  was  appealed  to,  a  day  appointed,  and  a  de- 
cision made.  One  body  of  the  malecontents  went  down  alive  into 
the  pit,  another  was  consumed  by  fire  from  heaven,  Numb.  xvi. 
Let  schismatics  and  rebels  beware  of  that  "  pit"  which  is  bottom- 
less, and  of  that  "  fire"  which  shall  never  be  quenched. 

19.  They  made  a  calf  in  Horeb,  and  worshipped  the  molten 
image.  20.  Thus  they  changed  their  glory  into  the  similitude  of 
an  ox  that  caleth  grass.  21.  They  for  gat  God  their  Saviour, 
which  had  done  great  things  in  Egypt :  22.  Wondrous  toorks  in 
the  land  of  Ham,  and  terrible  things  by  the  Red  Sea. 

While  the  terrible  presence  of  God  abode  upon  Mount  Sinai ^ 
and  Moses  was  gone  up  thither  to  receive  the  law,  even  then  and 
there,  "  at  Horeb,"  the  people  apostatized  to  the  old  favourite  siu 
of  idolatry,  and  persuaded  Aaron  to  make  them  a  '•  calf,"  or  '•  ox," 
before  which  they  prostrated  themselves,  acknowledging  it,  or  the 
power  represented  by  it,  whatever  that  was,  to  have  been  the  au- 
thor of  their  deliverance  from  Egypt;  Exod.  xxxii,  for  "  as  to 
Moses,  they  knew  not  what  was  become  of  him,"  nor  ever  expected 
to  see  him  any  more.  Thus  they  exchanged  their  glory,  the  glory 
which  had  accompanied  them  in  the  mystic  cloud,  nay,  which  was 
then  present  before  their  eyes  on  the  top  of  the  mount,  for  "  an 
image  made  like  to  a  four-footed  beast,"  as  it  is  said  of  the  heathen 
in  their  worst  estate ;  Rom.  i,  23.  and  thus  they  forgat  Jehovah,  who 
had  wrought  his  works  and  wonders  for  them  in  Egypt,  and  at  the 
Red  Sea.   It  is  to  be  hoped  we  shall  never  live  to  see  a  time,  wiien 


Day  XXI.  £.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  459 

flic  miracles  of  our  redemption  shall  be  forgotten  j  when  the  return 
of  Jesus  Christ  from  heaven  shall  be  despaired  of;  and  when  thft 
people  shall  solicit  their  teachers  to  fabricate  a  new  philosophical 
deity  for  them  to  worship,  instead  of  the  God  of  their  ancestors,  to 
whom  glory  hath  been  ascribed  frou)  generation  to  generation. 

23.  Therefore  he  said  that  he  toould  destroy  them,  had  not  Mo- 
ses his  chosen  stood  before  him  in  the  breach,  to  turn  aicuy  his 
ipvath,  lest  he  should  destroy  them. 

When  we  hear  Jehovah  saying  to  Moses,  on  account  of  his  peo- 
ple's monstrous  ingratitude,  and  atrocious  wickedness,  "  Let  me 
alone,  that  my  wrath  may  wax  hot  against  them,  and  that  I  may 
consume  them ;  and  I  will  make  of  thee  a  great  nation ;"  when  we 
hear  Moses,  notwithstanding  this,  interceding  for  his  countrymen 
with  the  oflended  Majesty  of  heaven  ;  urging  to  God  the  glory  of 
his  name;  the  relation  in  which  he  stood  to  Israel,  the  covenant  he 
had  made  with  their  fathers;  and  if  they  must  be  cast  off,  desiring 
himself  to  perish  with  them — "  If  thou  will,  forgive  their  sin  ;  and 
if  not,  blot  me,  I  pray  thee,  out  of  thy  book  which  thou  hast 
written!" — how  are  we  astonished  at  an  instance  of  such  invincible 
fortitudef  fervent  piety,  unadulterated  patriotism,  triumphant  faith, 
and  unbounded  charity  !  Once,  and  but  once,  was  this  instance  ex- 
ceeded, by  Him,  in  whose  name  the  intercession  of  Moses  was 
made  and  accepted;  who,  really  taking  upon  himself  the  sins  of  his 
people,  sufl'ered  the  vengeance  due  to  them ;  and  who  is  now  at 
the  right  hand  of  God,  interceding  for  us  all.  See  Exod.  xxxii. 
10—14.  32. 

24.  Yea,  they  despised  the  pleasant  land:  they  believed  not  his 
word;  25.  But  murmured  in  their  tents,  and  hearkened  not  unto 
the  voice  of  the  Lord.  26.  Therefore  he  lifted  up  his  hand  against 
them,  to  overthroio  them  in  the  wilderness.  27.  To  overthrow  their 
seed  also  among  the  nations,  and  to  scatter  them  in  the  lands. 

The  history  here  alluded  to  is  contained  in  Numb.  xiii.  and  xiv. 
The  spies  brought  back  a  favourable  account  of  the  promised  land, 
and  its  productions,  but  communicated  to  the  people  those  terrible 
apprehensions,  with  which  themselves  were  possessed,  concerning 
the  power  of  the  Anakims,  and  other  inhabitants  of  Canaan.  In- 
fidelity presently  discovered  itself,  by  its  usual  fruit,  disobedience. 
They  thought  they  should  never  be  able  to  surmount  all  these  dif- 
ficulties, but  should  become  a  prey,  with  their  wives  and  children, 
to  the  sword ;  and  a  return  to  Egypt  was  once  more  the  cry  of  the 
camp  of  Israel.  Therefore  did  Jehovah  "  lift  up  his  hand  against 
them,"  he  declared,  that  none  of  the  generation  then  in  being,  Jo- 
shua and  Caleb  only  excepted,  should  enter  into  his  rest,  but  that 


460  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CVI. 

they  should  fall  in  the  wilderness,  without  setting  a  foot  in  that  plea- 
sant and  most  desirable  land.  Discomfiture  and  dispersion  were 
also  threatened  to  their  posterity,  that  is,  if  they  should  go  on  in 
the  same  spirit  of  rebellion,  and  fill  up  the  measure  of  their  fathers' 
iniquities;  which  they  have  since  done,  and  are  accordingly  "  over- 
thrown among  the  nations,  and  scattered  among  the  lands"  to  this 
day.  But  do  not  thou  sufler  us,  O  Lord,  to  despise  that  "  pleasant 
land,"  Avhich  thou  designedst  to  be  the  inheritance  of  thy  saints; 
whatever  obstructions  may  be  thrown  in  our  way,  suffer  us  not, 
through  sloth  and  cowardice,  to  "  disbelieve  thy  word,"  to  doubt 
the  accomplishment  of  thy  promises,  or  to  "  murmur"  against  thy 
dispensations. 

28.  They  joined  themselves  also  unto  Baal  Peor,  and  ate  the 
sacrifices  of  the  dead.  29.  Thus  they  provoked  him  to  anger 
with  their  inventions ;  and  the  plague  brake  in  upon  them.  30. 
Then  stood  up  Phinehas,  and  executed  judgment ;  and  so  the 
plague  2vas  stayed.  3 1 .  And  that  was  counted  unto  him  for  righte- 
ousness n?ito  all  generations  for  evermore. 

By  Balaam's  advice,  Numb.  xxxi.  l6.  the  Moabites  and  Midian- 
ites  sent  their  daughters  among  the  people  of  Israel,  \tho  soon 
yielded  to  the  temptation,  and  fornication  ended  in  idolatry;  nay, 
perhaps  it  luiglit  be  a  part  of  the  Moabitish  ritual;  as  we  know  it 
was  among  the  religious  services  paid  by  the  latter  heathens  to  some 
of  their  deities.  By  the  "  sacrifices  of  the  dead,"  may  be  meant 
sacrifices  which  were  offered  either  to  dead  idols,  or  to  men  deified 
after  death.  To  punish  this  apostacy,  the  wiath  of  Jehovah  went 
forth,  and  24,000  perished  by  the  plague,  which  at  length  ceased, 
when  Phinehas  had  "  executed  judgment"  upon  Zimri  and  Coshbi, 
who  seemed,  mdeed,  to  call  aloud  for  it,  by  indulging  their  lawless 
passions  in  the  midst  of  so  grievous  a  calamity,  at  a  time  when  the 
whole  congregation  were  humbling  themselves  before  God,  at  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle-  "  Wherefore,"  saith  God,  <>  behold,  I  give 
unto  him  my  covenant  of  peace ;  and  he  shall  have  it,  and  his  seed 
after  him,  even  the  covenant  of  an  everlasting  priesthood,  because 
he  was  zealous  for  his  God,  and  made  an  atonement  for  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,"  Numb.  xxv.  12.  It  is  most  probable,  as  Dr.  Ham- 
mond observes,  that  Phinehas,  being  the  son  of  Eleazar,  the  son  of 
Aaron,  was  one  of  the  judges  of  Israel;  and  if  so,  he  had  a  clear 
commission,  for  what  he  did,  from  Moses,  who  had  "  said  to  the 
judges  of  Israel,  Slay  ye  every  one  his  man  that  were  joined  to  Baal 
Peor;"  Numb.  xxv.  5.  The  case  of  Phinehas,  therefore,  is  no 
precedent  for  uncommissioned  zealots.  In  general,  we  learn  from 
this  part  of  the  sacred  history,  how  acceptable  to  God  is  a  well- 


Day  XXI.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  46I 

timed  zeal  for  his  service;  as  also,  how  daneeroiis  it  is  to  converse 
too  freely  with  those  of  the  other  sex,  especially  when  they  have 
been  educated  in  a  false  rcUgion,  or  in  no  religion  at  all. 

32.  They  angered  him  ahu  at  the  icaters  of  strife,  so  that  it 
went  HI  with  Moses  for  their  sakcs :  33.  Because  they  provoked 
/lis  spirit,  so  that  he  spake  unadvisedly  with  his  lips. 

This  instance  of  disobedience  was,  in  point  of  time,  prior  to 
that  mentioned  in  the  preceding  verses.  It  is  related,  Numb.  xx. 
2 — 13.  The  spirit  of  Moses,  though  he  was  the  meekest  man  upon 
earth,  was  so  exasperated  and  imbittered  by  continual  murmurings 
and  rebellions,  that  he  is  charged  with  "  not  having  believed  God, 
to  sanctify  him  in  the  eyes  of  the  chiIdren*of  Israel ;"  and  he  was, 
on  that  account,  denied  the  honour  of  bringing  them  into  the  land 
of  promise.  He  had  been  commanded  to  smite  the  rock,  that  wa- 
ter might  come  forth.  In  anger  he  smote  it  twice,  thus  upbraiding 
the  people;  ''  Hear  now,  ye  rebels;  must  we  fetch  you  water  out 
of  this  rock  ?"  He  showed  not  that  affiance  in  God,  that  dispo- 
sition to  glorify  him  before  his  people,  which  became  him  in  the  exe- 
cution of  his  office.  "  The  wrath  of  man*'  found  admission,  and 
that  "  worketh  not -the  righteousness  of  God."  Thou,  blessed  Jesus, 
art  the  only  perfect  pattern  of  patience  and  love :  O  grant  to  all, 
but  above  all,  to  the  pastors  of  thy  flock,  a  "  spirit"  not  easy  to  be 
"  provoked,"  and  lips  not  liasty  to  "  speak  unadvisedly." 

34.  They  did  not  destroy  the  nations,  concerning  tchom  the  Lord 
commanded  them;  35.  But  were  mingled  among  the  heathen,  and 
learned  their  works.  30.  And  they  served  their  idols;  which  were 
a  snare  unto  them. 

When  the  iniquity  of  the  Canaanites  was  full,  it  pleased  God  to 
extirpate  the  race,  and  Israel  was  commissioned  to  execute  upon 
them  the  vengeance  determined.  But  the  conquerors  suffered  them- 
selves frequently  to  be  .seduced  into  all  the  abominations  of  the 
conquered,  and  spared  their  idolatrous  altars,  till  themselves  came 
to  bow  down  before  them,  Judges  ii.  2,  3.  The  Canaanites,  against 
whom  we  Christians  militate,  are  our  lusts,  which,  if  they  are 
spared  and  treated  with,  will  prove  '•  a  snare"  to  us,  and  in  time 
become  our  masters.  Mercy  shown  to  them,  is  cruelty  to  ourselves, 
and  will  always  be  found  so  in  the  end. 

37.  Yea,  they  sacrificed  their  sons  and  their  daughters  unto 
devils:  38.  And  shed  innocent  blood,  even  the  blood  of  their  soiis 
and  of  their  daughters,  whom  they  sacrificed  unto  the  idols  of 
Canaan :  and  the  land  was  polluted  icith  blood. 

It  is  plain,  that  the  devils,  mentioned  in  the  former  of  these  two 
verses,  are  "the  idols  of  Canaan"  mentioned  in  the  latter.     The 


462  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CVI. 

word  translated  '-devils,"  is  nzj'ig',  literally,  '-The  pourers  forth;'* 
by  which  it  is  highly  probable,  that  the  idolaters  meant  the  great 
agents  of  nature,  or  the  heavens,  considered  as  giving  rain,  causing 
the  earth  to  send  out  springs,  and  put  forth  her  increase,  vegetables 
to  yield  and  nourish  their  fruit,  and  animals  to  abound  with  milk, 
for  the  subsistence  of  their  young.*  Idolatry  being  a  work  of  the 
devil,  it  is  true,  in  fact,  that  what  is  offered  to  an  idol,  is  offered 
to  the  devil ;  though  the  word,  .a-nB?,  doth  by  no  means  imply  it. 
We  stand  astonished,  doubtless,  at  this  horrid,  barbarous,  and  un- 
natural impiety,  of  offering  children  by  fire  to  a  Moloch:  but  how 
little  is  it  considered,  that  children  brought  up  in  the  ways  of  ig- 
norance, error,  vanity.  Tolly,  and  vice,  are  more  effectually  sacri- 
ficed to  the  great  adversary  of  mankind ! 

39.  Thus  were  they  defiled  with  their  own  icorhs,  and  tccnt  a 
whoring  ioiih  their  oum  inventions.  40.  Tlicrefore  teas  the  wrath 
of  the  Lord  kindled  against  his  people^  insomuch  thai  he  abhorred 
his  oioii  inheritance.  41.  And  he  gave  them  into  the  hand  of  the 
heathen;  and  they  that  hated  them  rided  over  them.  42.  Their 
enemies  also  oppressed  them,  and  they  were  brought  into  subjection 
under  their  hand.  43.  Many  times  did  he  deliver  them:  bid  they 
provoked  him  with  their  counsel,  and  were  brought  low  for  their 
iniquity.  44.  Nevertheless  he  regarded  their  affliction,  token  he 
heard  their  cry  :  45.  Jnd  he  remembered  for  them  his  covenant, 
and  repented  according  to  the  muHitude  of  his  mercies.  46.  He 
made  them  also  to  be  pitied  of  all  those  that  carried  them  captives. 

This  is  an  epitome  of  the  history  of  the  Israelites,  from  the  time 
when  they  took  possession  of  Canaan,  downwards.  Transgressions 
brought  on  chastisements ;  chastisements  produced  repentance ; 
and  repentance  obtained  mercy.  For  the  last  and  grand  rebellion 
against  the  Son  of  God,  and  th.cir  King  Messiah,  whom  they  mur- 
dered, the  sore  burden  of  Heaven's  displeasure  hath  now  rested  up- 
on the  nation  these  seventeen  hundred  years  ;  but  their  eyes  are 
not  yet  opened;  their  hearts  have  not,  hitherto,  relented.  How 
hath  the  "wrath  of  Jehovah  been  kindled  against  his  {leople,  inso- 
much that  he  hath  abhorred  his  own  inheritance  !"  How  hath  he 
"  given  them  into  the  hand  of  the  heathen,"  and  "  caused  them 
that  hated  them  to  rule  over  them  !"  How  have  "  their  ene- 
mies oppressed  them ;"  how  have  they  been  '•  brought  into  sub- 
iection  under  their  hand  !  Nevertheless,  O  Lord,  regard  their  aiilic- 
tion,  when  thou  hearest  their  cry;"  grant  them  repentance  first,  and 
then  pardon ;  "  remember  for  them  thy  covenant,"  let  them  change 

*  See  the  account  given  of  tlic  word  hy  the  learned  aad  ingenious  Mr 
Parkhiust,  in  his  excellent  Hebrcw-Enjjlish  Lexicon. 


Day  XXII.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  463 

their  mind,  and  do  thou  change  thy  purpose,  "  according  to  the 
muhitiide  of  thy  mercies ;  make  them  also  to  be  phied  of  all  those 
that  have  carried  them  cajjtives-,'  cause  them,  upon  their  conver- 
sion, to  find  favour  in  the  eyes  of  the  nations ;  and  do  Thou,  who 
hast  so  long  been  "a  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,"  become  once 
more  "the  glory  of  thy  people  Israel." 

47.  Save  us,  O  Lord  our  God,  and  gather  us  from  among  the 
heathen,  to  give  thanks  unto  thy  huhj  name,  and  to  triumph  in  thy 
praise. 

It  appears  from  this  verse,  that  the  Psalm  was  written  at  a  time 
when  Israel  was  in  captivity  "  among  the  heathen."  Such  will  be 
the  pethion  of  the  Jews  hereafter  to  him  whom  they  crucified;  and 
such  is  now  the  petition  of  the  Christian  church,  that  the  elect  may 
be  finally  gathered  together,  and  united  in  one  congregation,  "  to 
give  thanks  unto  the  name,  and  triumph  for  ever  in  the  praises  of 
Jesus." 

48.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  from  everlasting  to 
everlasting:  and  let  all  the  people  say,  Amen.  Praise  ye  the 
Lord. 

At  all  times,  in  all  places,  and  by  all  persons,  on  earth  and  in 
heaven,  in  prosperity  and  adversity,  peace  or  persecution,  "  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel,"  the  Saviour  and  Redeemer  of  his  church,  is 
to  be  "  blessed ;"  nor  can  any  situation  exempt  a  believer  from 
saying,  "  Amen,  Hallelujah,"  that  is,  from  blessing  God,  himself, 
and  exciting  others  to  do  the  same. 

TWExN TY-SECOND  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 

PSALM  cvn. 

ARGtTMENT. 

The  redeemed  of  the  Lord  are  exhorted,  in  this  Psalm,  1 — 3.  to  praise  him 
for  his  Ejoodness  in  redeeming,  and  gathering  them  from  the  four  quar- 
ters of  the  world.  Their  danger  and  their  deliverance  are  represented 
un<lcr  the  four  striking  images,  4 — 9.  of  travellers  lost  in  a  wilderness, 
but  directed  and  conducted  home ;  10 — 16.  of  prisoners  rescued  from  cap- 
tivity; 17 — 22.  of  sick  and  dying  men  restored  to  health;  23 — 32.  of  ma- 
riners preserved  in  a  storm  at  sea,  and  brought  safe  into  port.  33 — 41. 
Some  other  instances  of  God's  providence  in  the  government  of  the 
world,  and  of  the  church,  are  adduced  and  insisted  on,  for,  42.  the  con- 
solation of  the  riglitious,  and,  43.  the  instruction  of  all. 

1 .  0  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ;  for  he  is  good:  for  his  mercy 
endurcth  for  ever.  2.  Let  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord  say  so,  xohom 
he  hath  redeemed  from  the  hand  of  the  enemy ;  3.  And  gathered. 


464  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.CVII. 

them  out  of  the  lands,  from  the  east,  and  from  the  west,  from  the 
north,  and  from  the  south. 

Eternal  mercy  is  the  tlieme  here  proposed ;  and  they  who  have 
tasted  its  sweets,  are  invited  to  join  in  setting  forth  its  praises.  The 
members  of  the  Christian  church  are  now,  in  the  most  proper  and 
emphatical  sense  of  the  words,  "  the  redeemed  of  Jehovah,  whom 
he  hath  redeemed  from  the  hand  of  the  enemy,  and  gathered  them," 
by  the  Gospel,  "  out  of  all  lands,"  and  from  all  the  four  quarters  of 
the  world,  to  form  a  church,  and  to  supply  the  place  of  the  apos- 
tate Jews ;  whose  forefathers  experienced,  in  type  and  shadow,  the 
good  things  prepared  for  them  and  for  us,  in  truth  and  substance. 
"  Many,"  saith  our  Lord  to  the  Jews,  "  shall  come  from  the  east, 
and  from  the  west,  and  from  the  north,  and  from  the  south,  and 
shall  sit  down  in  the  kingdom  of  God — and  ye  yourselves  shall  be 
thrust  out,"  Matt.  viii.  11.  Luke  xiii.  29.  We,  converted  Gen- 
tiles, are  the  happy  people ;  and  we  are  taught  in  this  Psalm  to  ce- 
lebrate that  mercy  which  made  us  so. 

4.  Thci/  wandered  in  the  ivilderness,  in  a  solitary  way  ;  they 
found  no  city  to  divell  in.  5.  Hungry  and  thirsty,  their  soul 
fainted  in  them.  6.  Then  they  cried  unto  the  Lord  in  their  trou- 
ble, and  he  delivered  them  out  of  their  distresses.  7.  And  he  led 
thon  forth  by  the  right  way,  that  they  might  go  to  a  city  of  ha- 
hitalion. 

The  spiritual  blessings  of  redemption  are  represented  by  the 
Psalmist  under  four  exquisitely  beautiful  and  expressive  images; 
which  images  are  themselves  four  special  acts  of  God's  providential 
care  and  love,  shown  toward  the  bodies  of  men  in  the  world ;  cor- 
responding with  as  many  works  of  grace,  wrought  on  the  souls  of 
believers,  in  the  church.  Tlie  first  of  these  pictures  exhibiteth  to 
our  view  a  set  of  travellers  lost  in  a  pathless  desert,  and  well  nigh 
famished,  through  want  of  necessary  provisions.  They  make  their 
distresses  known  by  prayer  to  Jehovah,  and,  lo,  he  appears,  as 
their  guard,  and  their  guide;  he  supplies  all  their  necessities  upon 
the  journey,  and  conducts  them  in  safety  to  their  place  of  abode. 
Thus  he  dealt  with  Israel  of  old,  in  their  passage,  through  the  waste 
and  howling  wilderness,  from  Egypt  to  Canaan.  And  thus  he  is 
ready  to  deal  with  us  all.  "  The  world,"  saith  Lord  Bolingbroke,* 
"  is  a  great  wilderness,  wherein  mankind  have  wandered  about 
from  the  creation — We  are  not  only  passengers,  or  sojourners,  but 
absolute  strangers,  at  the  (irst  steps  we  make  in  it."  We  are  so, 
indeed ;  and  too  often,  through  our  own  fault,  continue  such  to  tiie 

•■  Reflections  on  History,  vol.  i.  p.  244,  and  171 


Day  XXII.  iM.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  4G5 

last ;  we  finLl  not  the  way  which  leads  to  heaven,  nor,  if  \vc  did  find 
it,  have  we  strength  to  travel  in  it,  without  the  viaticum  which 
cometh  from  thence,  and  which  alone  can  bring  us  thither.  Fer- 
vent and  importunate  prayer  to  the  God  of  our  salvation  will  pro- 
cure, from  above,  knowledge  to  dispel  our  ignorance,  and  grace  to 
help  our  infirmities ;  the  former  will  discover  to  us  our  road,  the 
latter  will  enable  us  to  walk  in  it,  and  both  together  will  carry  us, 
in  due  time,  to  "  the  city  of  our  eternal  habitation." 

8,  O  tliat  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for 
his  wonderful  tear ks  to  the  children  of  men!  9-  For  he  satisfieth 
the  longing,  or,  thirsty,  soul,  and  filleth  the  hungry  soul  loith 
s^oodness. 

The  former  of  these  two  verses  is  a  chorus,  repeated  after  the 
celebration  of  each  of  the  four  mercies  here  related.  Literally  it  is, 
"  Let  them  acknowledge  to  Jehovah  his  mercy,  and  his  wonders 
for  the  children  of  Adam."  And  what  can  better  deserve  our  ac- 
knowledgment, than  the  provision  made  for  the  bodies  and  souls  of 
Christian  travellers,  in  their  way  to  that  heavenly  country  and  city, 
where  "  they  shall  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any  more,  nei- 
ther shall  the  sun  light  on  them,  nor  any  heat;  for  the  Lamb 
which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  throne  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead 
them  unto  living  fountains  of  waters  :  and  God  shall  wipe  away  all 
tears  from  their  eyes,"  Rev.  vii.  16,  IJ. 

10.  Such  as  sit  in  darkness,  and  in  the  shadow  of  death,  being 
hound  in  affliction  and  iron;  11.  Because  they  rebelled  against 
the  words  of  God,  and  contemned  the  counsel  of  the  Most  High  ; 
12.  Therefore  he  brought  doicn  their  heart  u'ith  labour:  they  fell 
dotcn,  and  there  was  none  to  help.  13.  Then  they  cried  unto  the 
Lord  in  their  trouble,  and  he  saved  them  out  of  their  distresses. 
14.  He  brought  them  out  of  darkness,  and  the  shadoio  of  death, 
and  brake  their  bands  in  sunder.  15.  Oh  that  men  would  praise 
the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  chil- 
dren of  men!  l6.  For  he  hath  broken  the  gates  of  brass,  and 
cut  the  bars  of  iron  in  sunder. 

In  this  second  piece  of  divine  scenery,  we  behold  a  people  groan- 
ing under  all  the  miseries  of  captivity,  deprived  of  light  and  liberty, 
chained  down  in  horrid  dimgcons,  and  there  expecting  the  day  of 
execution.  These  calamities  they  are  represented  as  having  brought 
upon  themselves,  by  their  rebellion  against  (jod,  who  takes  this 
method  of  humbling  them.  It  succeeds,  and  brings  them  upon 
their  knees  to  Him,  who  alone  is  able  to  deliver  them.  Moved  by 
their  cries,  he  exerts  his  power  on  their  behalf,  and  frees  them  fron) 

:>9 


466  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CVIl. 

"Hhe  house  of  bondage.  To  a  state  of  corporal  servitude,  the  Israel- 
ites, for  their  transgressions,  were  frequently  reduced,  and  many 
times  experienced,  upon  their  repentance,  the  goodness  of  Jehovah 
in  rescuing  them  from  it.  But  the  grand  and  universal  captivity  is 
that  of  sin  and  death;  the  grand  and  universardeliverance,  for  which 
all  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord  ought  to  praise  his  mercy,  is  that  by 
Jesus  Christ.  Adam  and  all  his  posterity  "  rebelled  against  the 
words  of  God,  and  contemned  the  counsel  of  the  Most  High."  By 
so  doing,  they  subjected  themselves  to  a  slavery,  the  heaviest  and 
bitterest  of  all  others.  The  devil  led  them  captive  at  his  will,  and 
set  over  them  their  own  insatiable  lusts  and  passions,  as  so  many 
task-masters,  to  afflict,  and  keep  them  under.  By  these  the  soul 
is  confined  so  close  in  prison,  and  bound  with  so  many  chains,  that 
it  cannot  get  forth  to  do  the  will  of  God,  even  when  that  is  made 
known  to  it.  Of  mankind,  in  this  state,  how  truly  may  it  be  said, 
and  how  often  in  Scripture  is  it  said,  under  these  and  the  like 
figures,  "  They  sit  in  darkness,  and  in  the  shadow  of  death,  being 
fast  bound  in  misery,  and  bands  stronger  than  iron — He  also 
brought  down  their  heart  through  heaviness,  they  fell  down,  and 
there  was  none  to  help !"  A  sense  of  this  his  woful  condition, 
forces  the  sinner  to  "  cry  unto  the  Lord  Jesus  in  his  trouble,"  and 
to  say,  "  O  wretched  man  that  I  am,  who  shall  deliver  me  from  this 
body  of  death!"  "Bring  my  soul  out  of  prison,  that  I  may  give 
thanks  unto  thy  name."  And  now  his  prayer  is  heard,  the  grace 
of  Christ  cometh  to  his  assistance,  and  he  is  made  "  free  indeed." 
His  chains,  like  those  of  St.  Peter,  foil  off  at  the  word  of  his  Deli- 
verer; he  is  "  saved  out  of  his  distress  ;  he  is  brought  out  of  dark- 
ness and  the  shadow  of  death,"  into  the  glorious  light  and  liberty 
of  the  sons  of  God.  The  joy  consequent  upon  such  a  deliverance 
will  be  exceeded  only  by  that  which  shall  take  place  in  the  hearts, 
and  be  expressed  by  the  voices  of  the  redeemed,  on  the  day  when 
Christ  shall  accomplish  the  redemption  of  their  bodies  also,  as  he 
hath  already  effected  that  of  his  own,  from  the  power  of  the  grave ; 
when  he  shall  dash  in  pieces  tlie  brazen  gates,  and  adamantine  bars 
of  that  prison-house,  put  an  end  for  ever  to  the  bondage  of  corrup- 
tion, and  lead  captivity  captive  into  the  highest  heavens. 

17'  Fools,  because  of  their  trangression,  and  because  of  their 
iniquities,  are  njiictcd.  18.  Their  soid  abhorreth  all  manner  of 
meat;  and  they  draiv  near  unto  the  gates  of  death.  19.  Then  they 
cry  unto  the  Lord  in  their  trouble,  and  he  saveth  them  out  of  their 
distresses.  20.  He  sent  his  tvord,  and  healed  them,  and  delivered 
\\izm  from  their  destruction.    21.  0  that  m^n  ivoidd  praise  the 


Day  XXII.  M.  P.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  46? 

Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  did- 
dren  of  men/  22.  And  let  them  sacrifice  the sacrifces  of  thanks- 
giving, and  declare  his  works  with  rejoicing. 

The  recovery  of  men  from  sfckncss  aflbrds  a  third  image  of  the 
benefits  conferred  on  our  nature  by  tlie  Redeemer.  Sickness,  as 
we  are  here  informed,  is  tlie  punishment  of  human  folly  and  iniquity. 
When  it  is  extreme,  it  deprives  man  of  all  relish  and  appetite  for 
his  food ;  nay,  it  makes  him  loathe  and  detest  the  very  sight  and 
smell  of  that  which  should  nourish  and  support  him;  in  which 
case,  he  must  waste  away,  and  soon  "  draw  near  to  the  gates  of 
death."  Uut  from  those  dreadful  gates  the  power  of  God  can  snatch 
us,  when  we  are  just  about  to  enter  them.  To  an  infirm  and  ema- 
ciated body  he  can  restore  health,  strength,  and  beauty;  for  diseases 
are  his  ministers  and  messengers;  they  visit  us  at  his  command,  and 
at  his  command  they  retire,  and  we  recover  again.  The  Israelites 
in  the  wilderness,  "  because  of  their  transgressions,  and  because  of 
their  iniquities,  were  often  afflicted"  with  a  plague.  But  when  they 
repented,  and  atonement  was  made,  the  plague  ceased.  They  were 
stung  by  fiery  serpents ;  but  when  they  cried  unto  Jehovah,  he  sent 
his  word,  and  healed  them.  '•  They  were  troubled,"  as  the  author 
of  the  book  of  Wisdom  observes,  *'  for  a  small  season,  that  they 
might  be  admonished,  having  a  sign  of  salvation  to  put  them  in  re- 
membrance of  the  commandment  of  thy  law.  For  he  that  turned 
himself  towards  it,  was  not  saved  by  the  thing  that  he  saw,  but  by 
thee,  who  art  the  Saviour  of  all,"  Wisd.  xvi.  6,  7-  Sentence  of  death 
was  passed  upon  Hezekiah  ;  he  already  saw  himself  at  "  the  gates 
of  the  grave,"  and  expected  no  moi-e  to  "behold  man  with  the 
inhabitants  of  the  world."  Yet  his  prayer  prevailed  for  a  respite, 
and  fifteen  years  were  added  to  his  life,  Isa.  xxxviii.  Now  the 
mind,  by  reason  of  sin,  is  not  less  subject  to  infirmities  than  the 
body.  These  infirmities  reduce  a  man  to  a  state  of  languor  and 
listlessness ;  he  finds  himself  incapable  of  action,  indisposed  for  the 
reception  of  divine  truths,  without  taste  for  knowledge,  or  inclina- 
tion for  virtue ;  he  even  nauseates  the  book  of  God,  and  Uie  bread 
of  heaven ;  and  the  life  of  faith  is  in  great  danger.  But  the  case 
is  not  desperate,  while  there  is  breath  enough  left  to  call  in,  by 
prayer,  the  great  Physician  of  spirits.  The  most  inveterate  ma- 
lady gives  place  to  his  efficacious  medicines :  appetite  revives, 
health  returns,  and  the  believer  is .  reinstated  in  the  vigour  and 
beauty  of  holiness.  Let  all  who  have  been  thus  ''  healed  and  saved 
from  destruction,"  either  of  body  or  soul,  acknowledge  to  Jehovah 
his  mercy,  and  his  wonders  wrouiiht  for  the  children  of  Adam :  let 


468  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.CVIL 

them  sacrifice  the  sacrifices  of  thanksgiving,  and  declare  his  works 
with  rejoicing."' 

23.  They  that  go  down  to  the  sea  in  shijjs,  that  do  business  in 
great  waters :  24.  These  see  the  works  of  the  Lord,  and  his  won- 
ders in  the  deep.  25.  For  he  commandeth,  andraiseth  the  stormy 
wind,  which  lifteth  up  the  waves  thereof.  26.  They  mount  up  to 
heaven,  they  go  doivn  again  to  the  depths ;  their  soul  is  melted  be- 
cause of  trouble.  27-  They  reel  to  and  fro,  and  stagger  like  a 
drunken  man,  and  are  at  their  loits  end  ;  Heb.  all  their  wisdom, 
or  skill,  is  swalloiced  up.  28.  Tlien  they  cry  unto  the  Lord  in 
their  trouble,  and  he  bringeth  them  out  of  their  distresses.  29. 
He  maketh  the  storm  a  calm,  so  that  the  leaves  thereof  are  still. 
30.  Then  ai-e  they  glad  because  they  be  quiet ;  so  he  bringeth  them 
unto  their  desired  haven.  31.0  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord 
for  his  goodness,  and  for  Ids  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of 
vien  /  32.  Let  them  exalt  him  also  in  the  congregation  of  the 
people,  and  praise  him  in  the  assembly  of  the  elders. 

The  fourth  simihtude  chosen  to  portray  the  dangers  of  our  pre- 
sent state,  and  the  goodness  of  God  displayed  in  our  salvation,  is 
taken  from  that  signal  instance  of  the  Divine  power  and  providence, 
the  preservation  of  mariners  in  a  storm  at  sea.  The  description 
which  the  Psalmist  hath  given  us  of  such  an  event  admitteth  of  no 
comment.  Experience  alone  can  illustrate  its  beauty,  evince  its 
truth,  and  point  out  the  propriety  of  the  circumstances  which  are 
selected  to  furnish  us  with  a  full  and  complete  idea  of  the  whole. 
Few  of  us,  indeed,  are  ever  likely  to  be  in  that  terrible  situation. 
But  then  we  cannot  help  reflecting,  that  there  is  a  ship,  in  which 
we  are  all  embarked ;  there  is  a  troubled  sea,  on  which  we  all  sail ; 
there  are  storms,  by  which  we  are  all  frequently  overtaken ;  and 
there  is  a  haven  which  we  all  desire  to  behold  and  to  enter.  For 
the  church  is  a  ship ;  the  world  is  a  sea ;  temptations,  persecutions, 
and  afflictions,  are  the  waves  of  it;  the  prince  of  the  power  of  the 
air  is  the  stormy  wind  which  raises  them ;  and  heaven  is  the  only 
port  of  rest  and  security.  Often  during  the  voyage,  for  our  punish- 
ment, or  our  trial,  God  permitteth  us  to  be  thus  assaulted.  The 
succession  and  the  violence  of  our  trouble,  the  elevations  and  de- 
pressions of  mind  and  fortune,  the  uncertainty  of  our  counsels,  and 
our  utter  inability  to  help  ourselves,  are  finely  represented  by  the 
multitude  and  impetuosity  of  the  waves,  the  tossings  and  agitations 
of  the  vessel,  the  confusion,  terror,  and  distress  among  the  sailors. 
In  both  cases,  prayer  is  the  proper  effect,  and  the  only  remedy  left. 
With  the  earnestness  of  affrighted  mariners,  who  will  then  be  de- 


Day  XXII.  iM.  P.         Ox\  THE  PSALMS.  4G9 

vout,  tliougli  they  never  were  so  before,  we  should  "  cry  unto  the 
Lord  Jesus  in  our  trouble;"'  we  should,  as  it  were,  "  awake"  him, 
like  the  disciples,  with  repetitions  of,  "  Lord,  save  us,  we  perish!" 
Then  will  he  arise,  and  rebuke  the  authors  of  our  tribulation,  saying 
unto  them,  ^'  Peace,  be  still ;"  and  they  shall  hear  and  obey  his 
voice.  "  He  will  make  the  storm  a  calm,  so  that  the  waves  thereof 
shall  be  still;"'  and  at  length  he  will  "  bring  us"  in  peace,  joy,  and 
gladness,  "  to  our  desired  haven,"  there  to  "  exalt  him  in  the  con- 
gregation" of  his  chosen,  and  "  praise  him  in  the"  great  "  assem- 
bly" of  saints  and  angels.  This  is  the  consummation  so  devoutly 
wished  and  requested  by  the  church  for  all  her  children,  at  the  time 
of  their  baptism,  that  they,  "  being  delivered  from  God's  wrath, 
may  be  received  into  the  ark  of  Christ's  church;  and,  being  stead- 
fast in  faith,  joyful  through  hope,  and  rooted  in  charity,  may  so 
pass  the  waves  of  this  troublesome  world,  that  finally  they  may 
come  to  the  land  of  everlasting  life."  Thus  we  see  there  is  no 
spiritual  evil,  out  of  which  God  is  not  both  able  and  willing  to  de- 
liver us,  when  we  call  upon  him.  Are  we  ignorant  of  the  way  to 
the  heavenly  city?  He  will  guide  and  conduct  us  thither.  Are 
we  bound  with  the  chains  of  sin  and  death  ?  lie  will  loose  and  de- 
liver us.  Are  our  minds  diseased  and  languid?  He  will  heal  and 
invigorate  them.  Are  we  in  danger  of  being  overwhelmed  by  the 
troubles  of  the  world?  He  will  preserve  us  in  the  midst  of  them, 
until  he  bid  them  cease.  Of  his  power  and  inclination  to  do  these 
things  for  our  souls,  he  hath  given  assurance  to  all  men,  by  those 
pledges  of  his  love,  tlje  benefits  and  blessings  conferred  on  the  bo- 
dies of  his  people,  in  leading  them  through  the  wilderness  to  Ca- 
naan; in  rescuing  them  so  often  from  the  miseries  of  captivity;  in 
healing  their  diseases;  and  in  saving  those  of  them  who  "  did  busi- 
ness in  great  waters,"  from  the  perils  of  the  sea.  Certainly,  the 
mind  of  man  cannot  have  a  nobler  subject  for  meditation  in  this 
world,  than  the  wonders  of  Providence,  considered  as  representing 
the  mercies  of  redemption. 

33.  He  turneth  rivei'S  into  a  icilderness,  and  the  water-springs 
into  dry  ground,  34.  A  fruitful  land  into  barrenness,  fur  the 
wickedness  of  them  that  dwell  therein.  35.  He  turneth  the  wil- 
derness into  a  standing  water,  and  dry  ground  into  water  springs  : 
36.  And  there  he  maketh  the  hungry  to  dwell,  that  they  may  pre- 
pare a  city  for  habitation;  37-  And  sow  the  fields,  and  plant 
vineyards,  which  may  yield  fruits  of  increase.  38.  He  blessed 
them  also,  so  that  they  are  multiplied  greatly,  and  suffereth  not 
their  cattle  to  decrease. 

In  this  latter  part  of  tlie  Psalm,  the  prophet  farther  exemplifieth 


470  A  COiMMENTARY  Psal.  CVII. 

the  power,  the  justice,  and  the  goodness  of  God  :  his  power,  in  be- 
ing able  to  change  the  very  nature  of  things ;  his  justice  and  his 
goodness,  in  so  doing,  either  to  punish  tlie  rebelUous,  or  to  reward 
the  obedient.  A  "  well-watered"  and  "  fertile  country,"  shall 
"  for  the  sins  of  its  inhabitants,"  be  converted  into  "  a  dry  and 
barren  one."  The  plain  of  Jordan,  which,  before  the  overthrow 
of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  was  "  well  watered  every  where,  like 
the  garden  of  Jehovah,"  Gen.  xiii.  10.  hath,  since  that  overthrow, 
been  a  land  of  salt  and  sulphur,  and  perpetual  sterility.  Nay,  even 
the  once  fruitful  Palestine  itself,  that  flowed  with  milk  and  honey, 
is  at  this  day  a  region  of  such  utter  desolation,  that  the  very  possi- 
bility of  its  ever  having  sufficed  to  maintain  the  people  who  for- 
merly possessed  it,  is  now  called  in  question.  And,  indeed,  while 
the  rain  of  heaven  shall  continue  to  be  in  the  hand  of  God,  how- 
easy  is  it  for  him,  by  withholding  it  during  a  few  months,  to  blast 
all  the  most  promising  hopes  of  man;  and,  instead  of  plenty,  joy, 
and  heaUli,  to  visit  him  with  famine,  pestilence,  and  death  !  On 
the  other  hand,  when  the  wajsof  a  people  please  him,  he  can 
rid  them  of  these  dreadful  guests;  the  rain  shall  descend  from 
above,  the  springs  shall  rise  from  beneath,  the  earth  shall  yield  her 
increase,  the  cattle  shall  feed  in  large  pastures,  the  seasons  shall  be 
kindly,  the  air  salutary,  and  the  smiling  face  of  nature  shall  attest 
the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord.  Thus,  in  the  dispensations  of 
grace,  hath  he  dealt  with  Jews  and  Gentiles.  The  synagogue  of 
the  former,  once  rich  in  faith,  watered  with  the  benedictions  of 
Heaven,  fruitful  in  prophets  and  saints,  adorned  with  the  services 
of  religion,  and  the  presence  of  Jehovah,  hath  been,  since  the  mur- 
der of  the  Son  of  God,  cursed  with  infidelity,  parched  like  the 
withered  tops  of  the  mountains  of  Gilboah,  barren  and  desolate  as 
the  land  of  their  ancient  residence,  whose  naked  rocks  seem  to  de- 
clare to  all  the  world  the  hard-heartedness  and  unprofitableness  of 
its  old  possessors.  When  the  "  fruitful  field"  thus  became  a  "  forest," 
the  "  wilderness,"  at  the  same  time,  became  a  ''  fruitful  field."  A 
church  was  planted  in  the  Gentile  world,  and  the  Spirit  was  poured 
out  upon  it  from  on  high.  In  that  "  wilderness  did  waters  break 
out,  and  streams  in  that  desert."  There  was  faith  sown,  and  holi- 
ness was  the  universal  product.  "  The  wilderness  and  the  solitary 
place  was  glad,  and  the  desert  rejoiced,  and  blossomed  as  the  rose. 
It  blossomed  abundantly,  and  rejoiced  even  with  joy  and  singing; 
the  glory  of  Lebanon  was  given  unto  it,  the  excellency  of  Carmel 
and  Sharon ;"  the  privileges  and  honours  of  the  synagogue  were 
conferred  upon  the  church  ;  and  the  nations  now  ^'  saw  the  glory 
of  Jehovah,  and  the  excellency  of  God;"  Isa.  xxxii.  15.  xxxv.  1, 


Day  XXII.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  471 

2.  Spiritual  increase,  health,  and  plenty  ;  spiritual  peace,  joy,  and 
happiness,  appeared  in  beauteous  and  lovely  procession  ;  and  the 
blessing  of  Jesus  was  upon  this  his  new  inheritance  in  every  way. 

39.  Again,  they  are  minished,  and  brought  loic  through  oppres- 
sion, aijliction,  and  sorrow.  40.  He  pourcth  contempt  upon 
princes,  and  causetk  them  to  wander  in  the  wilderness,  where 
there  is  wo  tvaj/.  41.  Yet  sctteth  he  the  poor  on  high  from  ajjlic- 
tion,  and  maketh  htm  families  like  a  flock. 

But  let  not  those  who  have  received  the  largest  share  of  Hea- 
ven's favours,  therefore  boast  and  presume.  The  continuance  of 
those  favours  dependetii  upon  the  continuance  of  their  fidelity 
and  obedience.  JMighty  empires,  with  their  "  princes,"  have,  for 
their  wickedness,  been  '''  brought  low"  by  the  arm  of  Jehovali,  and 
laid  in  the  dust,  while  nations  poor  and  feeble,  and  never  thought 
of,  have  been  taken  from  thence,  and  exalted  over  them.  What 
revolutions  have,  in  like  manner,  happened,  and  probably  are  still 
to  happen,  in  the  church !  Jerusalem  is  fallen,  through  unbelief; 
and  the  Gentile  church  standcth  only  by  faith,  from  which  if  she 
depart,  vengeance  will  be  executed  on  her  likewise.  Yet,  even  in 
the  worst  of  times,  there  is  a  promise,  that  "the  poor"  in  spirit, 
the  faithful  and  humble  disciples  of  the  holy  Jesus,  shall  be  pre- 
served from  the  evil,  and  "set  on  high  from  affliction;"  yea,  that 
they  shall  be  multiplied  "  like  a  flock,"  under  the  care  of  the  good 
Shepherd,  to  preserve  his  name,  and  to  continue  a  church  upon  the 
earth,  until  he  shall  return  again. 

42.  The  righteous  shall  see  and  rejoice ;  and  all  iniquity  shall 
stop  her  mouth. 

Two  consequences  will  follow  from  this  alternate  display  of  the 
mercy  and  the  judgment  of  God.  The  righteous,  finding  themselves 
still  the  objects  of  the  former,  will  have  cause  to  rejoice  and  give 
thanks ;  and  the  wicked,  when  visited  with  the  latter,  will  be  forced 
b)'  their  silence  at  least,  to  own  that  their  punishment  is  just. 
This  will  certainly  be  the  case  at  the  last  day,  when  the  dispen- 
sations of  God,  and  the  perfect  rule  of  equity  observed  in  them, 
shall  be  manifested  to  all  the  world. 

43.  Whoso  is  wise,  and  will  observe  these  things,  even  they  shall 
understand  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord;  or,  fFho  is  tcisc? 
and  he  loill  observe  these  things  ;  and  they  shall  understand  the 
loving-kindness  of  the  Lord. 

A  truly  "  wise"  person  will  treasure  up  in  his  heart  the  contents 
of  this  most  instructive  and  delightful  Psalm.  By  so  doing,  ho 
will  fully  "  understand  and  comprehend  the  weakness  and  wretch- 
edness of  man,  and  the  power  anU  "  loving-kindness"  of  God,  wliOr 


472  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CIX. 

not  for  our  merit,  but  for  his  mercy's  sake,  dispelleth  our  ignorance, 
breaketh  off  our  sins,  healeth  our  infirmities,  preservetli  us  in  tempta- 
tions, placeth  us  in  liis  church,  enrichetli  us  with  his  grace,  shelter- 
eth  us  from  persecution,  blesseth  us  in  time,  and  will  crown  us  in 
eternity. 

TWENTY-SECOND  DAY— EVENING  PRAYER. 

PSALM  CVIII. 

This  Psalm  is  composed  of  parts  taken,  without  any  material 
alteration,  from  two  others.  The  first  five  verses  occur  in  Psalm 
Ivii.  7 — 11;  the  last  eight  are  found  in  Psalm  Ix.  5 — 12.  The 
reader  is  therefore  referred  to  the  exposition  already  given  of  those 
Psalms. 

PSALM  CIX. 

ARGUMENT. 

St.  Peter,  Acts  i.  11.  hath  taught  us  to  apply  the  predictions  in  this  Psahii  to 
the  betrayers  and  murderers  of  Messiah,  wlio  is,  con'iequcntly,  the  person 
here  speakins^,  and,  1 — 5.  complaioing  of  the  injuries  which  he  suffered 
from  them;  after  which,  6 — 20.  he  forewarneth  them  of  all  the  judgmenis 
and  sore  calamities  that  should  coi«e  upon  them  and  their  posterity ;  21 — 
25.  he  returneth  to  the  subject  of  his  passion  ;  26 — 29.  repeateth  his  sup- 
plications for  himself  and  his  rhuich;  and,  30,  31.  concludeth  with  an  act 
of  praise.  In  this  light  was  the  Psalm  considered  and  interpreted  in  the 
ancient  church,  by  Chrysostom,  Jerome,  Augustine,  Theodoret,  and  others. 

1.  Hold  not  thy  peace,  0  God  of  my  praise ;  i.  e.  toho  art  the 
suhjeri  of  my  praise ;  2.  For  the  mouth  of  the  wicked,  and  the 
mouth  of  the  deceitful  are  opened  against  me  ;  they  have  spoken 
against  me  with  a  lying  tongue.  3.  They  compassed  me  about  also 
toith  words  of  hatred;  and  fought  against  me  without  a  cause. 
4.  For  my  love  they  are  my  adversaries :  hut  I  give  myself  unto 
prayer.  5.  And  they  have  reicarded  me  evil  for  good,  and  hatred 
for  my  love. 

The  holy  Jesus,  in  these  words,  maketh  supplication  to  the  Fa- 
ther for  redress  and  deliverance.  He  complaineth  of  the  manner  in 
which  he  was  treated,  wlien  "  he  came  unto  his  own,  and  his  own 
received  him  not,"  John  i.  11.  Sometimes  "the  mouth  of  the 
wicked  was  opened  upon  him,"*  roaring  against  him,  like  the. 

*  Haec  autcm  cccinit  David  spirituali  scnsu  in  persona  Christi  a  Juda;is  im- 
pctiti  onmimodis  blasphcmiis.    Bomfct. 


DayXXII.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  475 

roaring  of  lions,  while  they  cried  out,  "  He  is  a  Samaritan,  and 
hath  a  devil,  and  is  mad;  .iway  with  him,  away  with  him,  cmcify 
him,  crucify  him,"  Sometimes,  "  deceitful  and  lying  tongues" 
were  employed,  either  to  entangle  and  entrap  him  in  his  talk,"or  to 
bear  false  witness  against  him.  And  all  this  was  done,  not  only 
without  a  cause,  but  men  were  his  bitter  and  implacable  "  adversa- 
ries," in  return  for  that  "  love"  which  brought  iiim  from  heaven, 
to  save  them  with  an  everlasting  salvation.  Let  the  afflicted  and 
traduced  disciple  rejoice,  in  that  he  is  conformed  to  the  image  of 
his  Master.  And  from  the  example  of  that  Master  let  him  leari) 
what  course  to  take,  when  in  such  circumstances — "  But  I  give 
myself  unto  prayer." 

C.  *  Thou  wilt  set  a  zoichcd  man,  or,  the  tcicTced  one,  over  hivi, 
and  Satan  shall  stand  at  his  right  hand.  7-  fVhcn  he  is  judged, 
he  shall  be  concf^mned ;  and  his  prayer  shall  become  sin. 

A  transition  is  here  made  to  the  adversaries  of  IMessiah ;  pri- 
marily to  Judas,  "  who  was  guide  to  them  tiiat  took  Jesus,"  Acts  i. 
16.;  secondarily  to  the  synagogue,  of  whom  Judas  may  be  consi- 
dered as  an  epitome  and  representative.  It  is  foretold,  that  by  be- 
traying and  murdering  the  best  of  Masters,  they  should  subject 
themselves  to  the  tyranny  of  the  worst;  that  they  should  become 
slaves  to  the  "  wicked  one,"  who  should  justly  be  "  set  over  them," 
when  they  had  delivered  themselves  into  his  hands;  that  "  Satan," 
who  had  stood  by  them  to  tempt  them,  should  stand  at  their  right 
hand  to  accuse  them  at  the  tribunal  of  God;  that  when  tried, 
they  would  be  convicted  and  condemned,  and  even  their  prayer 
would  be  abomination  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  as  being  offered 
without  true  contrition  and  repentance,  without  faith,  hope,  or 
charity.  Such  is  the  wretched  state  of  the  Jews,  estranged  from 
God,  and  in  bondage  to  the  devil ;  such  the  prayers,  which,  from 
hardened  and  malignant  hearts,  they  continually  utter,  for  the  ex- 
cision of  all  Christians,  and  for  the  extirpation  of  that  blessed 
name  on  which  Christiatis  call.  These  prayers,  instead  of  lighten- 
ing the  burden  of  their  suis, , certajnly  add  to  its  weight.  Enable 
us,  O  Lord  Jesus,  to  resist  Satan  as  a  tempter,  that  he  may  not  be 
our  accuser;  and  grant  us  always  so  to  pray,  that  our  prayers  may 
be  heard. 


"  As  most  of  the  following  verbs  are  in  the  future  ttmse,  and.the  res(  have 
evidently  a  predictive  and  future  import,  the  same  liberty  is  here  taken,  as  in 
Fsalmlxix.of  rendering  tiiem  throughout  uniformly  in  that  tense:  by  which 
means  the  curses  pronounced  in  this  Psalm  will  at  once  appear  to  bo  of  the 
same  import  with  those  in  the  xxviiith  chapter  of  Deuteronomy.  1  In-  reader 
is  entreated,  when  he  shall  have  perused  this  Psalm,  to  turn  to  that  chapter, 
and  judge  for  himself  •' 


474  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CIX, 

8.  His  days  shall  be  few,  and  another  shall  falce  his  office. 
This  is  the  verse  which  St.  Peter  hath  cited  and  applied,  in  his 
discourse  to  the  disciples,  at  the  election  of  Matthias  into  the  place 
of  Judas.  "  Men  and  brethren,  this  scripture  must  needs  have 
been  fulfilled,  which  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  the  mouth  of  David,  spake 
before  concerning  Judas,  who  was  guide  to  them  that  took  Jesus. 
For  he  was  numbered  with  us,  and  had  obtained  part  of  this  minis- 
try. Now  this  man  purchased  a  field  with  the  reward  of  iniquity, 
and  falling  headlong,  he  burst  asunder  in  the  midst,  and  all  his 
bowels  gushed  out — For  it  is  written  in  the  book  of  Psalms,  Let 
his  habitation  be  desolate,  and  let  no  man  dwell  therein :  and,  His 
bishopric  let  another  take."  The  former  of  these  two  citations  is 
made  from  Psalm  Ixix.  25. ;  the  latter  is  a  part  of  the  verse  now 
before  us.  If  Judas,  therefore,  be  the  person  whose  destruction  the 
sufferer  foretelleth,  the  person  speaking  in  this  prophetical  Psalm 
must  of  necessity  be  our  Lord  himself,  who  suffered  by  the  trea- 
chery of  Judas.  In  Psalm  Ixix.  25.  the  prediction  is  in  the  plu- 
ral number,  "  Their  habitation  shall  be  void ;"  yet  St.  Peter  ap- 
plies it,  in  the  singular  number,  to  Judas.  The  passage  in  our 
Psalm  is  singular,  yet  applicable  not  to  Judas  only,  but  to  the 
whole  nation  of  the  Jews ;  whose  "  days,"  after  they  had  crucified 
the  Lord  of  glory,  "were  few;"  who  were  dispossessed  of  the 
place  and  "office"  which  they  held  as  the  church  of  God,  and 
to  which,  with  all  its  honours  and  privileges,  the  Gentile  Chris- 
tian church  succeeded  in  their  stead,  when  the  Aaronical  priest- 
hood was  abolished,  and  that  of  the  true  Melchizedek  established 
for  ever. 

9.  His  children  shall  he  fatherless,  and  his  wife  a  widow.  10. 
His  children  shall  be  continually  vagabonds,  and  beg  ;  they  shall 
seek  their  bread  also  out  of  desolate  places. 

If,  by  the  wretched  death  of  Judas,  his  wife  Jjecame  a  widow, 
and  his  children  orphans,  vagabonds,  and  beggars,  their  fate  was 
but  a  prelude  to  that  of  thousands  and  ten  thousands  of  the  same 
nation,  whose  husbands  and  fathers  came  afterwards  to  a  misera- 
ble end,  at  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem.  Their  children,  and  chil- 
dren's children,  have  since  been  "  cor^tinually  vagabonds"  upon 
the  earth,  in  the  state  of  Cain,  when  he  had  murdered  his  righteous 
brother,  not  cut  off,  but  marvellously  preserved  for  punishment  and 
wo.  Having  nothing  of  their  own,,  they  roam  through  all  parts  of 
the  world,  civilized  or  barbarous,  the  scorn  and  contempt  of  man- 
kind. And  even  if  they  are  able  to  amass  wealth,  their  unparal- 
leled avarice  still  keeps  them  jioor  and  beggarly  in  the  midst  of  it. 
Thus  Dr.  Hammond,  in  his  Annotation  on  these  verses — "  By  this 


DavXXII.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  475 

is  described,  in  a  very  lively  manner,  the  condition  of  the  Jewish 
posterity,  ever  since  their  ancestors  fell  under  that  signal  vengeance, 
for  the  crucifying  of  Christ.  First,  their  desolations  and  devasta- 
tions in  their  own  country,  and  being  ejected  thence;  secondly, 
tlieir  continual  wanderings  from  place  to  place,  scattered  over  the  • 
face  of  the  earth;  and,  thirdly,  their  remarkable  covetousness, 
keeping  them  always  poor  and  beggarly,  be  they  never  so  rich,  and 
continually  labouring  and  moiling  for  gain,  as  the  poorest  are  wont 
to  do ;  and  this  is  continually  the  constant  curse  attending  this  peo- 
l)le,  wheresoever  they  are  scattered.'' 

11.  The  extortioner,  or,  creditor,  shall  catch,  or,  seize,  all  that 
he  hath;  and  the  stranger  shall  spoil  his  labour.  12.  TJiere  shall 
be  none  to  extend  mercy  to  him;  neither  shall  there  he  any  to  fa- 
vour his  fatherless  children. 

Since  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  how  often  hath  this  race  been 
seized,  pillaged,  stripped,  and  empoverished,  by  prince  and  people, 
in  all  the  nations  of  the  known  world ;  none  appearing,  as  in  other 
cases,  to  favour  and  extend  mercy  to  them  !*  "  They  have  had  no 
nation,  none  to  avenge  their  grievous  wrongs,  which  the  Lord  God 
of  their  forefathers  had  ordained  they  should  suffer,  at  all  times, 
and  in  all  places,  wheresoever  they  have  come,  without  redress. 
Nay,  their  general  carriage  hath  been  so  odious  and  preposterous, 
that  albeit  the  Christian  magistrates  had  conspired  together  for 
their  good,  they  would  themselves  have  certainly  provoked  their 
own  misery."  Thus  that  excellent  divine,  the  learned  and  pious 
Dr.  Jackson,  vol.  i.  pp.  142,  and  135,  whose  reflections  upon  the 
history  of  the  Jews,  at  and  since  their  dispersion,  it  were  to  be 
wished  that  every  Christian  could  peruse.  For,  as  he  himself  ob- 
serves, "  Christian  parents,  whether  bodily  or  spiritual,  should  be 
as  careful  to  instruct  their  children  what  the  Lord  hath  done  to 
these  Jews,  as  the  Israelites  should  have  been  to  tell  their  sons 
what  God  had  done  to  Pharaoh."  Ibid.  p.  152. 

13.  His  posterity  shall  be  cutoff;  and  in  the  generation  fol- 
lowing their  name  shall  be  blotted  out.  14.  The  iniquity  of  his 
fathers  shall  be  remembered  tvith  the  Lord  ;  and  the  sin  of  his 
mother  shall  not  be  blotted  out.  15.  Tliey  shall  be  before  the 
Lord  continually,  that  he  may  cut  off  the  memory  of  them  from 
the  earth. 

*  Thou  shall  be  only  oppressed  and  spoiled  evermore,  and  no  man  shall 
save  thee— The  fruit  of  thy  land  and  all  thy  labours,  shall  a  nation  whioU 
thou  knowest  not,  eat  up,  aiid  thou  shall  be  only  opprcbsed  and  cru,hed  al- 
way,  Deul.  xxviii.  2y.  33. 


476  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CIX. 

The  traitorous  and  rebellious  "  posterity"  of  traitorous  and  re- 
bellious parents  sufiered  an  ^'  excision"  by  the  Roman  sword,  and 
"  in  the  generation  loUowing,"  their  name,  as  a  church  and  civil  po- 
lity, was  "  blotted  out"  of  the  list  of  states  and  kingdoms  upon 
earth.  "  The  iniquity  of  their  fathers"  which  they  had  filled  up, 
"  was  remembered  with  Jehovah,  and  the  sin  of  their  mother,"  that 
is,  perhaps  of  the  synagogue  of  Jerusalem,  now  in  bondage  with  her 
children,  "  was  not  blotted  out;  that  upon  them  might  come  all  the 
righteous  blood  shed,  from  the  blood  of  righteous  Abel  unto  the 
blood  of  Zacharias,  whom  they  slew  between  the  temple  and  the 
altar,"  Matt,  xxiii.  25.  The  blood  of  the  prophets  cried  for  ven- 
geance against  those  who  crucified  the  Lord  of  the  prophets.  God 
hid  not  his  face  any  longer  from  all  these  horrible  transgressions, 
but  "  they  were  before  him  continually,"  and  occasioned  him  to 
'^  cut  off  the  memory"  of  his  peojile,  once  precious  and  fragrant, 
"  from  the  earth ;"  so  that  while  apostles  and  martyrs  are  annually 
commemorated  with  honour,  and  their  good  deeds,  blossoming  out 
of  the  dust,  perfume  the  church,  and  delight  the  souls  of  the  faith- 
ful, the  names  of  "  Judas,"  and  "  Jew,"  are  never  mentioned  but 
with  contempt  and  abhorrence. 

16.  Because  thai  he  remembered  not  to  shew  mercy,  but  perse- 
cuted the  poor  and  needy  man,  that  he  might  even  slay  the  broken 
in  heart. 

The  crime  which  brought  upon  its  perpetrators  all  the  above- 
mentioned  judgments  and  calamities,  is  here  pointed  out  too  plainly 
to  be  mistaken.  ''  They  remembered  not  to  show  mercy"  to  him, 
who  showed  it  to  all  the  world ;  they  "  persecuted"  him  who  for 
our  sakes  became  "  poor,"  and  who  condescended  to  ask  of  his 
creatures  water  to  drink ;  they  betrayed  and  murdered  the  lowly 
andaftlicted  Jesus,  whose  "  heart"  was  "  broken"  with  sorrow  for 
their  sins,  and  with  a  sense  of  the  punishment  due  to  them.  How 
long  will  it  be,  ere  the  brethren  of  this  most  innocent  and  most  in- 
jured Joseph,  "  say  one  to  another.  We  are  very  guilty  concerning 
our  brother,  in  that  we  saw  the  anguish  of  his  soul,  when  he  be- 
sought us,  and  we  would  not  hear;  therefore  is  this  distress  come 
upon  us!"   Gen,  xlii.  21. 

17  •  As  he  loved  cursing,  so  shallit  come  unto 'him  ;  as  he  de- 
lighted not  in  blessing,  so  shall  it  be  far  from  him.  18.  'As  he 
clothed  himself  with  cursing  like  as  ?oith  his  garment,  so  shall  it 
come  into  his  bowels  like  water,  and  like  oil  into  his  bones.  19.  It 
shall  be  unto  him  as  the  garment  which  covereth  him,  and  for  a 
girdle  wherewith  he  is  girded  continually.     20.  This  shall  be  the 


Day  XXII.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  47T 

reward  of  mine  adversaries  from  the  Lord,  andoflhcm  that  apeak- 
coil  against  my  soul. 

They  who  reject  Christ  reject  tlie  fountain  of  "  blessing,"  and 
choose  a  '"  curse"  for  their  portion;  and  this  portion,  when  they 
have  finally  made  their  choice,  will  certainly  be  given  to  them  in 
full  measure.  The  curse,  that  lighted  on  the  Jewish  nation,  is  re- 
sembled, for  its  universality  and  adhesion,  to  a  "  garment,"  which 
covereth  the  whole  man,  and  is  "  girded"  close  about  his  loins ;  for 
its  cliflusive  and  penetrating  nature,  to  "  water,"  which,  from  the 
stomach,  passeth  into  the  "  bowels,"  and  is  dispersed  through  all 
the  vessels  of  the  frame;  and  to  "  oil,"  which  imperceptibly  insi- 
nuates itself  into  the  very  "  bones."  AVhen  that  unhappy  multi- 
tude, assembled  before  Pontius  Pilate,  pronounced  the  words,  "  His 
blood  be  on  us,  and  on  our  children,"  Matt,  xxvii.  25.  then  did 
they  put  on  the  envenomed  garment,  which  has  stuck  to  and  tor- 
mented the  nation  ever  since;  then  did  they  eagerly  swallow  down 
that  deadly  draught,  the  efi'ects  whereof  have  been  the  infatuation 
and  misery  of  17OO  years !  If  such,  in  this  world,  be  "  the  reward 
of  Messiah's  adversaries,  and  of  those  who  spake  evil  against  him,"' 
what  will  hereafter  be  the  vengeance  inflicted  on  those  who  "  cru- 
cify him  afresh,  and  put  him  again  to  an  open  shame?"  Heb.  vi.  6. 
And  what  will  be  the  operation  of  the  sentence,  "  Go,  ye  cursed," 
upon  the  bodies  and  souls  of  the  wicked  ?  how  will  it  at  once  affect 
all  the  senses  of  the  former,  and  all  the  faculties  of  the  latter,  with 
pain,  anguish,  horror,  and  despair!  Think  on  these  things,  ye 
sinners;  tremble,  and  repent ! 

21.  But  do  thou,  forme,  O  God  the  Lord,  Heb.  Jehovah  the 
Lord,  for  thy  name's  sake :  because  thy  mercy  is  good,  deliver 
thou  me.  22.  For  1  am  poor  and  needy,  and  my  heart  is  wounded 
within  me.  23.  I  am  gone  like  the  shadow  when  it  declineth;  I 
am  tossed  up  and  down  as  the  locust.  24.  My  knees  are  loeak 
through  fasting ;  and  my  flesh  faileth  of  fatness.  25.  I  became 
also  a  reproach  unto  them:  ivhen  they  looked  upon  me,  theyshaked 
their  heads. 

In  this  last  part  of  the  Psalm,  Messiah  petitioneth  for  deliver- 
ance, urging  to  the  Father  his  power  as  "  Lord,"  the  honour  of  his 
'^  name,"  and  the  greatness  of  his  "  mercy."  He  then  pleadeth 
his  own  humiliation  and  affliction,  his  '*  poverty"  and  "  heart"-felt 
agony  of  grief.  Drawing  towards  the  evening  of  his  mortal  life,  he 
compareth  himself  to  a  "  shadow,  declining,"  and  about  to  vanish 
from  the  earth,  where  he  hath  no  rest,  being  persecuted  from  place 
to  place,  as  a  "  locust"  is  driven  hither  and  thither  by  the  stormy 
wind  and  tempest;  while  enfeebled  and  emaciated  by  frequent 


478  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CIX. 

"  fastings,"  and  long  want  of  food  during  his  passion,  he  was  ready 
to  sink  under  his  burden;  and  what  aggravated  all  his  suflerings, 
was,  that  he  met  with  no  pity  and  compassion  from  those  around 
him  ;  his  enemies  "  reproached"  and  "  reviled  him,  shaking  their 
heads,  and  saying,  Ah !  thou  thou  that  destroyest  the  temple,  and 
buildest  it  in  three  days,  save  thyself,-'  &c.  JMark  xv,  29.  Nor 
are  we  to  suppose  our  Lord  thus  praying  for  his  natural  body  only, 
but  also  for  his  mystical  body,  the  church,  that  from  all  distresses, 
persecutions,  and  insults,  the  members  of  that  body  may  in  due 
time  be  delivered,  like  their  blessed  Head,  by  a  joyful  resurrection 
to  eternal  life. 

26.  Help  me,  0  Lord  7111/  God:  O  save  me,  according  to  thy 
mercy :  27.  That  they  may  know  that  this  is  thy  hand;  that  thou, 
Lord,  hast  done  it. 

The  resurrection  of  Christ  was  to  be  the  great  demonstration  of 
Jehovah's  power ;  and  it  was  published  as  such  by  the  apostles  to 
all  the  nations  of  the  world,  who  thereupon  believed,  and  were 
converted.  The  Jews  alone  hardened  their  hearts  against  that 
proof,  and  continued  impenitent. 

28.  They  will  curse,  hut  thou  shalt  bless:  when  they  arise,  they 
shall  be  ashamed;  but  thy  servant  shcdl  rejoice.  29-  Miiie  ad- 
versaries shall  be  clothed  icith  shame,  and  they  shall  cover  them- 
selves tvith  their  own  confusion,  as  with  a  mantle. 

The  apostate  sons  of  Israel,  though  they  have  been  so  long  "  con- 
founded" and  blasted  by  the  breath  of  Heaven's  displeasure,  yet 
continue  "  cursing"  and  blaspheming,  as  it  is  here  foretold  that  they 
should  do.  But  God  hath  "  blessed"  his  Son  Jesus,  and  through 
him  all  nations,  who  have  been  adopted  into  his  family,  and  made 
his  children  by  baptism ;  yea,  and  they  shall  be  blessed,  and  enter 
by  thousands  and  millions,  into  the  "joy"  of  their  Lord,  in  that 
day  when  his  crucifiers  shall  have  no  covering  but  their  own 
«  shame"  and  "  confusion." 

30.  J  will  greatly  praise  the  Lord  loith  my  moutli ;  yea,  I  will 
praise  him  among  the  multitude.  31.  For  he  shall  stand  at  the 
right  hand  of  the  poor,  to  save  h\m  fro7n  thosb  that  condemn  his 
sovl. 

The  former  of  these  two  verses  is  parallel  to  that  which  St.  Paul 
citeth  from  Psalm  xxii.  22.  "  He  that  sanctifieth  and  they  who 
are  sanctified,  are  all  of  one ;  for  which  cause  he  is  not  ashamed 
to  call  them  brethren,  saying,  I  will  declare  thy  name  unto  my 
brethren,  in  the  midst  of  the  church  will  I  sing  praise  unto  thee,'^ 
Heb.  ii.  11.  Great  is  the  joy  of  the  redeemed  upon  earth ;  greater 
will  it  be,  after  the  resurrection  of  the  dead,  in  the  courts  of  hea- 


Day  XXIII.  M.  P.     '      ON  THE  PSALMS.  479 

ven.  Jesus  unjustly  put  to  death,  and  now  risen  again,  is  a  perpe- 
tual advocate  and  intercessor  for  his  people,  ever  ready  to  appear 
on  their  behalf  against  the  iniquitous  sentence  of  a  corrupt  world, 
and  the  malice  of  the  grand  accuser. 


TWENTY-THIRD  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  ex. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  this  Psalm  David  prophesieth  concerning-,  I.  the  oxaltntioii  of  Christ;  2. 
the  sceptic  of  his  kingdom  ;  3.  the  character  of  Iiis  subjects  ;  4.  his  ever- 
lasting- priesthood;  5,  6.  his  tremendous  victories  and  judi^ments;  7.  the 
mfttns  of  hjs  obtaining  both  kingdom  and  priesthood,  by  his  sufferings 
and  resurrection.  Parts  of  tliis  prophecy  arc  cited  and  applied  in  the 
New  TestaiHcnt,  by  our  Lord  himseli",  Matt,  x.xii.  43.  by  St.  Peter,  Acts 
ii.  34.  by  St.  Paul,  1  Cor.  xv.  25.  Heb.  v.  6.  The  church  likewise  hath 
appointed  it  as  one  of  the  proper  Psalms  to  be  read  on  Christinas-day. 
It  appertainetU  literally  and  solely  to  King  Messiah. 

1.  Tlie  Loud  said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou  at  my  right  hand, 
until  I  make  tjj^ne  enemies  thy  footstool. 

We  are  here  informed  of  Jehovah's  eternal  and  unchangeable 
decree  concerning  the  kingdom  of  Messiah,  fts  extension,  power, 
and  duration.  That  IMessiah  should,  after  his  sufferings,  be  thus 
exalted,  was  determined  in  the  Divine  counsel  and  covenant,  be- 
fore the  world  began.  Wliether  we  suppose  the  Psalmist  to  be 
speaking  of  that  determination,  or  of  its  actual  accomplishment 
at  the  time  of  Christ's  ascension  into  heaven,  it  maketh  no  great 
difference.  The  substance  of  the  decree  is  the  same.  It  was  ad- 
^res.sed  by  the  Father  to  the  Son,  by  Jehovah  to  Messiah,  whom 
David  in  spirit  styleth  'JIX,  my  Lord ;  one  that  should  come  after 
him,  as  his  offspring  according  to  the  flesh ;  but  one,  in  dignity  of 
person,  and  greatness  of  power,  far  superior  to  him,  and  to  every 
earthly  potentate;  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords;  God  and 
man  united  in  one  person.  To  this  person  it  was  said  by  the  Fa- 
ther, "  Sit  thou  at  my  right  hand,  initil  I  make  thine  enemies  thy 
footstool ;"  in  other  words.  Seeing,  O  my  Son  IMessiah,  thou  hast 
glorified  mc  on  the  earth,  and  finished  the  work  which  I  gave  thee 
lo  do,  the  great  work  of  man's  redemption,  take  now  the  throne 
prepared  for  thee  from  the  foundation  of  tiie  world ;  behold,  all 
power  is  given  unto  thee ;  enter  upon  thy  mediatorial  kingdom,  and 
reign  till  every  opposer  shall  have  submitted  himself  to  thee,  and 
sin  and  death  shall  have  felt  thy  all-conquering  arm. 


480  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CX. 

2.  The  Lord  sliall  send  the  rod  of  thy  strength  out  of  Zion  : 
ride  thou  in  the  midst  of  thine  enemies. 

In  the  foregoing  verse,  David  related  the  words  spoken  by 
the  Father  to  the  Son.  In  this,  he  himself,  as  a  prophet,  direct- 
eth  his  speech  to  King  Messiah,  predicting  the  glorious  conse- 
qoences  of  his  enthronization,  and  the  manner  in  which  "  his  ene- 
luies"  are  to  be  "  made  hrs  footstool."  The  "  rod,"  or  sceptre  of 
Christ's  "  strength"  is  his  word,  accompanied  by  his  Spirit.  The 
law  was  given  to  Israel  from  Sinai,  but  the  Gospel  went  forth  from 
"  Sion;"  it  was  preached  to  all  nations,  "  beginning  at  Jerusalem," 
Luke  xxiv.  47'',  there  began  the  spiritual  kingdom  of  Jesus;  there 
were  the  first  converts  ma'de ;  and  from  thence  the  faith  was  pro- 
pagated by  the  apostles  to  the  ends  of  the  earth.  This  David 
seeing  beforehand,  cries  out,  "  Rule  thou  in  the  midst  of  fliine 
enemies  !"  Go  on,  victorious  Prince ;  plant  the  standard  of  th)'^ 
cross  among  the  thickest  ranks  of  the  adversary ;  and,  in  opposi- 
tion to  both  Jew  and  Gentile,  tiimultuously  raging  against  thee, 
erect  and  establish  thy  church  throughout  the  wovld !  This  was 
accordingly  done  with  marvellous  speeti  and  success;  and  the 
church,  thus  erected  and  established  among  the  nations,  hath  been 
as  marvellously  ^preserved,  "  in  the  midst  of  her  enefhies,"  unto  this 
day ;  yea,  and  the  \y6rld  shall  sooner  be  destroyed,  than  she  shall 
cease  to  be  preserved*. 

3.  Thy  people,  shall  be  tcilling  in  the  day  of  thy  poiver,  in  the 
beauties  of  holiness  :  from  the  womb  of  the  morning  thou  hast  the 
dew  of  thy  youth. 

The  blessed  effects  of  the  Gospel,  upon  its  publication,  are  here 
foretold.  "  The  people"  of  Christ  are  those  given  him  by  his  Fa- 
ther, and  gatliered  to  him  by  the  preachers  of  his  word.  "  The 
day  of  his  power"  is  the  season  of  their  conversion,  when  the  cor- 
ruptions of  nature  can  no  longer  hold  out  against  the  prevailing  in- 
fluences of  grace;  when  the  heart,  will,  and  affections,  turn  from 
the  world  to  God ;  and  they  make,  as  the  first  disciples  did,  a  free 
and  voluntary  offer  of  themselves,  and  all  they  have,  to  their  Re- 
deemer. Then  it  is  that  they  appear  "  in  the  beauties  of  holiness," 
adorned  with  humility,  faith,  hope,  love,  and  all  the  graces  of  the 
Spirit.  With  regard  to  the  last  clause  of  this  verse,  bishop  Lowth, 
in  his  admired  Lectures,*  has  observed,  and  proved,  that  it  may  be 
fairly  construed  to  this  effect : — "  More  than  the  dow  from  the  womb 
of  .thfe  morning,  is  the  dew  of  thy  progeny  ;"  that  is.  Thy  children, 
begotten  to  thee  through  the  Gospel,  shall  exceed  in  number,  as  well 

"Praclect.  *. 


Day  XXIII.  M.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  481 

as  briglitness  and  beauty,  tlie  spangles  of  early  (lew,  which  the 
morning  discloseth  to  the  delighted  eye  of  the  beiiolder.  The  whole 
verse,  therefore,  containeth  a  lively  character  of  the  subjects  of 
Christ's  spiritual  kingdom,  who  are  described  by  their  relation  to 
him  as  "  his  people ;"  by  their  '•  willingness"  to  obey  and  serve 
him;  by  their  honourable  attire,  the  rich  and  splendid  robes  of 
"  holiness ;''  and  by  their  multituilcs,  resembling  the  drof)S  of 
'*'  dew"  upon  the  grass. 

4.  27te  Lord  hath  sworn,  and  will  not  repent,  Thou  art  a  priest 
for  ever  after  the  order  of  Melchizcdek. 

From  Christ's  regal  office,  and  the  administration  thereof  by  the 
sceptre  of  bis  word  and  Spirit,  the  prophet  passeth  to  his  sacer- 
dotal otiice,  which  was  also  conferred  on  him  by  the  decree  of  the 
Father,  and  that  decree,  as  wc  are  here  told,  ratified  by  an  oath ; 
"  Jehovah  hath  sworn,  and  will  not  repent,"  or  change  his  pur- 
pose. The  oath  of  God  was  the  great  seal  of  heaven,  designed  to 
intimate  the  importance  of  the  deed  to  wliich  it  was  set,  and  "  to 
show  to  the  heirs  of  promise  the  innnutability  of  his  counsel,"  Ileb. 
vi.  IJ.  Whether  this  oath  passed  at  the  actual  consecration  of 
Messiah  to  the  priesthood  u];)on  his  ascension,  or  at  his  designation 
thereto  by  the  covenant  before  the  world,  sufficient  it  is  for  our  as- 
surance and  comfort,  that  it  did  pass.  We  have  a  Priest  in  heaven, 
who  standeth  continually  pleading  the  merits  of  his  sacrifice  once 
offered  upon  the  cross;  '•  who  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for 
us;"  and  who  is  ready  at  all  times,  to  bless  us,  ^'  by  turning  away 
every  man  from  his  iniquities,"  Acts  iii.  26.  by  aiding  us  against 
our  enemies,  and  supporting  us  under  our  necessities.  Oblation, 
intercession,  and  benediction,  are  the  three  branches  of  the  sacer- 
dotal office,  which  our  great  High  Priest  now  exerciseth  for  us,  and 
in  the  exercise  of  which  the  Father  hath  condescended  in  the  most 
awful  manner  to  promise,  that  he  will  hoar  and  accept  him  on  our 
behalf.  His  priesthood  is  not,  like  that  of  Aaron,  figurative,  suc- 
cessive, and  transient,  but  real  and  effectual,  fixed  and  incommu- 
nicable, eternal  and  unchangeable,  according'  to  that  pattern  of  it 
exhibited  to  Abraham,  before  the  law,  in  the  person  of  Melchizc- 
dek, Gen.  xiv.  IS — 20.  and  discoursed  upon  at  large  by  the  Apos- 
tle, Heb.  vii.  throughout. 

5.  The  Lord  upon  thy  right  hand  shall  strike  through  kings  in 
the  day  of  his  wrath.  6.  Hp  shall  judge  among  the  heathen,  he 
shall  Jill  the  places  ivith  the  dead  bodies;  he  shall  wound  the  heads 
over  many  countries  ;  Heb.  the  head  over  much  country. 

This  is  a  description  of  the  vengeance  which"  King  Messiah 
should  take  on  his  impenitent  adversaries.     By  '•  The  Lord,  or, 
61 


482  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.CX. 

my  Lord,  upon  thy  right  hand,"  "ji'D'  Vp  "'JiN,  the  same  person 
must  undoubtedly  be  understood,  who  is  mentioned  in  the  first 
verse  under  the  same  title,  'JHN,  as  "  sitting  at  the  right  hand  of  Je- 
hovah." And  the  Psalmist,  who  has  hitherto  addressed  himself 
to  Messiah,  or  the  Son,  must  be  supposed  now  to  make  a  sudden 
apostrophe  to  Jehovah,  or  the  Father ;  as  if  he  had  said,  ''  This 
ray  Lord  Messiah,  who  sitteth  at  thy  right  hand,  O  Jehovah,  shall 
smite  through  kings  in  the  day  of  his  wrath ;"  the  kings  of  the 
earth  will  endeavour  to  destroy  his  religion,  and  put  an  end  to  his 
kingdom ;  the  Neros,  and  Domitians,  the  Dioclesians,  the  Maxen- 
tiuses,  the  Julians,  &c.  &c.  shall  stand  up,  and  set  themselves  in 
array  against  him ;  but  "  the  Lamb  shall  overcome  them  ;"  he  shall 
judge  and  punish  the  heathen  princes,  with  their  people,  when  in 
arms  against  his  church ;  he  shall  raise  up  those  who  shall  success- 
fully fight  his  battles,  and  strew  the  ground  with  their  "carcasses." 
As  Messiah  hath  done  to  the  antichristian  power  of  old,  so  shall 
he  do  to  all  others,  before  or  at  his  second  advent.  There  is  a  day 
of  forbearance,  during  which  he  will  have  his  church  to  be,  like 
himself,  oppressed  and  afflicted,  humble  and  resigned ;  but  there  is 
also  a,  future  day  of  wrath  and  recompence,  when  the  sins  and  pro- 
vocations of  her  persecutors  shall  be  ripe  for  judgment ;  when  their 
triumphs  and  her  sufferings  shall  be  at  an  end ;  when  they  shall 
fall  for  ever,  and  he  shall  ascend  to  heaven. 

7.  He  shall  drink  of  the  brook,  or,  torrent,  in  the  way :  and 
therefore  shall  he  lift  up  his  head. 

The  means,  by  which  Christ  should  obtain  his  universal  king- 
dom and  everlasting  priesthood,  seem  here  to  be  assigned.  In  his 
"  way"  to  glory,  he  was  to  drink  deep  of  the  *  waters  of  aflliction ; 
the  swollen  "  torrent"  occurred  in  the  way,  and  presented  itself 
between  him  and  the  throne  of  God.  To  this  torrent  in  the  way 
the  Saviour  descended;  he  bowed  himself  down,  and  drank  of  it 

*  The  Hebrew  word  iTM  signifies,  in  general,  "  a  anient  of  water,' 
which  may  be  either  a  turbid,  overwhehning  torrent,  or  a  clear  and  gentle 
stream.  In  Psalm  xviii.  4.  it  denotes  the  "  lloods  of  ungodliness  ;"  in  Psalm 
xxxvi.  8.  it  is  used  to  signify  the  "  river  of  divine  pleasures."  Hence  arises 
an  ambiguity  in  the  interpretation  of  the  words,  "  He  shall  drink  of  the 
brook  in  the  way,"  which  may  be  expounded  feither  of  the  sufferings  Christ 
tasted,  or  the  refreshments  he  experienced ;  as  the  waters  are  supposed  to  be 
those  of  "  affliction,"  or  those  of  "  comfort."  Ehher  way,  the  sense  is 
good  and  true,  as  it  relates  to  Messiah.  Torrents,  or  the  "overflowing  of 
rivers,"  in  the  scripture  language  certainly,  as  Dr.  Durell  observes,  do  of- 
ten denote  "  afflictions;"  as  in  Psalm  xviii.  4.  cxxiv.  4,  5.  cxliv.  7,  &ic.  th#-. 
being  opi)ressed  by  them,  is  also  described  by  the  action  of  drinking.  Psalm 
ix.  3.  Ixxv.  8,  &LC.  And  the  idea  of  a  brook  in  the  way,  or  the  road,  seems 
to  favour  this  e.-iposition.  But  the  autlior  advances  it,  as  becomes  him  to  do, 
with  great  deference  and  submission,  since  bishop  Lowth,  and  Mr  Merrick, 
are  of  a  different  opinion. 


Day  XXIII.  M.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  483 

for  us  all ;  and  therefore,  \2ihy,  did  lie  lift  up  his  "  head  ;-'  that 
is  he  arose  victorious,  and  from  the  valley,  in  which  the  torrent 
ran,  ascended  to  the  summit  of  that  holy  and  heavenly  mount, 
where  he  reigneth  till  "  his  enemies  be  made  his  footstool.""  St. 
Paul  hath  expressed  the  same  sentiment  in  literal  terms:  "He 
humbled  himself,  and  became  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death 
of  the  cross :  wherefore,  S'to,  God  also  hath  highly  exalted  him/' 
Phil.  ii.  8. 


PSALM  CXL 

argument. 

This  i>  one  of  the  proper  Psalms  appointed  by  the  cluuch  to  be  read  On 
Easter-day.  It  containeth,  1.  a  resolutioa  to  praise  Jehovah  in  tlie  con- 
irrcgation,  2,  3.  for  his  great  and  glorious  works,  and,  4.  for  the  appointed 
memorials  of  them;  5,  6.  his  mercies  to  the  church  are  celebrated,  and, 
7,  8.  the  equity  and  stability  of  his  counsels  declared ;  9.  the  blessings  of 
redemption,  and  the  new  covenant,  are  mentioned,  as  they  were  prefi- 
gured of  old  in  God's  dispensations  toward  Israel.  10.  Religion  is  pro- 
claimed to  be  true  wisdom. 

1.  I  will  praise  the  Lord  zvifh  my  whole  heart,  in  the  assemhhj 
of  the  upright,  and  in  the  congregation. 

Jehovah  is  to  be  «  praised,"  not  only  with  the  voice  and  the  un- 
derstanding, but  with  the  "heart,"  with  the  "whole"  heart,  and 
all  its  affections,  tuned,  like  the  chords  of  the  son  of  Jesse's  harp, 
to  a  song  of  gratitude  and  love.  Solitary  devotion  hath,  doubtless, 
its  beauties  and  excellencies ;  but  how  glorious  is  it  to  hear  the 
voices  of  a  whole  Christian  "  congregation"  break  forth  into  hal- 
lelujahs, like  the  sound  of  many  waters,  and  the  noise  of  mighty 
ihunderings,  while  each  one,  as  it  were,  provokes  another  to  con- 
tinue the  blessed  employment,  with  unremitted  attention,  and  una- 
bated fervour. 

2.  The  works  of  the  Lord  are  great,  sought  out  of  all  them 
that  have  pleasure  therein. 

The  subjects  of  man's  praise  are  the  works  of  God.  Every  one 
of  these  works,  whether  in  the  natural,  or  the  spiritual  system,  is 
"  great."  ■  Nothing  cometh  from  the  hands  of  the  Divine  artist,  but 
what  is  excellent  and  perfect  in  its  kind,  adapted  with  infinite  skill 
to  its  proper  place,  and  fitted  for  its  intended  use.  Happy  are 
they,  who  with  humility  and  diligence,  with  faith  and  devotion,  give 
ihomselves  to  the  contemplation  of  these  works,  and  take  "  plea- 
sure," and  dehght  therein.  To  them  shall  the  gate  of  true  science 
©pen  5  they  shall  understand  the  mysteries  of  creation,  providence, 


484  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXL 

and  redemption ;  and  they  who  thus  "  seek,"'  shall  find  the  trea- 
sures of  eternal  wisdom. 

3.  His  work  is  honourable  and  glorious ^  and  his  righteousness 
endureth  for  ever. 

The  "  work,"  of  all  others,  in  which  the  "  honour  and  glorious 
majesty"  of  Jehovah  appeared,  and  which  the  Christian  church  ce- 
lebrates whh  this  Psalm,  is  the  salvation  and  exaltation  of  our  na- 
ture, by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ  from  the  dead ;  an  event 
which  contained  in  it  the  accomplishment  of  the  ancient  promises, 
and  thereby  demonstrated  to  all  the  world  the  everlastins:  truth, 
fidelity,  and  "  righteousness,*'  of  him  who  made  them. 

4.  He  hath  made  his  wonderful  woi'ks  to  be  rememhered ;  or,  he 
hath  appointed  a  memorial  for  his  wonders:  the  Lokd  is  gracious, 
and  full  of  compassion. 

Jewish  feasts  were  "  memorials''  of  the  "  wonders"  wrought  for 
Israel  of  old;  Christian  festivals  are  memorials  of  the  wonders 
wrought  in  Christ  for  all  mankind,  to  whom,  no  less  than  to  Israel, 
God  had  now  showed  himself  "  gracious  and  full  of  compassion," 

5.  He  hath  given  meat  to  them  that  fear  him :  he  will  ever  be  mind- 
ful of  his  covenant.  6.  He  hath  sheioed  his  people  the  power  of  his 
tcorks,  that  he  may,  or,  might,  give  them  the  heritage  of  the  heathen. 

Agreeably  to  the  "  covenant"  which  God  made  with  Abraham, 
as  concerning  his  children  according  to  the  flesh,  he  "  fed"  and  sup- 
ported them  in  the  wilderness,  he  overthrew  their  enemies  by  the 
might  of  his  "  power,"  and  he  put  them  in  possession  of  Canaan, 
which  before  was  the  "  heritage  of  the  heathen."  Agreeably  to 
the  covenant  which  God  made  with  the  same  Abraham,  as  concern- 
ing all  believers,  those  "  children  of  the  promise  which  are  counted 
for  the  seed,"  he  feedeth  them  in  the  world  with  the  true  manna,* 
the  bread  which  cometh  down  from  heaven ;  he  hath  again  "  showed 
the  power  of  his  works"  in  the  overthrow  of  idolatry;  and  again, 
by  the  conversion  of  the  nations,  given  to  his  church  the  heritage 
of  the  heathen ;  although,  like  Israel,  she  is  commanded,  and  hath 
had  frequent  admonitions,  not  to  fix  her  heart  on  an  earthly  Ca- 
naan; not  to  expect  any  permanent  habitation,  any  enduring  city 
here  below;  not  to  stop  short  of  an  eternal  and  heavenly  rest. 

7-  The  works  of  his  hands  are  verity  and  judgment;  all  his 
commandments  are  sure.  8,  They  stand  fast  for  ever  and  ever, 
and  are  done  in  truth  and  uprightness. 

In  all  God's  dispensations  towards  his  faithful  servants,  and  to- 

*"  Escam  dcdit" — Manna:  qiiOE  crpteiac  Dei  mirabiliain  mcmoriam  rovo- 
cabat:  unde  in  Area  servari  jussa,  Exod.  xvi.  32.  Erat  aiitcm  EucharistiiK 
figura,  quBc  vere  divini  amoris  monumcntum  ajternam.     Bossud. 


Bay  XXIII.  U.  P.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  485 

wards  his  impenitent  adversaries,  we  admire  and  adore  his  "  verity" 
in  the  performance  of  his  promises  to  the  former,  and  his  "  justice" 
in  executing  his  vengeance  on  the  latter.  Thus  the  time  of  ful- 
fdhni:  his  promise  to  Abraham  came  not  till  the  iniquity  of  the 
Amorites  was  full.  The  case  is  the  same  as  to  the  coming  of  Christ, 
the  subversion  of  paganism,  the  deaths  of  persecutors,  the  rise  and 
fall  of  nations,  the  conversion  or  excision  of  individuals,  and  every 
other  instance  of  mercy  or  judgment.  Another  property  of  God's 
works  is,  that,  being  '•  done  in  truth  and  uprightness,  they  stand 
fast  for  ever;"  and  will  then  appear  in  perfect  glory  and  beauty, 
when  all  the  arts  and  labours  of  man  shall  be  no  more. 

9.  He  sent  redemption  unto  his  people  ;  he  hath  commanded  his 
covenant  for  ever:  holy  and  reverend,  or,  terrible,  is  his  name. 

He  who  sent  redemption  to  Israel  by  the  hand  of  Moses,  hath 
now  sent  redemption  by  the  power  of  Jesus,  to  all  the  world :  he 
who,  at  mount  Sinai,  established  his  covenant  with  his  people,  and 
gave  them  a  law,  hath  now  established  his  "  covenant"  with  the 
Gentiles,  and  published  to  them  his  Gospel  from  Sion.  Holy  is  his 
name,  and  therefore  '•'  terrible"  to  those  who,  under  all  the  means 
of  grace,  continue  unholy. 

10.  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom:  a  good 
understanding  have  all  they  that  do  his  commandments :  his  praise 
endurethfor  ever. 

The  fear  of  God  is  the  first  step  to  salvation,  as  it  exciteth  a  sin- 
ner to  depart  from  evil,  and  to  do  good ;  to  implore  pardon,  and  to 
sue  for  grace ;  to  apply  to  a  Saviour  for  the  one,  and  to  a  Sanctifier 
for  the  other.  Religion  is  the  perfection  of  wisdom,  practice  the 
best  instructer,  and  thanksgiving  the  sweetest  recreation. 


PSALIM  cxn. 

ARGUMENT. 

Tiie  Psalmist  enumerateth  the  blessings  attending  the  man  who  fcaieth  Je- 
hovah; 1.  the  pleasure  which  he  taketh  in  doing  his  will;  2.  the  pros- 
perity of  his  seed ;  3.  the  plenteousness  in  his  house ;  4.  his  comfort  in 
trouble;  5,  his  internal  joys;  6.  the  honour  with  which  he  is  remembered; 
7,  8.  his  holy  confidence  in  God;  9.  his  good  deeds,  and  the  reward  of 
them  ;  10.  the  envy,  wretchedness,  and  perdition  of  the  wicked.  The 
blessings  of  the  Gospel  are  spiritual  and  eternal ;  and  tliey  are  conferred 
upon  the  members  of  the  Christian  church  through  Cluist  their  head,  who 
is  the  pattern  of  all  righteousness,  and  the  giver  of  all  irrace. 
] .  Blessed  is  the  man  that  feareth  the  Lord,  that  delighteth 

greatly  in  his  commandments;  or,  he  delighteth  greatly  in  hin 

commandments. 


486  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXII. 

The  man  who  duly  feareth  God,  is  delivered  from  every  other 
fear ;  the  man  who  delighteth  in  God's  commandments,  is  freed 
from  every  inordinate  desire  of  earthly  things;  and  such  a  man 
must  needs  be  '•  blessed."  Of  this  kind  was  tliy  blessedness,  O 
holy  Jesus,  on  whom  did  rest  '•  the  Spirit  of  knowledge  and  of  the 
ifear  of  Jehovah,"  and  wliose  meat  it  was  to  do  the  will  of  him  that 
sent  thee,  and  to  finish  his  work,  Isa.  xi.  2.  John  iv.  34, 

2.  His  seed  shall  be  mighty  upon  earth :  tlie  generation  of  the 
upright  shall  be  blessed. 

A  father's  piety  derives  tlie  benediction  of  Heaven  upon  his 
children.  The  posterity  of  faithful  Abraham  were  often  spared 
and  favoured  on  account  of  their  progenitor  ;  as  the  whole  family 
of  believers,  Abraham  and  all,  are  blessed  in  Him,  who  is  the  great 
Father  of  that  family,  and  the  Author  of  their  salvation. 

3.  Wealth  and  riches  shall  be  in  his  house;  and  his  righteous- 
ness  endurethfor  ever. 

It  sometimes  pleaseth  God  to  bestow  on  his  servants,  as  he  did 
on  Israel  of  old,  the  good  things  of  this  world.  And  a  rich  man 
is  therefore  happier  than  a  poor  man,  because  it  is  more  blessed  to 
give  than  to  receive,  Acts  xx,  35.  But  the  true  weahh  of  Chris- 
tians is  of  another  kind ;  their  riches  are  such  as  neither  moth  can 
corrupt,  nor  thief  steal.  Grace  and  glory  are  in  the  house  of  Christ, 
and  everlasting  righteousness  is  the  portion  of  his  children. 

4.  Unto  the  upright  there  ariscth  light  in  the  darkness:  he  is 
graciotis,  and  full  of  compassion,  and  righteous. 

While  we  are  on  earth,  we  are  subject  to  a  threefold  darkness; 
the  darkness  of  error,  the  darkness  of  sorrow,  and  the  darkness  of 
death.  To  dispel  these,  God  visiteth  us  by  his  word,  with  a  three- 
fold light ;  the  light  of  truth,  the  light  of  comfort,  and  the  light  of 
life.  The  Christian's  temper  is  framed  after  the  pattern  of  his 
Master ;  and  he  is  ever  ready  to  show  to  others  that  "  love"  and 
<•  mercy"  which  have  been  shown  to  him. 

5.  A  good  man  shewcth  favour,  and  Icndeth:  he  tcill  guide  his 
a  fairs  with  discretion. 

The  former  part  of  this  verse  may  be  rendered  with  a  little  vari- 
ation, "  It  is  well  with  the  man  who  is  gracious  and  communica- 
tive." Ill  nature  and  avarice  are  their  own  tormentors ;  but  love 
and  liberality  do  good  to  themselves,  by  doing  it  to  others,  and  en- 
joy all  the  happiness  which  they  cause.  It  is  not  (Jod's  intention, 
that  any  of  the  talents  which  he  bestoweth  upon  us  should  lie  dead, 
but  that  our  brethren  should  have  the  use  of  them;  even  as  Christ 
receiveth  the  Spirit  to  communicate  it  to  us,  and  our  salvation  is 
his  glory  and  joy.    The  latter  part  of  this  verse  is  likewise  capabk' 


Day  XXIII.  M.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  487 

of  a  diflercnt,  and,  indeed,  a  more  literal  translation;  ''  lie  will 
support,  or  maintain,  his  words,  or,  his  transactions,  in  judirmpnt  ;*' 
that  is,  he  who  thus  employed  his  talents  for  the  benefit  of  jnankind, 
will  be  able  to  render  a  good  account  to  his  Loid  who  intrusteth 
them  whh  him. 

6.  Surely  he  shall  not  he  moved  fur  ever:  the  rightcoua  shall 
he  had  in  everlasting  remembrance.  7.  He  shall  not  he  afraid  of 
evil  tidings:  his  heart  is  fixed,  trusting  in  the  Lord.  8.  His  heart 
is  established,  he  shall  not  he  afraid,  until  he  see  his  desire  upon 
?iis  enemies. 

Nothing  can  deprive  the  person  here  described,  of  his  felicity. 
When  his  work  is  done,  his  body  will  go  to  its  repose  in  the  dust, 
but  the  memorial  of  his  name  and  of  his  good  deeds  will  be  still 
fresh  as  the  morning  breeze,  and  fragrant  as  the  flower  of  the 
spring.  *'  He  fearetli  no  evil  report ;"  no  blast  of  slander  and  ma- 
lice can  touch  him ;  no  tidings  of  calamity  and  destruction  can 
shake  his  confidence  in  God :  but  he  will  hear  the  trump  of  judg- 
ment, and  behold  the  world  in  flames,  rather  with  joy  than  with 
dread ;  as  knowing,  by  those  tokens,  that  the  hour  of  his  redemption 
is  come,  when  he  shall  see  his  enemies,  and  even  death,  the  last  of 
them,  under  his  feet. 

9-  He  hath  dispersed,  he  hath  gi veil  to  the  poor ;  his  righteous- 
ness endureth  for  ever  ;  his  horn  shall  be  exalted  loith  honour. 

His  riches  are  not  hoarded  up,  but  dispersed  abroad ;  and  tliat 
not  by  others  after  his  death,  but  by  himself  in  his  lifetime;  "  He 
hath  dispersed."  They  an;  not  squandered  in  the  ways  of  vanity 
and  folly,  "  but  given  to  the  poor ;"  nor  are  they  given  indiscrimi- 
nately and  at  random,  but  dispersed,  like  precious  seed,  with  pru- 
dence and  discretion,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  soil,  and  in 
proper  season,  so  as  to  produce  the  most  plentiful  harvest.  There- 
fore "  his  righteousness  endureth  •  for  ever ;"  its  fruits  and  its  good 
report  are  lasting  among  men,  and  it  is  never  forgotten  before  God, 
who  hath  prepared  for  it  an  eternal  reward.  "  His  horn  shall  be 
exalted  with  honour,"  or,  in  glory ;  whatever  may  be  his  lot  upon 
earth,  (and  even  here  the  charitable  man  will  tiequently  be  had  in 
"  honour,")  at  the  last  day,  certainly,  when  the  thrones  of  the 
mighty  shall  be  cast  down,  and  the  sceptres  of  tyrants  broken  in 
pieces,  then  shall  he  lift  up  his  head,  and  be  exalted  to  partake  of 
the  "  glory"  of  his  Redeemer,  the  author  of  his  faith,  and  the  jKit- 
tcrn  of  his  charity,  who  gave  himself  for  us,  and  is  now  seated  at 
the  right  hand  of  the  Majesty  in  the  heavens. 

10.  The  wicked  shall  see  it,  and  he  grieved;  he  shall  gnash  with 
his  teeth,  and  melt  away :  the  desire  of  the  wicked  shall  perish. 


488  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIII. 

The  sight  of  Christ  in  glory,  witli  his  saints,  will,  in  an  inex- 
pressible manner,  torment  the  crucifiers  of  the  one,  and  the  perse- 
cutors of  the  others ;  as  it  will  show  them  the  hopes  and  wishes  of 
their  adversaries  all  granted  to  the  full,  and  all  their  own  "desires," 
and  designs,  for  ever  at  an  end ;  so  it  will  excite  an  envy  which 
must  prey  upon  itself,  produce  a  grief  which  can  admit  of  no  com- 
fort, give  birth  to  a  worm  which  can  never  die,  and  blow  up  those 
jfires  which  nothing  can  quench. 


PSALM  CXIII. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  scrvauls  of  God,  are,  1.  exhorted  to  praise  his  name,  2.  at  all  times,  an<], 
3.  in  all  places,  on  account,  4,  5^  of  his  power  and  glory,  6 — 8.  of  his 
mercy  in  redeeming  man,  and,  9.  making  the  Gentile  church  to  be  a  joy- 
ful mother  of  children.    This  Psalm  is  appointed  to  be  read  on  Easter-day 

1 .  Praise,  O  ye  servants  of  the  Lord,  praise  the  name  of  the 
Lord.  2.  Blessed  he  the  name  of  the  hov^iifrom  this  time  forth 
and  for  evermore. 

Christians  are  the  "  servants"  of  Jesus  Christ ;  and  a  most  de- 
lightful part  of  their  service  it  is  to  "'  praise"  his  holy  and  saving 
"name"  in  the  church,  which  now  useth  this  Psalm,  among  others, 
and  with  it  blesseth  the  name  of  her  Lord  and  Saviour,  from  age 
to  age.  The  Psalmist  wished  and  prayed  that  this  might  be  done, 
and  he  foresaw  that  it  would  be  done,  while  the  world  should  last, 
upon  earth,  and  afterwards  for  "  evermore,"  in  heaven. 

3.  Fi'om  the  rising  of  the  sun,  unto  the  going  down  of  the  same, 
the  Lord's  name  is  to  he  praised:  or,  is  praised.  4.  The  Lord 
is  high  ahove  all  nations,  and  Ms  glory  abore  the  heavens. 

At  the  diffusion  of  the  Gospel  through  the  world,  the  name  of 
Christ  was  praised  "  from  the  east  to  the  west,"  in  the  churches, 
every  where  planted  by  the  apostles  and  their  successors;  and  the 
grand  subjects  of  joy  and  triumph  among  believers  were,  the  supe- 
riority of  their  Master  over  the  "  heathen  nations"  and  their  idols ; 
the  exaltation  of  "  his  glory  above  the  heavens,"  and  all  the  powers 
therein  ;  the  might  of  his  arm,  and  the  majesty  of  his  kingdom. 

5.  Who  is  like  unto  the  Lord  our  God,  who  dioelleth  on  high  ! 
C.  Who  hnmhleth  himself  to  behold  the  things  that  are  in  heaven 
and  in  earth  ! 

Highly  as  our  Lord  is  exalted  above  this  system,  above  these 
heavens,  and  this  earth  of  ours,  yet  he  condescendeth  to  regard 
every  thing  that  passcth  here,  and  to  make  us,  the  inhabitants  of 


Day  XXIII.  E.  P.          ON  THE  PSAI.MS.  489 

this  lower  world,  and,  for  our  sakes,  all  the  other  crcatiuos  in  it, 
the  objects  of  his  peculiar  care,  and  paternal  love, 

7.  He  raiseth  the  poor  out  of  the  dual,  and  lifteth  the  needy  out 
of  the  dunghill;  8.  That  he  may  set  him  icith  princes,  even  zoith 
the  princes  of  his  people. 

Such  is  his  mercy  to  the  poor  sons  of  Adam  in  their  fallen  estate, 
that  from  the  lowest  and  most  abject  condition,  from  the  pollu- 
tions of  sin,  and  from  the  dishonours  of  the  grave,  he  raiseth  them 
to  righteousness  and  holiness,  to  glory  and  immortality;  he  setteth 
them  on  high,  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  heavenly  Jerusalem, 
"  with  the  princes  of  his  j)eople,"  the  leaders  of  the  armies  above, 
with  angels  and  archangels  before  his  throne.  What  is  the  exalta- 
tion of  the  meanest  beggar  from  a  dunghill  to  an  earthly  diadem, 
when  compared  with  that  of  human  nature  from  the  grave  to  the 
throne  of  God  ?  Here  is  honour  worth  our  ambition;  honour  after 
which,  all  are  alike  invited  to  asj)ire;  which  all  may  obtain,  who 
strive  worthily  and  lawfully ;  and  of  which,  when  once  obtained, 
^othing  can  ever  deprive  the  possessors. 

9.  He  makcth  the  barren  woman  to  keep  house,  and  to  be  a  Joy- 
ful mother  of  children.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

In  the  sacred  history  of  the  Old  Testament,  we  meet  with  fre- 
quent instances  of  barren  women  who  were  miraculously  made  to 
bear  children.  Isaac,  Joseph,  Sampson,  and  Samuel,  were  thus 
born  of  Sarah,  Rachel,  the  wife  of  JManoah,  and  Hannah.  To 
these  may  be  added,  from  the  history  of  the  New  Testament,  the 
instance  of  Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  Zacharias,  and  mother  of  St. 
John  the  Baptist.  These  examples  may  be  considered  as  preludes 
to  that  n)arvellous  exertion  of  divine  power,  whereby  the  Gentile 
church,  after  so  many  years  of  barrenness,  became,  in  her  old  age, 
"  a  fruitful  parent  of  children,  and  the  mother  of  us  all."  Where- 
fore it  is  written,  ''Sing,  O  barren,  thou  that  didst  not  bear;  break 
forth  into  singing,  and  cry  aloud,  thou  that  didst  not  travail  with 
child  ;  for  more  are  the  children  of  the  desolate,  than  the  children 
of  the  married  wife,  saith  the  Lord,"  Isa.  liv.  1.  Gal.  iv.  2J. 


TWENTY-THIRD  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  CXIV. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  is  another  of  the  Psahns  appointed  by  our  church  to  be  read  on  Eas- 
tcr-day.    It  celebrates  the  exodus  of  Israel  from  Ejfjpt,  and  the  miracles. 
02 


490  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIV. 

wrought  for  that  people,  prefiguring  tlie  redenii)tioii  of  our  nature  from 
sin  and  death,  and  the  wonders  of  mercy  and^  love  wrought  for  us  by  Je- 
sus Christ. 

1.  Jflien  Israel  went  out  of  Egypt,  the  house  of  Jacob  from  a 
people  of  strange  hmguage ;  2.  Judah  loas  his,  (that  is,  GocPs) 
saiictuary,  and  Israel  his  dominion. 

When  Jeliovali  delivered  Israel  from  the  bo'Vidage  of  Egypt,  he 
chose  them  for  his  peculiar  people;  his  presence  resided  in  their 
camp,  as  in  a  sanctuary,  or  temple ;  and  he  ruled  them,  as  an  earthly 
king  exerciseth  sovereignty  in  his  "  dominions."  This  world,  and 
the  prince  of  this  world,  are  to  us,  what  Egypt  and  Pharaoh  were 
to  Israel.  The  redemption  of  our  nature,  by  the  resurrection  of 
Christ,  answereth  to  their  redemption  by  the  hand  of  Moses. 
When  we  are  baptized  into  the  death  and  resurrection  of  our  Lord, 
we  renounce  the  world,  its  pomps  and  vanities ;  and  should,  there- 
fore, quit  its  corrupt  "  language,"  manners  and  customs,  with  as 
much  alacrity  and  expedition  as  the  family  of  Jacob  left  those  of 
Egypt.  We  are  the  sanctuary,  the  temple,  in  which  Christ  dwell- 
cth  by  his  Spirit;  we  are  tlie  subjects  of  his  spiritual  "kingdom ;" 
we  are  his  peculiar  people;  in  one  word,  we  are  his  church,  and 
succeed,  as  such,  to  all  the  titles  and  privileges  formerly  conferred 
on  Israel. 

3.  The  sea  saw  it,  and  fed ;  Jordan  was  driven  back. 
Although  forty  years  intervened  between  the  two  events  here 

mentioned,  yet,  as  the  miracles  were  of  a  similar  nature,  they  are 
spoken  of  together.  In  the  passage  of  Israel  through  the  Red  Sea, 
we  may  contemplate  our  passage  from  a  death  of  sin  to  a  life  of 
righteousness  through  the  waters  of  baptism ;  as  our  translation 
from  death  temporal  to  life  eternal  is  figured  by  their  entrance  into 
the  promised  land  through  the  river  Jordan.  The  waters  in  both 
cases  are  poetically  representee!  fis  sensible  of  their  Creator's  pre- 
sence; and  by  their  retiring  and  opening  a  path  for  the  people  of 
God,  we  are  taught,  that  if  we  continue  faithful,  all  obstructions 
will  be  removed  in  our  way  to  heaven. 

4.  The  mountains  skipped  like  rams,  and  the  little  hills  like 
lambs. 

The  tremours  of  mount  Sinai  and  the  neighbouring  hills,  when 
the  law  was  given,  afforded  some  specimen  of  that  power  which 
was  afterwards  exerted  !  .ae  overthrow  of  idolatry,  and  the  cast- 
ing down  of  every  high  thing  that  exalted  itself  against  the  Gos- 
pel at  its  publication.  "  See,  therefore,  that  ye  refuse  not  him  that 
speaketh:  for  if  they  escaped  not  who  refused  him  that  spake  on 
earth,  much  more  shall  not  we  escape,  if  we  turn  away  from  liim  that 


DayXXIII.  M.  p.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  491 

speaketli  from  heaven ;  whose  voice  then  shook  the  earth :  but 
now  lie  hulh  promised,  saying,  Yet  once  more  I  shake  not  the  eartli 
only,  but  also  heaven,"  Heb.  xii.  12.'). 

5.  Jl'/iat  a'lk'd  t/ice,  O  thou  sea,  that  thou  jliddcsl?  Thou  Jor- 
dan, that  thou  least  driven  back?  C-.  Ye  mountains,  that  yc  skipped 
like  rams;  and  ye  little  hills  like  lambs?  7.  Tremble,  thou  earth, 
ut  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  at  the  presence  of  the  God  of  Jacob. 

If  the  Divine  presence  hath  such  an  ellect  upon  inanimate  mat- 
ter, how  ought  it  to  operate  on  rational  and  accountable  beings  r 
Let  us  be  afraid,  with  a  holy  fear,  at  the  presence  of  God,  in  the 
world  by  his  providence,  and  by  his  Spirit  in  our  consciences  ;  so 
that  we  may  have  hope  and  courage  in  the  day  when  he  shall  arise 
to  shake  terribly  the  earth ;  when  "  every  island  shall  fly  away, 
and  the  mountains  shall  be  no  more  found,"  llev.  xvi.  20. 

8.  If'hieh  turned  the  rock  into  a  standing  ivater,  the  flint  into  a 
fountain  of  waters. 

He  who  brought  water  out  of  the  sacramental  rock  in  the  wil- 
derness, hath  since  caused  rivers  of  living  water  to  flow  through  the 
world,  from  the  Rock  of  our  salvation ;  nay,  he  halh  dissolved  the 
stony  hearts  of  sinners,  and  made  to  spring  up  in  them  fountains  of 
this  water  of  life.  For  these  great  instances  of  his  power  and  his 
love,  we  are  taught  to  bless  his  holy  name,  when  we  sing  this  Psalm, 
as  an  evangelical  hymn,  on  the  day  of  our  Lord's  resurrection. 


PSALIM  cx^ 


ARGUMENT. 

The  church,  1,  2.  praycth  that  God  would  glorify  liiinself  in  her  salvation 
3.  she  declaielli  her  laith  in  him ;  4 — 8.  cxposeth  the  vanity  and  folly 
of  idolatry  ;  9 — 11.  exhorteth  her  children  to  rely  upon  Jehovah  ;  12 — 15 
foretellelh  how  he  will  bless,  prosper,  and  increase  his  people,  16 — 18. 
never  suffering  the  voice  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  to  cease  from  the 
f-arth. 

1.  Not  unto  US,  O  Lord,  not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy  name  give 
glory,  for  thy  mercy,  and  for  thy  truth^s  sake.  2.  fllierefore 
should  the  heathen  say.   Where  is  ntno  their  God? 

From  these  two  verses  it  is  evident,  that  the  Psalm  is  not  a 
thanksgiving  for  victory,  but  a  petition  for  deliverance.  God  is 
entreated  to  give  "  glory"  by  such  deliverance,  not  to  us,  to  our 
works  or  endeavours,  but  "  to  his  own  name  ;"  he  is  requested  to 
vouchsafe  salvation,  not  on  account  of  our  merits,  but  of  his  ''mer- 
cy," which  inclineth  him  to  be  gracious  j  of  his  truth,  which  dis- 


492  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXV. 

posetli  him  to  fulfil  his  promises ;  and  of  his  honour,  that  the  ene- 
my may  not  have  occasion  to  blaspheme  him,  and  reproach  his  ser- 
vants, as  if  their  Master  cither  could  not,  or  would  not,  help  them 
in  the  day  of  their  distress.  ''  Wherefore  should  the  heathen  say, 
Where  is  now  their  God  ?" 

3.  But  our  God  is  hi  the  heavens;  he  hath  done  ichaf soever  he 
jdeased;  or,  he  docth  ichuf soever  he  pleaseth. 

Should  the  insulting  adversary  ask  the  above  ciuestion,  •'  Where 
is  now  their  God  ?"  the  faithful  are  ready  with  their  reply,  "  Our 
God  is  in  the  heavens ;"  he  is,  where  he  ever  was,  upon  his  glo- 
rious throne,  high  over  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world,  and  the 
powers  of  created  nature;  from  thence  he  observeth  and  orderetk 
all  things  here  below;  what  we  suffer  is  by  his  appointment;  and, 
at  his  good  time  and  pleasui-e,  he  both  can  and  will  relieve  us; 
^^  he  doeth  whatsoever  he  pleaseth." 

4.  Their  idols  are  silver  and  gold,  the  work  of  men'' s  hands.  5. 
They  have  mouths,  but  they  speak  not ;  eyes  have  they,  hut  they 
see  not;  6.  They  have  ears,  but  they  hear  not ;  noses  have  they , 
but  they  smell  not ;  7 .  They  have  hands,  hut  they  handle  not ;  feet 
have  they,  but  they  loalk  not;  neither  speak  they  through  their 
throat. 

A  beautiful  contrast  is  formed  between  the  God  of  Israel  and  the 
heathen  idols.  He  made  every  thing,  they  are  themselves  made 
by  men ;  he  is  in  heaven,  they  are  upon  earth ;  he  doeth  whatso- 
ever he  pleaseth,  they  can  do  nothing;  he  seeth  the  distresses, 
heareth  and  answereth  the  prayers,  accepteth  the  offerings,  cometh 
to  the  assistance,  and  effecteth  the  salvation  of  his  servants ;  they 
are  blind,  deaf,  and  dumb,  senseless,  motionless,  and  impotent. 
Equally  slow  to  hear,  equally  impotent  to  save  in  the  time  of  great- 
est need,  Avill  every  worldly  idol  prove,  on  which  men  have  set 
their  affections,  and  to  which  they  have,  in  effect,  said,  "  Thou  art 
my  god." 

8.  They  that  make  them  are  like  unto  them  ;  so  is  every  one  that 
trusteth  in  them. 

Idolaters,  like  the  objects  of  their  worship,  are  rather  lifeless 
images  than  real  men.  What  our  Lord  said  of  the  Jews,  is  appli- 
cable to  them,  and  indeed  to  all  who  reject  the  knowledge  of  the 
true  God,  and  the  doctrines  of  salvation ;  "  Having  eyes  they  see 
not,  having  ears  they  hear  not."  They  see  not  the  things  which 
belong  unto  their  peace ;  they  hear  not  the  word  of  instruction  and 
and  exhortation ;  they  speak  not  of  religion  and  the  kingdom  of 
heaven ;  they  work  not  the  works  of  piety  and  charity ;  they  walk 
not  in  the  path  of  the  divine  commandments;  they  are  spiritually 


Day  XXIII.  M.  p.         ON  THE  PSAUIS.  493 

blind,  deaf,  dumb,  lame,. and  impotent;  and  when  their  idols  are 
destroyed,  they  will  perish  in  like  manner. 

9.  O  Israel,  trust  thou  in  the  Lord  :  he  is  their  help  and  their 
shield.  10.  0  house  of  Aaron,  trust  in  the  Lord  :  he  is  their  help 
and  their  shield.  11.  Ye  that  fear  the  Lord,  trust  in  the  Lord  : 
he  is  their  help  and  their  shield. 

Let  the  men  of  the  world  make  to  themselves  gods,  and  vainly 
trust  in  the  work  of  their  own  hands  or  heads;  but  let  the  church 
repose  all  her  confidence  in  Jehovah,  her  Saviour  and  Redeemer, 
who  alone  can  be  her  defender  and  protector ;  more  especially  let 
her  ministers,  the  sons  of  the  tnie  Aaron,  do  this,  who  are  the  pe- 
culiar portion  of  their  God,  employed  continually  in  his  service, 
and  designed  to  build  up  others  in  faith  and  hope ;  and  let  all  who 
Imve  been  instructed,  by  their  ministry,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
trust  always  in  him,  nor  suffer  any  apprehension  of  danger  or  dis- 
tress to  separate  them  from  him. 

12.  The  Lord  hath  been,  or,  is,  mindful  of  us :  he  tcill  bless  us : 
he  icill  bless  the  house  of  Israel;  he  will  bless  the  house  of  Aaron. 

13.  He  will  bless  them  that  fear  the  hoB.D,  hoxh  small  and  great. 

14.  The  Lord  shall  increase  you  more  and  more,  you  and  your 
children.  15.  You  are  blessed  of  the  Lord,  zchich  made  heaven 
and  earth. 

The  heart  of  the  Psalmist  is  full  of''  blessing,"  and  on  his  tongue 
is  the  word  of  kindness  and  comfort.  The  "  blessings"  formerly 
confined  to  Israel,  have  since  been  extended  to  the  whole  race  of 
mankind.  Jehovah,  ever  "  mindful"  of  his  creatures,  hath  visited 
the  world  by  his  Son,  and  by  his  Spirit;  he  hath  formed  a  church 
from  among  the  Gentiles,  appointed  a  priesthood  and  ministry  in  it, 
and  given  his  benediction  to  both ;  he  hath  "  blessed"  with  the 
blessings  of  grace,  "  them  that  fear  him,"  of  all  nations,  and  of 
every  degree ;  he  hath  '•  increased"  and  multiplied  his  people  ex- 
ceedingly ;  and  the  fahhful  members  of  the  Christian  church  are 
now  "  the  blessed  of  Jehovah,  who  made  heaven  and  earth,"  and 
who  is,  consequently,  possessed  of  all  power  in  both. 

1 G.  The  heaven,  even  the  hearcns,  or,  the  heavens  of  heavens, 
are  the  Lord's;  but  the  earth  hath  he  given  to  the  children  of  men. 
1?.  The  dead  praise  not  the  Lord,  neither  any  that  go  doion  into 
silence.  18.  But  we  will  bless  the  hoRO,  from  this  time  forth  and 
for  evermore.     Praise  the  Lord. 

He  who  himself  dwclleth  in  the  highest  heavens,  where  he  is 
praised  and  glorified  by  angels  '•  hath  given  the  earth"  for  an  habi- 
tation, at  present,  "  to  the  sons  of  men,"  whose  duty  it  is  to  praise 
and  glorify  him  here  below,  as  the  angels  do  above.    Now  as  the 


494  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXVI. 

"dead  cannot  praise  him,"  as  the}' who.  sleep  in  the  silent  grave 
cannot  celebrate  hinj,  we  may  be  certain,  that  he  will  not  siifler  his 
people  to  be  destroyed  and.extirpated,  but  will  always  preserve  a 
church  to  "  bless  him"  in  all  ages,  till  the  end  of  the  world ;  when 
the  dead  shall  be  raised,  and  the  choirs  of  heaven  and  earth  shall 
be  united,  to  praise  and  glorify  him  together  before  his  throne  for 
evermore. 


TWENTY-FOUIWII  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  CXVI. 

ARGUMENT. 

It  is  not  certain  by  whom,  or  upon  what  occasion,  this  Psahn  was  composed. 
It  plainly  appears,  however,  to  be  a  song  of  thanksgiving  for  deliver- 
ance from  trouble,  cither  temporal,  or  spiritual,  or  both.  To  render  it  of 
general  use,  let  it  be  considered  as  an  evangelical  hymn,  in  the  mouth  of 
a  penitent,  expressing  his  gratitude  for  salvation  from  sin  and  death.  1, 
2.  He  declareth  his  love  of  God,  who  hath  vouchsafed  to  hear  his  prayer  ;| 
3 — 9.  describeth  his  distress,  his  deliverance  out  of  it,  and  subsequent 
peace  and  comfort;  10,  11.  he  acknowledgeth  himself  to  have  been 
tempted  to  des])oud,  but  was  supported  by  faith,  in  tlie  day  of  trouble  ; 
12 — 19.  he  determiiicth  to  receive  the  cup  of  salvation,  to  praise  and  to 
serve  Jehovah,  who  thus  dclivercth  the  souls  of  his  people. 

1.  I  love  the  Lord,  because  he  hath  heard  my  voice,  and  my 
supplications.  2.  Because  he  hath  inclined  his  ear  unto  me,  there- 
fore will  I  call  upon  him  as  long  as  I  live. 

In  the  original  it  is,  '''  I  love,  *  because  Jehovah  hath  heard," 
&c.  The  soul,  transported  with  gratitude  and  love,  seems  at  first 
to  express  her  aflection  without  declaring  its  object,  as  thinking 
that  all  the  world  must  know  who  is  the  person  intended.  Thus 
Mary  IMagdalene,  in  her  conversation  at  the  sepulchre,  with  one 
whom  she  supposed  to  have  been  the  gardener,  though  no  previous 
mention  had  been  made  of  Jesus,  saith,  "  Sir,  if  thou  have  borne 
HIM  hence,  tell  me  where  thou  hast  laid  him,  and  I  will  take  him 
away,"  John  xx.  15.  And  ought  not  the  love  of  God  to  be  ex- 
cited in  all  our  hearts  by  the  consiileration,  that  when  we  were  not 
able  to  raise  ourselves  up  to  him,  he  mercifully  and  tenderly  "in- 
clined" and  bowed  down  "his  ear"  to  us;  he  "  heard  our  suppli- 
cations," anil  descended  from  heaven  to  help  and  deliver  us.  With 
hope,  therefore,  and  confidence,  should  we  "  call  upon"'  him,  in  all 
our  troubles,  "'  as  long  as  we  live." 

"  Some  critics  prefer  our  old  version — '■  I  am  w  ell  pleased." 


Day  XXIV.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  495 

3.  The  sorrows  of  death  compassed  mc,  and  the  pains  of  hell 
gat  hold  upon  me ;  I  foimd  trouble  and  sorrow.  -1.  Then  called 
I  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord  ;  O  Lord,  7  beseech  thee,  deliver 
viij  soul. 

These  "sorrows,"  or  "bands  of  death,"  once  "compassed" 
the  liuman  race ;  these  "  pains  of  hell"  were  ready  to  seize  on  every 
son  of  Adam.  The  awakened  and  terrified  conscience  of  a  sinner 
hath  felt  the  oppression  of  the  former,  and  experienced  some  fore- 
taste of  the  latter.  In  this  situation  he  is  described  by  St.  Paul  as 
crying  out,  ^'  O  wretched  man  that  I  am,  who  shall  deliver  me  from 
this  body  of  death  ?"  Let  him  take  the  course  whidi  tlie  Psalmist 
took ;  let  him  "  call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord,"  even  the  Lord 
Jesus,  who  put  himself  in  the  sinner's  place,  antl  suflered  for  him 
unspeakable  "  sorrows  and  pains ;"  let  him  do  this,  and  he  shall 
be  saved ;  and  shall  sing  the  praises  of  his  almighty  Saviour,  in 
the  words  of  this  beautiful  Psalm. 

5.  Cracio7is  is  the  Lord,  and  righteous;  tjca,  our  God  is  mer- 
ciful. C.  The  Lord  preservcth  the  simple :  I  was  brought  loio 
and  he  helped  me. 

In  the  salvation  of  a  sinner  we  contemplate  God's  "  grace"  by 
which  the  work  is  effected;  his  "righteousness,"  which  causeth 
him  to  perform  what  he  hath  promised  through  Christ ;  his  "'  mercy" 
which  induced  him  to  send  his  Son,  and  to  make  the  promise. 
This  mercy  is  the  mercy  of  a  parent,  and  such  as  a  parent  showetli 
to  those  young  and  simple  ones,  who  have  been  overreached  and 
deceived  by  a  crafty  adversary ;  to  those  who  fall,  and  are  unable  of 
themselves  to  rise  again  ;  "I  was  brought  low,  and  he  helped  me." 

7.  Return  ttnto  thj  rest,  O  my  soul;  for  the  Lord  hath  dealt 
liountifulhj  icith  me.  8.  For  thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from 
death,  mine  eyes  from  tears,  and  my  feet  from  falling.  9.  I 
tcill  walk  before  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living. 

That  peace  of  conscience,  and  joy  in  the  f  loly  Ghost,  which  the 
penitent  experienceth,  as  the  effect  and  fruit  of  pardon,  afford  him 
some  idea  of  the  rest  and  felicity  of  heaven ;  'and,  accordingly,  h^ 
speaks  as  one  translated  to  those  happy  mansions,  where  there  is 
no  more  death,  neither  sorrow,  nor  crying,  because  there  is  no 
more  sin.  A  Christian,  delivered  out  of  the  miseries  of  this  trou- 
blesome world,  and  at  rest  in  Abraham's  bosom,  would  exjiress 
himself,  as  one  should  think,  in  these  very  terms.  Remission  of 
sins  ought  to  be  followed  by  newness  of  life,  and  the  resolution  of 
him  whose  "  soul"  hath  been  "  delivered  from  death,  his  eyes  from 
tears,  and  his  feet  from  falling,"  should  always  be  this,  '•  I  will 
walk  before  the  Lord,"  as  one  under  his  inspection,  "  in  the  land 


496  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXS  I. 

of  the  living,"  or  amongst  the  redeemed  in  the  church;  until  the 
time  come  for  me  to  depart  hence,  and  to  be  numbered  with  the 
saints  in  glory  everlasting. 

10.  J  believed,  therefore  have  I  spoken:  I  was  greatly  af- 
Jlicted :  11.  I  said  in  my  haste,  All  men  are  liars. 

In  afflictions  and  distresses,  those  of  the  spirit  and  conscience 
more  especially,  the  soul  is  tempted  to  despond,  and  can  only  be 
supported  by  faith  exerting  itself  in  prayer ;  "  I  believed,  and  there- 
fore have  I  spoken,"  or,  "  therefore  spake  I,"  that  is,  as  above, 
verse  4.  "  I  called  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord ;  O  Lord,  I  beseech 
thee,  deliver  my  soul."  And  this  I  did,  though  so  "  greatly  afflicted," 
that  I  had  "said  in  my  haste,"  in  my  hurry  and  trepidation,  oc- 
casioned by  fear  and  amazement,  "  all  men  are  liars ;"  there  is  no 
credit  to  be  given  to  their  promises  of  deliverance ;  I  am  lost  and 
undone  for  ever.  Yet  my  faith  failed  not  entirely,  and,  lo,  my 
prayer  hath  been  heard  and  answered.  St.  Paul,  relating  the  trou- 
bles which  came  upon  him,  and  the  manner  in  which  he  sustained 
them,  thus  citeth  a  part  of  the  tenth  verse :  "  We,  having  the  same 
spirit  of  faith,  according  as  it  is  written,  I  believed,  and  therefore 
have  I  spoken :  we  also  believe,  and  therefore  speak ;  knowing  that 
he,  which  raised  up  the  Lord  Jesus,  shall  raise  up  us  also  by  Jesus, 
and  shall  present  us  with  you,"  2  Cor.  iv.  13,  14. 

12.  What  shall  1  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his  benef  is  to- 
wards me  ?  13.1  ivill  take  the  cup  of  salvation,  and  call  upon  the 
name  of  the  Lord.  14. 1  will  pay  my  vows  unto  the  Lord  7iow  in 
the  presence  of  all  his  people. 

The  grateful  penitent  now  asketh.  What  return  shall  he  inake  to 
his  kind  Benefactor,  for  the  most  valuable  of  all  the  blessings  con- 
ferred upon  him  ?  And  he  presently  resolveth  to  make  the  only 
return  in  his  power,  namely,  to  acknowledge  and  declare  before 
men  the  goodness  of  Jehovah,  ascribing  all  the  glory  where  it  is  all 
due.  This  he  determineth  to  do,  by  '•  taking  the  cup  of  salvation," 
which,  as  Dr.  Hammond  observes,  among  the  Jews  was  twofold  ; 
one  offered  in  a  more  solemn  manner  in  the  temple.  Numb,  xxviii. 
7.;  the  other  more  private  in  families,  called  the  cup  of  thanks- 
giving, or  commemoration  of  any  deliverance,  begun  by  the  master 
of  tlx;  family,  and  attended,  on  festival  days,  with  a  suitable  hymn  ; 
such  as  was  that  sung  by  our  Lord  and  his  disciples,  on  the  night 
when  he  advanced  that  cup  into  the  sacrament  of  his  blood,  which 
hath  ever  since  been  to  Christians  "  the  cup  of  salvation,"  and 
which  all  penitents  should  now  receive  in  the  church,  with  invoca- 
tion, thanksgiving,  and  payment  of  the  "  vows"  made  in  time  of 
trouble. 


DayXXIV.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  407 

1 5.  Precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  is  the.  death  of  his  saints. 

The  notion  of  the  original  word,  ip'  in  this  place,  for  "  rare,"  or 
**  precious,"  must  be  so  taken  as  not  to  signify  that  which  is  spoken 
of  to  be  desirable  to,  or  in  the  presence  of,  the  Lord ;  for  it  is  the 
life,  not  the  death  of  his  servants,  which  is  precious,  in  that  sense, 
to  God,  the  preserver  of  their  lives.  But  when  it  is  said,  that  their 
'•  deatii  is  jirecious,"  it  means  in  efiect  no  more,  than  that  it  is  so 
considered,  it  is  rated  at  so  high  a  price  by  God,  as  that  he  will  not 
easily  grant  it  to  any  one  who  most  desires  it  of  him. — Thus  far 
Dr.  Hammond.  We  may  add,  that  much  less  will  God  be  pre-- 
vailed  on  to  give  up  his  people  to  death  eternal.  Rather  will  he 
work  wonders  of  mercy  and  loving-kindness  to  save  them  as  the 
penitent  happily  expcrienceth  in  himself. 

IG.  O  Lord,  truhj  I  am  thy  servant,  Jam  thi/  serrant,  and  the 
son  of  thine  handmaid;  thou  hast  loosed  imj  bonds.  IJ.  I  will 
offer  to  thee  the  saerifce  of  thanksgiving,  and  icill  call  tipon  the 
name  of  the  Lord.  18.  J  icill  pay  my  vows  unto  the  Lord  noio 
in  the  presence  of  all  his  people.  19.  In  the  courts  of  the  Lord's 
house,  in  the  tnidst  of  thee,  O  Jerusalem.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

Every  penitent  is  the  "  servant"  of  God,  "  the  son  of  his  hand- 
maid," the  church,  loosed  from  his  bonds,"  and  redeemed  from  a 
state  of  slavery  under  sin,  the  world,  and  the  devil,  that  he  may 
serve  a  better  Master,  whose  '^  yoke  is  easy,  and  his  burden  light." 
This  blessed  Master  is  from  thenceforth  the  object  of  his  love,  duty, 
and  adoration  :  to  him  he  ''  oflereth  the  sacrifice  of  thanksgiving," 
tu  him  he  "  paycth  his  vows"  among  his  fellow-servants  in  the 
tihurch  on  earth;  longing  for  that  day  to  come,  when,  loosed  also 
from  the  bonds  of  death  and  the  grave,  he  shall  be  admitted  to  sing 
hallelujahs  with  saints  and  angels,  in  the  '•  courts"  of  the  eternal 
temple,  even  '^''  in  the  midst  of  thee,  O  Jerusalem,"  the  holy,  hea- 
venly, and  glorious  city  of  God  most  high  ! 


PSALM  cxvn. 

ARGUMENT. 

Jliisl'salm,like  the  cxtli,  seems  to  be  altogotlicr  prophetical  of  the  joy  that 
all  the  world  shall  conceive,  at  the  coming  of  the  Messiah,  to  give  salvation, 
first  to  the  Jews,  and  then  to  all  other  nations,  according  to  bis  faithful 
promise. — Patrick. 

1 .  0  praise  the  Lord,  all  ye  nations :  praise  him,  all  ye  people. 
2.  For  his  merciful  kindness  is  great  towards  us:  and  the  truth  of 
the  Lord  endureth  ybr  ever.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 
63 


498  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXVIII. 

It  is  remarkable,  that  of  so  short  a  Psalm  one  verse  is  quoted  in 
the  New  Testament  by  St.  Paul;  the  second  verse  is  explained, 
though  not  quoted.  Two  questions  naturally  arise,  upon  reading 
the  Psalm  ;  first,  who  are  the  "  nations  and  people,"  exhorted  to 
praise  Jehovah  ?  secondly,  what  is  that  merciful  kindness,  and  that 
trutii,  for  which  they  are  exhorted  to  praise  him  ?  The  Apostle 
hath  given  a  satisfactory  and  decisive  answer  to  both  these  ques- 
tions, Rom.  XV.  8,  9,  &c.  "  Now,  I  say,  that  Jesus  Christ  was  a 
minister  of  the  circumcision  for  the  truth  of  God,  to  confirm  the 
promises  made  unto  the  fathers,  and  that  the  Gentiles  might  glorify 
God  for  his  mercy;  as  it  is  written.  Praise  the  Lord,  all  ye  Gen- 
tiles, and  laud  him,  all  ye  people."  From  the  Apostle's  reasoning, 
the  verse  of  our  Psalm,  which  he  hath  cited,  appears  to  be  a  proof, 
that  "  the  Gentiles,"  or  the  heathen  world,  should  one  day  "  glorify 
God ;"  they  are,  therefore,  the  "  people"  whom  the  Psalmist,  in  the 
spirit  of  prophecy,  exhorteth  to  "  praise  Jehovah."  It  appears 
also,  why  the  Gentiles  were  to  glorify  God;  namely,  for  his  "  mer- 
cy" and  "  truth"  shown  in  confirming  or  accomplishing  the  "  pro- 
mises" concerning  their  vocation  and  conversion,  "  made  unto  the 
fathers;"*  to  Abraham,  and  his  seed  for  ever;  to  all  believers,  whe- 
ther of  the  circumcision,  or  the  uncircumcision.  Such,  then,  is  the 
"merciful  kindness"  of  Jehovah,  which  is  said,  in  the  Psalm,  to 
be  "  great,"  mighty,  and  powerful,  "  towards  us;"  such  his  "  truth," 
which  is  affirmed  to  '*■  endure  for  ever ;"  as  the  promises  were  made 
good  to  the  Gentiles,  when  the  Jews,  because  of  unbelief,  had  been 
cast  off.  Let  the  hallelujahs  of  the  redeemed  be  suitable  to  that 
"  mercy,"  and  coeternal  with  that  "  truth." 


PSALM  CXVIIL 


ARGUMENT. 

Ill  this  Psalm,  a  king  of  Israel  appears  leading  his  people  in  solemn  proces- 
sion to  the  temple,  there  to  otler  up  the  sacrifice  of  praise  and  thanksgiv 
ing,  for  a  marvellous  deliverance  from  his  enemies,  and  a  glorious  victory 
gained  over  them.  After  inviting  the  whole  nation,  1 — 4.  to  join  with 
him  upon  this  joyful  occasion,  he  describeth  at  large,  5 — IS.  his  danger, 
and  his  deliverance  from  it,  which  latter  is  wholly  attributed  to  the  power 
and  goodness  of  Jehovah.  After  this,  as  Mr.  Mudge  has  risihtly  observed, 
there  ensues  a  kind  of  sacred  dialogue.     Being  come  to  the  ttnii)le,  the 

*  "  Confirmata — et  Veritas  Domini" — Proiniserat  enim  Abrahamo  Deiis 
futurum,  ut  per  Christum,  benedictuiu  illud  Abrahami  semen,  bcnediceren- 
tur  omnes  gcntes,  Gen.  xii.3.  xv.  18.  interj)ret(' Aposlolo,  Gal.  iii.  16.  Quod 
cum  pra'stitum  videanuis,  jamintelliginjui  vere,  advcnigse  Christmn,  ac  pro- 
nii.jsa  Dei  Anna  esse  omnia.  Bossutl.- 


Hay  XXIV.  M.  p.        OX  THE  PSALMS.  499 

victorious  monarch  speaks  tlie  lOtli  verso ;  they  tliat  open  the  gate  the 
Jmh;  he  a^ain,  as  he  enters,  llie  21st;  they  with  him  seein  to  speak  the 
next  four  verses  to  the  2oth;  the  priests  of  tlic  temple,  the  26th ;  the  first 
part  to  the  king,  the  other  to  the  people;  the  people  the  27th;  he  the2Sth. 
ilie  21>t!i  is  the  ehoros  verse,  concUuling  as  it  be;,'an.  The  reijeated  appli- 
ration  made  of  tiie  22d  verse  in  the  New  Testament,  and  the  appoLntmciit 
of  tile  Psalm,  by  the  cluirch,  to  be  used  on  Easter-day.  lead  us  to  consi- 
der the  whole  as  a  triumphant  hymn,  sung  by  king  Messiah,  at  the  bcai 
of  the  Israel  of  God,  ou  occasion  of  his  resurrection  and  exaltation. 

I.  O  giro  thanLs*wito  the  hona,  for  he  h  good :  because  his 
mercy  endiireth  for  ever.  2.  Let  Israel  now  say.  Thai  his  mercy 
cndurelh  for  ever.  3.  Let  the  house  of  ylaron  now  say.  That  his 
mercy  eiidureth  for  ever.  4.  Let  them  now  that  fear  the  Lord, 
say,  That  his  mercy  cwkireth  for  ever. 

The  subjects  of  '•  thanksgiving"  here  proposed  are,  Jehovali's 
'•goodness"  and  his  "mercy."  He  is  the  sole  fountain  of  abso- 
lute and  essential  "goodness,"  the  source  of  all  excellency  and 
perfection  ;  and  his  "  mercy"  is  the  channel  by  which  he  commu- 
nicateth  this  goodness,  in  an  overflowing  stream  to  his  people,  who 
are,  therefore,  exhorted  to  praise  him.  The  Christian  chmch  is 
now  "the  Israel  of  God;  her  ministers  constitute  tlie  true  house 
of  Aaron,"  being  the  spiritual  progeny  of  our  great  High  Priest ; 
and  the  Gentiles,  not  the  Jews,  are  they  who  know  and  "  fear  Je- 
hovah." Let  these  all  celebrate,  for  these  all  have  experienced, 
the  benefits  and  blessings  of  "  eternal  mercy"  by  the  resurrection 
of  Jesus  from  the  dead. 

5.  /  called  upon  the  Lord  in  distress  :  the  Lord  answered  me, 
and  set  me  in  a  large  place. 

The  true  value  of  every  deliverance  is  to  be  estimated  by  the 
nature  of  the  "  distress"  which  required  it.  The  rescue  of  David 
from  his  enemies,  or  that  of  Israel  from  captivity,  might  deservedly 
be  extolled  with  the  songs  of  Sion.  How  much  more,  then,  is  the 
church  universal  bound  to  lift  up  her  voice  in  honour  of  Jehovah, 
who  hath  redeemed  her  from  her  spiritual  adversaries,  and  freed 
her  from  the  bondage  of  corruption,  through  him  who  "died  for 
her  sins,  and  rose  again  for  her  justification  ;"  who,  in  the  days  of 
his  fle.sh,  being,  on  her  account,  in  "  distress"  and  aflliction,  "  called 
upon  Jehovah,  and  was  answered,"  by  an  "  enlargement''  from  the 
narrow  prison  of  the  "grave"  to  a  boundless  and  glorious  kingdom. 

6.  The  Lord  is  on  my  side;  I  will  not  fear  :  what  can  man  do 
unto  me  ?  7.  The  Lord  takcth  my  part  icith  them  that  help  me ; 
therefore  shall  I  sec  my  desire  iqjon  them  that  hate  me. 

By  frequent  experience  of  the  Divine  power  and  mercy,  from 
tiin'.-  to  time  exerted  on  the  behalf  of  Israel,  that  nation  was  in- 


dOO  a  COMMEiNTARY  Psal.  CXVllI. 

structed  to  trust  in  Jehovah;  arscl,  whenever  they  did  so,  success 
and  victory  never  failed  to  attend  their  steps.  Would  not  the  case 
be  the  same  with  us,  in  all  our  undertakings,  if  our  faith  was  right 
and  steadfast  in  God,  who  raised  up  Jesus  from  the  dead,  and  who 
hath  promised  to  make  us  "more  than  conquerors  ?'' 

8.  It  is  better  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  tlian  to  put  covfidencc  in 
man.  9-  It  is  better  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  tluia  to  put  confidence 
in  princes. 

Armies  of  '•'^  men,"  however  numerous,  and  to  appearance,  power- 
ful, may  be  routed  antl  dis})ersed  at  once.  "Princes"  may  not  be 
able  to  help  us ;  if  able,  they  may  fail  us,  as  not  being  willing  to  do 
it ;  if  both  able  and  willing,  they  may  die  ere  they  can  execute 
their  purpose.  But  that  hope  which  is  placed  in  God,  can  never, 
by  these  or  any  other  means,  be  disappointed.  As  we  so  often  re- 
peat these  two  verses,  let  us  act  agreeably  to  the  declaration  which 
we  then  make,  and  instead  of  courting  the  world,  by  undue  compli- 
ances, for  its  deceitful  smiles  and  treacherous  favours,  let  us  in  all 
points  do  our  duty,  and  leave  the  event  to  God  above.  To  encou- 
rage us  in  the  performance  of  such  a  resolution  as  this,  let  it  be  re- 
membered, that  because  our  Saviour  witnessed  a  good  confession 
before  Pontius  Pilate,  and  with  meekness  and  patience  resigned 
himself  to  the  death  of  the  cross  for  it,  therefore  God  exalted  him 
to  glory  and  honour. 

10.  All  nations  compassed  me  about:  but  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  will  J,  or,  I  did,  destroy  them.  11.  They  compassed  we 
about ;  yea,  they  compassed  me  about :  but  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  I  tcill,  or,  I  did,  destroy  them.  12.  They  compassed  me 
abojit  like  bees  ;  they  are  quenched  as  the  fire  of  thorns :  for  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  /  loill,  or,  I  did,  destroy  them. 

The  tenour  of  the  Psalm,  being  one  of  thanksgiving  for  a  deliver- 
ance already  experienced,  scemeth  to  require,  that  the  verb  at  the 
close  of  each  of  these  verses,  should  be  rendered  in  the  past  time ; 
not  "  I  will  destroy  them,"  but,  "  I  did  destroy  them  ;"  especially 
as  it  is  said,  "they  compassed  me  about,"  and  "  they  are  quenched." 
As  David  and  Israel  were  encompassed  by  hostile  nations,  over 
whom,  through  God's  assistance,  they  often  triumphed  ;  so  the  Son 
of  David,  in  the  day  of  his  passion,  was  surrounded  by  the  furious 
multitude  of  Jews  and  Gentiles  seeking  his  life  ;  after  the  same  ex- 
ample, his  mystical  body,  the  church,  hath  frequently  been,  on  all 
sides,  vexed  and  persecuted  in  the  world.  But,  through  the  power 
of  Jehovah,  Christ  overcame,  and  is  set  down  at  the  right  hand  of 
the  Majesty  on  high.  The  church,  likewise,  hath  often  risen  su- 
perior to  the  efforts  of  her  innumerable  and  malicious  enemies, 


Day  XXIV.  M.  p.         ON  THE  PSAL!\IS.  501 

Avhose  fury  hath  blazed  forth  against  her  with  the  sudden  fierceness 
of  lire,  when  it  is  applied  to  a  heap  of  dry  '•  thorns ;' '  and  hath 
l»een  as  soon  at  an  end ;  she  liath  triumphed,  yea,  and  she  will 
linally  triumph,  "  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  her  God." 

13.  Thou  hast  thrust  sore  at  me  that  I  might  full:  but  the  Lokd 
helped  me.  14.  The  Lord  is  my  strength  ami  song,  and  is  beeome 
mi/  snleation.  15.  The  voice  of  rejoicing  and  salvation  is  in  the 
tabernacles  of  the  righteous:  the  right  hand  of  the  Lord  doth  va- 
liantly. 16.  The  right  hand  of  the  Lord  Vs  exalted;  the  right 
hand  of  the  Lord  doth  valiantly. 

The  church  may  consider  herself  as  victorious  over  her  great 
adversary,  the  author  of  all  evil,  who  had  made  his  grand  effort  to 
effect  her  destruction,  by  putting  to  death  her  champion  and  king, 
Messiah.  But  Jehovah  appeared,  at  the  time  appointed,  to  bring 
him,  and  virtually  all  that  should  believe  in  him,  from  the  dead. 
"  Thou  hast  thrust  sore  at  me,  that  I  might  fall;  but  Jehovah 
helped  me.'"'  Risen,  therefore,  with  Christ,  from  the  grave,  we 
proceed  to  praise  Jehovah  in  the  words  which  Moses  and  Israel 
first  used,  when  they  had  ascended  from  the  depths  of  the  sea,  and 
beheld  their  enemies  destroj^ed  for  ever ;  "  Jehovah  is  my  strength, 
and  my  song,  and  is  become  my  salvation,"  Exod.  xv.2.  And  ne- 
ver doth  that  sacred  day  come  round,  on  which  the  resurrection 
of  Jesus  is  celebrated,  "  but  the  voice  of  rejoicing  is  in  the  talDerna- 
cles  of  the  righteous  :  there  is  a  noise  of  them  that  sing  for  joy,  in 
the  camp  of  the  saints  ;  the  church  militant  resoundeth  with  thanks- 
giving and  the  voice  of  melody ;  paradise  is  restored  below,  and 
earth  beareth  some  resemblance  of  heaven,  while  these  transporting 
hymns  are  sung  in  honour  of  our  great  Redeemer.  He  is  that "  Arm 
and  Right  Hand  of  Jehovah,"  which  hath  done  valiantly,  which 
hath  crushed  our  strongest  enemy,  and  is  very  high  '"'  exalted"  over 
all.  "  Thy  right  hand,  O  Lord,  is  become  glorious  in  power ;  thy 
right  hand,0  Lord,  hath  dashed  in  pieces  the  enemy,"  Exod.xv.  fJ. 

17. 1  shall  not  die,  but  live,  and  declare  the  works  of  the  Lord. 
18.  The  Lord  hath  chastened  me  sore:  but  lie  hath  not  given  me 
over  unto  death. 

As  Christ  is  risen,  we  shall  not  die,  but  live :  we  shall  not  die 
eternally,  but  we  shall  live  in  this  world  the  life  of  grace,  in  thr 
world  to  come  the  life  of  glory ;  that  we  may,  in  both,  "  declare  tho 
works,"  and  chant  the  praises  of  God  our  Saviour.  We  are  "  chas- 
tened" for  our  sins,  but  "  not  given  over  to  death"  and  destruction 
everlasting;  nay,  our  being  chastened  is  now  a  proof  that  we  are 
not  so  "  given  over;"  for  '•  wliat  son  is  lie  whom  the  father  chas- 
teneth  not  ?"  Heb.  xii.  J. 


j02  a  COMiMENTARY  Psal.  CXVIII. 

19.  O/iCn  to  me  the.  gates  of  righteousness  ;  I  will  go  into  them, 
and  1  will  praise  the  Lord  :  20.  This  gate,  or,  this  is  the  gate,  of 
the  Lord,  into  lohich  the  righteous  shall  enter.  21.  I  will  praise 
thee,  for  thou  hast  heard  me,  and  art  become  my  salvation. 

The  faithful,  Hke  David  and  his  people  of  old,  demand  admis- 
sion into  the  courts  of  the  Lord's  house,  there  to  praise  him  for 
his  great  and  manifold  mercies.  But  we  may  extend  our  ideas 
much  farther,  and  consider  the  whole  company  of  the  redeemed,  a? 
beholding  the  angels  ready  to  unbar  the  gates  of  heaven,  and  throw 
open  the  doors  of  the  eternal  sanctuary,  for  the  true  disciples  of 
the  risen  and  glorified  Jesus  to  enter  in.  "  Open  ye,"  may  be- 
lievers exclaim  in  triumph  to  those  celestial  spirits,  who  delight  to 
minister  to  the  heirs  of  salvation,  "  Open  ye  the  gates  of  righteous- 
ness," those  gates,  througli  which  nothing  unclean  can  pass,  "  that 
the  righteous  nation,  which  keepeth  the  truth,  may  enter  in," 
Isa.  xxvi.  2.  and  sing  with  your  harmonious  choirs,  the  praises 
of  him  who  sitteth  upon  the  throne ;  for  he  hath  overcome  the 
sharpness  of  death,  he  hath  opened  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  all 
believers.  "  This  is  the  gate  of  the  Lord,  into  which  the  righteous 
shall  enter,"  to  take  possession  of  the  inheritance  prepared  for  them, 
.  to  thank  him  who  hath  heard  them,  and  is  become  their  salvation. 

22.  The  stone  which  the  builders  refused  is  become  the  head- 
stone of  the  corner.  23.  This  is  the  Lord's  doings  it  is  jnar- 
vellous  in  our  eyes. 

Whether  this  passage  had  first  a  reference  to  the  case  of  *  David, 
who  IS  a  figure  of  Messiah,  was  brought  from  a  state  of  rejection 
and  persecution  to  the  tlirone  of  Israel ;  or  whether  there  be  any 
truth  in  a  Jewish  tradition  concerning  a  certain  stone,  which,  after 
having  been,  by  the  builders  of  the  second  temple,  thrown  aside 
among  the  rubbish,  was  at  last  found  to  be  exactly  fitted  for  the 
honourable  place  of  a  chief  corner-stone,  it  is  neither  possible 
nor  needful  to  ascertain.  That  the  verses  belong,  in  a  full  and 
propoi-  sense,  to  Messiah,  is  confessed  by  the  Rabbies,  and  ac- 
knowledged by  all.  No  text  in  the  Old  Testament  is  quoted  by 
the  writers  of  the  New  so  often  as  this,  which  we  meet  with  in  six 
dilTerent  places :  namely.  Matt.  xxi.  42.  Mark  xii.  10.  Luke  xx. 
17.  Acts  iv.  11.  Ephes.  ii.  20.  1  Pet.  ii.  4.  The  sum  and  sub- 
stance of  the  New  Testament  applications  and  expositions  is,  that 
Jesus  Christ  is  the  stone  here  mentioned;  that  he  was  rejected  and 


•  David  a  Sadie  ct  aliquandin  a  (k'cciu  trilmbus  rcprobatus,  ac  soli  Ti' 
bui  Juda;  agnitiis,  dciude  omiiiuin  princcps;  et  sub  figurii  tjus  Clii-isfm 
a  Jud.-eis  ac  Genlibus  inipctitus,  ino.\  ntroruinqiie  cajxif,  ut  ipse  iiiterprcta 
ttir,  Matt.  xxi.  42.     Bossucl. 


Day  XXIV .  M.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  503 

set  at  nou^lit  by  the  chiet'  priests  and  Pharisees,  the  then  builders 
of  the  church;  but  that,  beini;  chosen  of  God,  and  precious  to  hiiu, 
this  most  vahiable  stone,  tlius  despised  and  rejected  of  men,  tlius 
tlirown  among  the  rubbish,  and  buried  in  it,  was,  at  length,  from 
such  a  state  exalted  to  be  the  chief  corner-stone  in  the  building,  the 
main  support  of  the  edifice,  and  a  centre  of  union  for  Jew  and 
Gentile,  the  two  parts  of  which  it  consisted;  that  this  was  the  work 
of  God,  and  the  admiration  of  man.  And  what  can  be  more  truly 
marvellous,  than  that  a  person,  put  to  death  as  a  malefactor,  and 
laid  in  the  grave,  should  from  thence  rise  immortal,  and  become 
the  head  of  an  immortal  society;  should  ascend  into  heaven,  be  in- 
vested with  power,  and  crowned  with  glory;  and  should  prepare 
a  way  for  the  sons  of  Adam  to  follow  him  into  those  mansions  of 
eternal  bliss. 

'21.  This  is  the  dmj  which  the  Lord  hath  made  ;  loc  toill  rejoice. 
and  he  glad  in  it. 

Of  the  day  on  which  Christ  arose  from  the  dead,  it  may,  witii 
more  propriety  than  of  any  other  day,  be  affirmed,  "  This  is  the 
day  which  Jehovah  hath  made."  Then  it  was,  that  the  ''  rejected 
stone"  became  the  ''  head  of  the  corner."  A  morning  then  dawned 
which  is  to  be  followed  by  no  evening;  a  brighter  sun  arose  upon 
the  world,  which  is  to  set  no  more ;  a  day  began,  which  will  never 
end;  and  night  and  darkness  departed,  to  return  not  again.  For 
thus  saith  the  Lord  to  his  church  by  the  prophet  Isaiah,  '•  Thy  sun 
shall  no  more  go  down,  neither  shall  thy  moon  whhdravv^  itself,  for 
the  Lord  shall  be  thine  everlasting  light,  and  the  days  of  thy  mourn- 
ing shall  be  ended,*'  Isaiah  Ix.  20.  Easter-day  is  in  a  peculiar 
manner  consecrated  to  Ilim,  who,  by  his  resurrection,  triumphed 
over  death  and  hell.  On  that  day,  through  faith,  we  triumph  with 
him;  '•  we  rejoice  and  are  glad  in  his  salvation." 

25.  Save  now,  I  beseech  thee,  0  Lord  :  O  Lord,  I  beseech  thet, 
send  note  prosperity.  26.  Blessed  be  he  that  cometh  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord:  ice  have  blessed  you  out  of,  or,  you  that  arc  of,  tht 
house  of  the  Lord. 

As  a  prelude  to  the  triumphant  manner  in  which  Jesus  Christ, 
after  his  resurrection,  should  ascend  to  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  he 
entered  the  earthly  city,  before  iiis  passion,  amidst  the  acclamations 
of  the  multitude,  who  hailed  him  as  King  of  Sion,  and  with  palm 
branches,  the  emblems  of  victory,  in  their  hands,  sung  before  him 
these  words,  partly  taken  from  our  Psalm,  "  Ilosanna  to  the  Son  of 
David;  blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord;  ho- 
sanna  in  the  highest."  The  word,  "  hosanna,"  is  in  tlie  original 
N:n>"K';n3 ''  Save  now  I"   The  form  of  words  used  by  the  pcojile 


504  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 

was  both  a  petition  and  a  congratulation  ;  as  il'  they  had  said, '  Let 
us  beseech  Jeliovah,  in  the  language  of  the  cxviiith  Psalm  to  grant 
salvation  to  the  Son  of  David,  and  to  send  us  now  prosperity  under 
him :  Blessed  is  he  who  thus  cometh,  not  in  his  own  name  and 
power,  but  in  the  name  and  power  of  Jehovah,  according  to  the 
prophecies  concerning  him,  to  deliver  us  from  all  our  enemies  :  Ra- 
tify, O  Jehovah,  in  the  highest,  or  in  heaven,  these  petitions  which 
we  make  for  the  salvation  and  prosperity  of  our  King,  that  thy 
blessings  upon  him  and  us  may  be  established  on  earth.'  Since  the 
resurrection  of  our  Lord,  the  faithful  have  expressed,  in  these  two 
verses,  the  same  wishes  and  prayers  for  the  increase  of  his  kingdom 
and  the  prosperity  of  his  house  and  family,  of  his  ministers  and  his 
people :  '•  We  bless  you  that  arc  of  the  house  of  Jehovah." 

27.  God  is  the  Lord,  tohich  hath  shewed  us  light:  bind  the  sa- 
crijice  ivith  cords,  even  unto  the  horns  of  the  altar. 

As  Jehovah  hath  manifested  his  power  and  glory,  by  raising 
Christ  from  the  dead ;  as  he  hath,  by  so  doing,  "  showed  us  the 
light"  of  life  and  immortality ;  let  us  observe  the  festival,  which 
is  designed  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  so  great  and  joyful  an 
event.  "  Christ,  our  passover,"  saith  an  apostle,  "  is  sacrificed 
for  us ;  therefore  let  us  keep  the  feast,"  1  Cor.  v.  J.  Let  us  keep 
it,  only  changing  legal  for  evangelical  sacraments  and  ceremonies  5 
let  us  go  to  the  altar,  not  to  see  a  figure  of  the  Lamb  of  God,  as  he 
was  to  be  slain ;  but  to  behold  a  representation  of  him  as  he  hath 
been  slain ;  to  behold,  in  figure,  his  body  broken,  and  his  blood 
poured  out ;  to  eat  the  bread  of  life,  and  drink  the  cup  of  salvation. 

28.  Thou  art  my  God,  and  I  tcill  praise  thee:  thou  art  mij  God, 
I  will  exalt  thee.  29.  0  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  for  he  is 
good:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

The  prophet  declareth  his  resolution  to  "praise"  and  to  "exah," 
to  magnify  and  to  glorify,  his  "  God;"  he  then  concludes,  as  he  be- 
gan, with  exhorting  all  the  world  to  do  the  same.  Preserve  to  us, 
blessed  Lord,  the  use  of  these  divine  hymns  in  thy  church,  until, 
at  the  resurrection  of  the  just,  we  shall  celebrate  an  Easter  in  hea- 
ven, and  sing  them  new  in  the  kingdom  of  God. 

TWENTY-FOURTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  CXIX. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  Psalm  is  divided  (most  probably  for  the  advantage  of  memory)  accord- 
ing to  the  number  of  letters  which  compose  the  Hebrew  alphabet,  into 


Day  XXIV.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  505 

twenty-two  portions,  of  eight  verses  each;  and  not  only  every  portion,  but 
every  verse  of  that  portion,  begins  with  the  letter  appropriated  to  it. 
David  must,  undoubtedly,  have  been  the  author.  He  describeth,  in  a  se- 
ries of  devotional  meditations,  the  instruction  and  the  comfort  which, 
through  all  vicissitudes  of  mind  and  fortune,  he  had  ever  found  in  the 
word  of  God.  The  many  strong  expressions  of  love  towards  the  law, 
and  the  repeated  resolutions  and  vows  to  observe  it,  will  often  force  us 
to  turn  our  thoughts  to  the  true  David,  whose  "meat  and  drink  it  was  to 
do  the  will  of  him  that  sent  him."  Tiie  jiassages  more  especially  charac- 
teristic of  him,  as  well  as  those  which  allude  primarily  to  any  particular 
circumstances  in  the  history  of  the  patriarch  David,  arc  j)ointcd  out  in 
the  course  of  the  comment.  But  the  chief  design  through  the  whole  hath 
been,  to  draw  forth  the  lessons  of  heavenly  wisdom  and  comfort  contained 
in  this  interesting  composition,  for  the  service  of  believers,  who,  while 
they  are  accomplishing  their  pilgrimage  and  warfare  upon  earth,  should 
continually  solace  tliemsclves  with  the  cxixth  Psalm,  and  repair  to  it  as  to 
a  fountain,  which  can  never  be  exhausted.  Between  the  verses  of  each 
portion,  a  connexion  is  frequently  to  be  traced,  but  it  doth  not  often  seem 
to  extend  from  one  portion  to  another.  The  many  words  employed  to 
express  the  revelations  of  Ciod's  will,  have  distinct  significations,  deno- 
ting diflerent  parts  or  portions  of  the  Scriptures,  wliich  it  hath  sometimes 
been  found  of  great  use  to  take  into  consideration,  while  at  others  the 
terms  appear  to  be  used  promiscuously,  in  a  general  sense,  and  for  the 
sake  of  variety. 

ALEPH.     PART  I. 

1.  Blessed  are  the  undefiled,  Heb,  perfect,  or,  sincere,  in  the 
way,  rcho  walk  in  the  laio  of  the  Lord. 

By  sin,  misery  entered  into  the  world ;  holiness  alone,  therefore, 
can  lead  lis  to  happiness.  "  The  law  of  Jehovah"  is  the  path  of 
life,  and  by  "  walking  in  the  way,"  we  shall  attain  to  the  end. 
But,  alas,  we  are  out  of  the  way ;  we  have  walked  in  the  law  of 
sin,  after  the  lust  of  the  flesh;  who  will  direct  and  strengthen  us  to 
walk  in  the  law  of  God,  after  the  desires  of  the  Spirit  ?  We  are 
fallen  from  our  integrity ;  who  will  raise  us  again .''  The  Gospel, 
which  was  preached  to  Abraham  before  the  Mosaic  dispensation, 
and  which  was  prefigured  and  believed  under  it,  returneth  us,  to 
all  these  questions,  answers  of  peace.  The  Redeemer  hath  pre- 
vailed for  the  pardon  of  our  errors :  the  Redeemer  hath  raised  us 
from  our  fallen  state ;  he  hath  reconducted  us  to  the  path  of  life ; 
in  his  name  we  arise  and  walk ;  he  maketh  us  righteous,  and  con- 
sequently he  maketh  us  blessed.  For,  "blessed  are  the  sincere  in 
the  way,  who  walk  in  the  hiw  of  Jehovah." 

2.  Blessed  are  they  that  keep  his  testimonies,  and  that  seek  him 
with  the  whole  heart. 

The  Divine  revelations  and  institutions,  whether  of  the  old  or 
the  new  law,  are  called  God's  "  testimonies :"  they  are  the  wit- 
61 


50(>  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.CXIX. 

nesses  of  his  will,  and  the  pledges  of  his  love.  They  are  committed 
to  the  cliiuch,  as  a  precious  deposit,  or  trust,  to  be  by  her  children 
"  kept,"  and  observed.  In  and  by  these  God  is  to  be  sought ; 
"they  that  seek  him  with  the  whole  heart,"  with  ardent  and  undivi- 
ded aflection,  fail  not  to  find  him,  as  an  instructer  and  a  comforter; 
and  they  who  find  him  find  all  things,  that  are  "  blessed"  indeed. 

3.  They  also  do  no  iniquity  :  they  walk  in  his  ways. 

O  blissful  state  of  those,  who  are  redeemed  from  the  earth,  and 
all  earthly  desires ;  who  are  delivered  from  the  dominion  of  sin ; 
who  "  follow  the  Lamb  whithersoever  he  goeth,"  and  like  Zacha- 
rias  and  Elizabeth,  "  walk  in  the  statutes  and  ordinances  of  the 
Lord  blameless,"  Luke  i.  6.  Enrol  us,  O  Lord,  in  the  happy  num- 
ber of  these  thy  servants;  pardon  our  offences;  give  us  a  new  na- 
ture, and  new  desires,  averse  from  sin,  and  inclined  to  sanctity ;  and 
guard  us,  that  the  wicked  one  touch  us  not. 

4.  Thuu  hast  commanded  us  to  keep  thy  precepts  diligently. 
He  who  made  us,  and  redeemed  us,  hath  a  double  right  to  our 

rscrvice.  We  are  not  our  own,  having  been  bought  with  the  blood 
of  our  Lord ;  his  will,  therefore,  and  not  our  own,  is  to  be  done  by 
us.  And  his  will  is,  that  we  should  "  keep  his  precepts  diligently," 
because  in  "  keeping"  them,  and  keeping  them  diligently,  so  as  not 
to  halt  between  God  and  the  world,  but  to  serve  one  Master  only, 
doth  our  happiness  consist.  Now,  when  the  commands  of  our  Su- 
perior and  our  greatest  Benefactor,  of  our  Friend,  our  Father,  and 
our  God,  coincide  with  our  own  interests,  temporal  and  eternal, 
what  pretext  can  there  be  for  disobedience  and  rebellion  ! 

5.  O  that  my  ways  tvere  directed,  or,  prepared,  and  established, 
to  keep  thy  statutes/ 

The  faithful  soul,  enraptured  with  the  contemplation  of  that  bles- 
sedness which  is  the  coisequence  of  serving  God,  but  conscious, 
at  the  same  time,  of  an  inability  to  attain  it,  sighs  after  the  refresh- 
ing and  strengthening  influences  of  divine  grace.  She  beholdeth 
her  Saviour  afar  off;  she  beholdeth  the  beauty  and  glorious  majesty 
of  his  heavenly  kingdom ;  she  beholdeth  the  way  which  leads  to  it :, 
but  she  hath  not  power  to  walk  therein.  This  consideration  causetli 
her  to  groan  earnestly  within  herself,  and  ut  length  to  breathe  forth 
a  wish,  that  the  Spirit  of  truth  and  love  would  fix  and  establish  her 
in  a  holy  course  of  tiiinking,  speaking,  and  acting,  upon  all  occa- 
sions, and  would  prevent  her  from  turning  aside  out  of  it,  to  the 
right  hand  or  to  the  left. 

C.  Then  shall  I  not  be  ashamed,  tvhen  I  have  respect  unto  all  thy 
commandments. 

All  the  commandments  have  the  same  author,  and  the  same 


Uav  XXIV.  E.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  507 

sanction.  He  who  thinkeih  to  atone  for  the  breach  of  one,  by  the 
observation  of  another;  he  who  reserveth  to  himself  a  license  ot 
indulging  any  favourite  darling  lust,  while,  in  general,  he  preserveth 
the  appearance  of  an  exemplary  conduct,  is  a  hypocrite,  and,  un- 
less he  repent,  will  be  brought  to  '"'  shame,"  if  not  before  men  here, 
yet  before  men  and  angels  hereafter.  '•  Shame-'  is  the  fruit  of  sin  j 
confidence  is  the  eflect  of  righteousness.  Wherefore,  in  all  our  pro- 
ceeding, let  us  "  have  respect,"-  not  to  the  opinions  of  men,  to  the 
corrupt  customs  of  the  world,  or  to  the  deceitful  suggestions  of  our 
own  hearts,  "  but  to  the  commandments,  to  all  the  commandments 
of  God;*'  let  us,  as  St.  John  cxhorteth,  "  abide  in  Christ;  that  when 
he  shall  appear,  we  may  have  confidence,  and  not  be  ashamed  be- 
fore him  at  his  coming."  1  John  ii,  28. 

7.  /  icill  praise  thee  icith  vpriglitncss  of  heart,  iohen  I  shall 
hacc  learned  thy  riffJUeous judgments. 

Confidence  in  (ioil  will  always  be  productive  of  joy,  and  undis- 
sembled  "  praise"  will  accompany  true  conversion.  The  Scriptures 
are  styled  God's  "  righteous  judgments,"  as  containing  an  account 
of  his  decrees  and  determinations  concerning  us,  with  a  history  of 
cases  and  precedents,  entered  upon  record  for  our  admonition.  By 
these  we  are  to  form  our  opinions,  and  to  regulate  our  conduct. 
And  when  we  shall  have  so  "  learned"  these,  as  to  walk  according 
to  them,  we  shall  praise  God  with  an  "  upright  heart;"  our  tongues 
will  utter  what  our  hearts  feel. 

8.  I  will  keep  thy  statutes:  O  forsake  me  not  utterly . 

The  result  of  our  meditations  on  God's  word,  and  on  the  advan- 
tages of  studying,  in  order  to  observe  its  directionsj  should  always 
be  a  resolution  so  to  do,  and  a  prayer  for  grace  to  execute  that  re- 
solution. Lord,  we  will  keep  thy  statutes;  for  love  can  do  all 
things,  when  thou  hast  shed  it  abroad  in  our  hearts.  "  Love  work- 
eth  no  ill;  therefore  love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law;''  Rom.  xiii. 
10, ;  and  mercy  will  accept  what  grace  enableth  us  to  perform.  Be 
thou,  therefore,  ever  with  us,  and  forsake  us  not ;  or  if,  at  aiiy  time, 
to  try  our  faith,  and  to  exercise  our  patience,  thou  shouldest  depart 
from  us,  and  leave  us  to  ourselves  lor  a  time,  short  be  thy  absence, 
and  speedy  thy  return ;  "  O  forsake  us  not  utterly." 

BETH.    PART  n. 

9.  Whereicith  shall  a  young  man  cleanse  his  way  ?  By  taking 
heed  thereto  according  to  thy  word. 

Youth  enters  upon  the  journey  of  life  headstrong  and  inexpe- 
rienced, with  a  bias  of  original  corruption,  and  all  the  passions 
awake.     In  such  circumstances,  how  shall  a  young  man  direct  his 


508  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 

steps,  so  as  to  "  escape  the  pollution  that  is  in  the  world  through 
lust?"  2  Pet.  i.  4.  He  must,  for  this  purpose,  take  with  him  the 
directions  to  be  found  in  the  Scriptures  of  truth.  "  I  have  written 
unto  you,  young  men,"  says  the  beloved  disciple,  "  because  ye  are 
strong,  and  the  word  of  God  abideth  in  you,  and  ye  have  overcome 
the  wicked  one."  He  who  became  man  for  oiu-  salvation,  passed 
through  this  state  of  youth,  undefded,  that  he  might,  as  it  were,  re- 
claim and  consecrate  it  anew  to  God.  Let  every  young  man  often 
meditate  on  this  circumstance. 

10.  IVitk  my  whole  heart  have  I  sought  thee:  O  let  me  not  loart- 
derfrom  thy  commandments. 

Despairing  of  suflicient  assistance  from  any  other  quarter,  be- 
cause no  one  else  can  either  show  us  the  way  to  heaven,  or  enable 
us  to  walk  therein,  even  if  it  could  be  shown,  "  with  our  whole 
heart  have  we  sought  thee,"  O  God,  thy  direction,  and  thine  aid ; 
and  thou  hast  promised,  "  that  they  who  seek  shall  find ;"  like 
sheep  without  a  shepherd  are  we  given  to  stray ;  O  preserve  us 
from  error,  in  principle  and  in  practice;  let  us  not  wander  from 
thy  commandments. 

11.  Thy  7vord  have  I  hid  in  mine  heart,  that  I  might  not  sin 
against  thee. 

The  young  man  who  would  cleanse  his  way,  and  take  heed  ac- 
cording to  God's  word,  must  "  lay  up  that  word  in  his  heart;"  for 
from  the  heart  are  the  issues  of  life,  the  thoughts,  the  words,  and 
the  actions;  when  God  ruleth  in  the  heart  by  his  word  and  Spirit, 
these  become  his  subjects;  then  "the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  within 
us,"  and  all  is  obedience,  peace,  and  love.  Thou  art  our  King,  O 
Lord  Jesus ;  suffer  no  usurper  to  possess  thy  place  in  our  affections ; 
permit  no  other  Lord  to  have  dominion  over  us. 

12.  Blessed  art  thou,  O  Lord:  teach  me  thy  statutes. 

He  who  is  blessed  can  make  us  so;  he  who  delighteth  to  com- 
municate blessing,  will  do  it,  if  we  ask  him,  by  teaching  us  his 
statutes,  which  conform  us  to  his  nature,  that  we  may  live  his  life, 
and  bless  his  name  for  ever.  When  the  word  of  God  is  our  lesson, 
the  Spirit  of  God  must  be  our  Master. 

13.  inth  my  lips  have  I  declared  all  the  judgments  of  thy  mouth . 
The  best  sign  that  God  hath  "  taught  us  his  statutes,"   and  the 

greatest  inducement  to  him  to  teach  us  still  more  and  more,  is  a 
readiness  to  make  others  partakers  of  those  blessings  which  we 
ourselves  have  received  from  him.  Jehovah  fashions  the  "  lips" 
of  man,  and  he  expects  that  they  should  be  employed  in  his  service. 
"  Out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth  speaketh,"  and  the 
stream  will  always  show  the  nature  of  the  fountain.     When  we 


DayXXIV.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  5(» 

make  the  Scriptures  the  subject  of  our  conversations,  wc  glorify 
God,  we  edify  our  neighbours,  and  we  improve  ourselves. 

14.  I  have  rejoiced  in  the  wai/  of  thy  testimonies,  as  much  as 
in  all  riches. 

Truth  and  holiness  afTord  to  the  sincere  believer  a  pleasure 
more  exquisite,  as  well  as  more  solid  and  enduring,  than  that 
which  a  miser  feels  at  the  ac(|uisition  of  his  darling  wealth.  Let 
us  no  longer  envy  the  joys  of  worldly  men,  no  longer  be  chagrined 
at  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked.  The  "true  riches''  we  may  always 
acquire;  and,  surely,  as  much  as  the  heaven  is  higher  than  the 
earth,  so  much  are  heavenly  joys  above  earthly,  in  kind,  degree, 
and  duration. 

15.  I  icill  meditate  in  thy  precepts,  and  have  respect  unto  thy 
ways. 

Meditation  is  that  exercise  of  the  mind,  whereby  it  recalls  a 
known  truth,  as  some  kinds  of  creatures  do  their  food,  to  be  rumi- 
nated upon,  until  all  the  nutritious  parts  are  extracted,  and  fitted 
for  the  purposes  of  life.  By  study  we  lay  in  knowledge,  by  medi- 
tation we  reduce  that  knowledge  to  practice.  And  we  have  then 
duly  '•  meditated  on  God's  precepts,"  when  in  all  our  proceedings 
we  "have  respect  unto  his  ways,"  comparing  our  actions  with  the 
rule  of  his  word. 

16.  J  will  delight  myself  in  thy  statutes:  I  will  not  forget  thy 
word. 

By  frequent  meditation  and  continual  practice,  the  Divine  "  sta- 
tutes" will  become  our  "  delight ;"  and  from  the  pleasures,  as  well 
as  from  the  cares  of  the  world,  we  shall  gladly  fly  to  them,  for  re- 
creation and  comfort.  Of  holy  exercises  there  is  great  variety, 
and  spiritual  joys  are  without  number.  Lord,  make  us  to  *^  delight 
ourselves  in  thy  statutes,"  and  when  we  delight  in  what  we  learn, 
we  shall  easily  retain  it  in  memory;  we  shall  not  forget  thy  word. 

GIMEL.     PART  IIL 

17.  Deal  bountifully  with  thy  servant,  that  I  may  live,  and 
keep  thy  word. 

In  the  foregoing  parts  of  the  Psalm,  we  have  heard  the  believer 
declaring  the  excellency  of  God's  word,  and  expressing  both  his 
desire  and  his  resolution  to  observe  its  directions.  He  now  be- 
seecheth  God  to  remove  all  impediments,  and  to  accomplish  this 
work  in  him.  And  as  a  man  must  "  live,"  in  order  to  work,  the 
first  petition  is,  that  God  would  "  deal"  with  his  servant,  according 
to  the  measure  of  grace  and  mercy,  enabling  him  to  "live"  the  life 
of  faith,  and  strengthening  him  by  the  Spirit  of  might  in  the  inner 


J 10  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX- 

man,  to  "  keep  the  word"  of  truth,  and  to  walk  in  the  coinmand- 
nients  of  his  blessed  Master  all  his  days. 

1 8.  0/;e?i  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  'behold  wondrous  things  out 
of  thy  law. 

So  far  are  we  naturally  from  being  able  to  "  keep"  the  word,  that 
we  are  not  able  to  understand  it.  The  law  of  God  is  full  of  divine 
and  spiritual  truths,  concealed  under  literal  histories,  visible  signs, 
and  external  ceremonies.  To  discern  these,  r\"'x'7£)D,  wondrous,  be- 
cause hidden,  mysterious  "  things,"  our  "  eyes,"  the  eyes  of  our  un- 
derstanding, must  be  "  unveiled ;"  that  "  veil"  must  be  taken  off, 
which  St.  Paul  affirmeth  to  be  upon  the  hearts  of  the  Jews,"  in  read- 
ing the  Old  Testament,"  and  which  will  continue  there,  until  they 
turn  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Then  the  veil  will  be  taken  away, 
and  they  will  behold  him,  and  the  redemption  by  him,  as  prefi- 
gured in  their  law,  and  foretold  by  their  prophets.*  Pride,  pre- 
judice, and  interest,  Avill  compose  a  veil,  through  which  a  Christian 
shall  see  as  little  of  the  New  Testament,  as  a  Jew  doth  of  the  Old. 
Lord,  convince  us  of  our  blindness,  and  restore  us  to  our  sight. 

19.  Jam  a  stranger  in  the  earth;  hide  not  thy  commandments 
from  me. 

The  above  request  for  divine  illumination  is  enforced  by  this  ar- 
gument, that  the  petitioner  is  "  a  stranger,"  and  a  sojourner  "  upon 
the  earth,"  he  is  travelling  through  a  foreign  country  to  his  native 
city,  where  are  his  kindred,  his  treasure,  and  his  heart;  as  a  so- 
journer, he  hath  renounced  the  world,  which  is  therefore  become  his 
enemy;  as  a  stranger,  he  is  fearful  of  losing  his  way;  on  these  ac- 
counts he  requesteth,  that  God  would  compensate  the  loss  of  earthly 
comforts,  by  aflbrding  the  light  of  heaven ;  that  he  would  not  "  hide" 
his  commandments,  but  show  and  teach  him  those  steps,  by  which 
he  may  ascend  towards  heaven,  rejoicing  in  hope  of  future  glory. 

20.  My  sold  hreakethfor  the  longing  that  it  hath  mito  thy  judg- 
ments at  all  times. 

Another  argument  here  urged,  is  that  "  longing"  desire  which  the 
soul  hath,  during  her  state  of  pilgrimage  below,  "  unto  the  revela- 
tion of  God's  will."  Grieved  and  vexed  at  the  prospect  of  su), 
vanity,  and  folly,  and  finding  nothing  below  that  will  satisfy  the  do- 
sires  of  an  immortal  spirit,  she  scttcth  her  affections  on  the  better 
things  above,  which  are  proposed  in  the  Scriptures,  as  the  proper 
objects  of  our  wishes.    Her  appetite  for  the  divine  word  is  "  keen" 

*  "  Rcvela  oculus  mcos:"  apeii,  dispelle  umbras,  tolle  vclameiitum,  quo 
spirituales  ociili  conteguntur.  "  Considcrabo  niirabila:"  ut  pcnitiis  intro- 
spiciain,  non  literam,  tantinn,  ac  vclut  corticcm  Icgis,  scd  arcana  spiritualiu, 
puta  in  sabbatis  requiem  sempitcrnam,  slmplicatcm  in  azyniis,  in  victimi^ 
obedientiani,  et  ubiquc  Christum.    Vossucl. 


Day  XXIV.  E.  P.          ON  THE  PSALMS.  oil 

as  that  of  hunger  or  thirst,  and  hope  deferred  makcth  tlie  heart  sick. 
This  disposition  is  not  a  transient  fit,  but  it  is  constant  and  uniform 
at  all  times. 

21.  Thou  hast  rebuked  the  p-ond  tliat  arc  cursed,  which  do  err 
from  thy  commandments. 

The  consideration  of  the  wretched  condition  of  impenitent  sin- 
ners, is  another  reason,  wiiy  we  entreat  God  to  set  and  to  keep  us 
in  the  way  of  his  commandments.  "  Pride"  produceth  "  error," 
and  obstinacy  in  that  error;  obstinate  transgressors  reject  the  call, 
tlie  covenant,  and  the  terms  of  the  Gospel ;  to  such  the  '•  curse"  of 
the  law  is  ratified  and  sealed,  and  mercy  consigns  them  over  to  jus- 
tice, which  seldom  fails  to  give  them  some  '•  rebukes"  even  in  this 
world,  for  a  foretaste  to  them,  and  a  warning  to  others. 

22.  Remove  from  me  reproach  and  contempt:  for  I  have  kept 
thy  testimonies. 

"  Reproach  and  contempt"  are  liberally  bestowed  by  the  world 
upon  men,  who,  being  not  of  it,  reprove  its  deeds  by  their  exem- 
plary conduct.  These,  to  beginners  more  especially,  are  sore  lets 
and  hindrances  in  the  way  of  duty;  and  after  the  example  of  Da- 
vid, we  may  beseech  God  to  ''  remove"  them  from  us,  when  we 
sufl^er  them  in  his  cause,  and  know  ourselves  to  be  innocent  of  the 
crimes  laid  to  our  charge.  In  the  mean  time,  to  comfort  ourselves 
under  them,  let  us  remember,  that  He,  who  alone,  in  the  strict  and 
unlimited  sense  of  the  words,  could  say,  I  have  kept  thy  testimo- 
nies, sustained  the  utmost  degree  of  reproach  and  contempt  for  our 
sakes,  and  was  patient  and  resigned  under  it  all,  until  God  removed 
it  from  him  by  a  glorious  resurrection.  There  remaineth  likewise 
a  resurrection  for  the  mystical  body  of  Christ;  and  then,  "  Wis- 
dom will  be  justified  of  all  her  children." 

23.  Princes  also  did  sit  and  speak  against  me:  but  thy  servant 
did  meditate  in  thy  statutes. 

Princes  and  rulers  have  often  "  sate"  in  council  upon  the  servants 
of  God,  and  spoken,  in  judgment,  false  things  "  against  them,"  as 
they  did  against  their  blessed  Master  in  the  days  of  his  flesh.  Da- 
vid hath  taught  us  how  to  act  in  such  circumstances.  We  are  not 
to  renounce  the  creed,  or  the  commandments,  should  it  so  happen 
that  "  the  rulers  and  the  Pharisees"  neither  believe  the  former,  nor 
observe  the  latter ;  but  rather,  we  should  meditate  more  than  ever, 
in  the  Scriptures;  that  we  may  draw  from  thence  comfort  in  tlie 
troubles,  and  direction  in  the  difficulties,  which  persecution  bringoth 
upon  us;  always  bearing  in  mind,  when  princes  command  any 
thing  contrary  to  the  word  of  God,  that  our  service  is  due  to  a 
higher  master;  "  thy  seuvaxt  did  meditate  in  thy  statutes." 


312  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 

24.  Thy  testimonies  also  are  my  delight,  and  my  counsellors. 
Pleasure  and  wisdom,  as  the  world   hath  ordered  matters,  are 

almost  incompatible;  insomuch  that  Solomon,  relating  the  expe- 
rience he  had  had  of  voluptuousness,  mentions  it  as  a  thing  out  of 
the  ordinary  course,  that  "  his  wisdom"  all  the  time  "  remained 
with  him,"  Eccles.  ii.  9.  But  they  who  meditate  in  the  word  of 
God,  find  a  pleasure,  which  hath  wisdom  for  its  inseparable  com- 
panion. Their  sorrow  is  dispelled,  and  their  doubts  are  resolved. 
For  how  can  he  be  sorrowful,  who  sits  by  the  fountain  of  joy  ?  How 
can  he  be  long  in  doubt,  who  hath  the  prophets  and  apostles  for  his 
counsellors  ? 

DALETH.     PART  IV. 

25.  My  soul  cleaveth  unto  the  dust:  quicken  thou  me  according 
to  thy  word. 

The  Psalmist,  in  a  state  of  affliction  and  humiliation,  still  seeketh 
relief  by  prayer,  from  the  Scriptures.  His  circumstances  vary,  but 
his  affection  to  the  word  of  God  continueth  the  same.  Every  one 
whose  affections  are  set  on  things  below,  hath  reason  to  exclaim 
with  David,  "  My  soul  cleaveth  to  the  dust."  From  this  kind  of 
death  we  are  "  quickened,"  or  made  alive,  by  the  Gospel,  through 
that  same  Spirit  which  raised  Christ  from  the  dead,  and  which 
shall  raise  us  also  at  the  last  day.  Then  soul  and  body,  perfected 
together,  shall  take  their  final  farewell  of  earth,  and  ascend  to  hea- 
ven, where  the  soul  shall  feel  no  passion  but  the  love  of  God,  and 
the  body  shall  have  no  employment  but  to  express  it. 

26.  I  have  declared  my  icays,  and  thou  heardest  me :  teach  me 
thy  statutes. 

We  should  freely  and  ingenuously  declare  to  God  in  prayer  our 
sins,  our  temptations,  our  sorrows,  and  our  undertakings  5  it  argues 
love,  confidence,  and  sincerity,  so  to  do;  it  is  a  means  of  ac- 
quainting us  with  our  own  state,  of  which  generally  we  are  ignorant  j 
and  it  will  not  fail  to  procure  us  those  aids  from  above,  of  which 
we  stand  in  need.  God  will  hear  us,  he  will  pardon  our  offences, 
strengthen  us  in  our  trials,  dispel  our  grief,  and  prosper  the  work 
of  our  hands  upon  us.  These  mercies,  when  received,  should  in- 
cline us  to  walk  worthy  of  them,  and  for  that  purpose,  to  beg  the 
farther  instruction  and  direction  of  the  Divine  Spirit.  ''  I  have  de- 
clared my  ways,  and  thou  heardest  me — teach  me  thy  statutes." 

27-  Make  me  to  understand  the  way  of  thy  precepts  :  so  shall  I 
talk,  or,  meditate,  of  thy  wondrous  works,  or,  thy  mysteries. 

The  heart  of  the  trouI)led  Psalmist  is  intent  upon  duty,  and  the 
deliverance  wliicb  he  chiefly  requcsteth  is  that  from  ignorance  and 


DayXXIV.  E.  p.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  513 

error.  True  knowledtje  cometh  from  God,  and  it  cannot  be  too 
often  desired  of  him.  It  is  pleasant  as  the  light,  extensive  as  the 
heavens,  and  more  profitable  than  tiie  treasures  of  eastern  kings. 
He  who  is  led  to  understand  the  celestial  mysteries  of  the  scriptures, 
will  never  uant  subjects  for  meditation,  and  should  never  permit 
those  subjects  either  to  slip  out  of  his  mind,  or  to  lie  unimproved 
in  it. 

28.  Ml/  soul  meltcth  for  heaviness  :  strengthen  thou  me  ac- 
eording  unto  thy  word. 

Let  us  not  marvel,  if  sin  bring  us  to  the  knowledge  of  sorrow, 
since  he  who  knew  no  sin,  was  yet  on  our  account  so  intimately  ac- 
quainted with  grief.  In  the  garden,  his  soul  melted  for  heaviness, 
"  and  there  appeared  an  angel  from  heaven  strengthening  him," 
Luke  xxii.  A3.  Our  transgressions  deserve  an  eternity  of  sorrow ; 
let  us  not,  therefore,  repine  at  any  part  of  it  that  may  fall  to  our 
share  in  time.  No,  blessed  Jesus,  let  us  sufl'er  with  thee,  as  both 
a  means  and  a  pledge  of  our  future  glorification  with  thee.  Only 
*'  strengthen  us,  according  to"'  tlie  promises  in  "  thy  word."  In 
this  life,  all  we  ask  is  faith  and  patience;  faith,  to  assure  us  that 
thou  ordcrest  all  things  for  the  best ;  and  patience,  to  preserve  that 
faith.  These  were  the  provisions  with  which  thy  best  beloved 
servants  of  old  travelled  throtigh  this  mortal  life.  Enable  us, 
upon  whom  the  ends  of  the  world  are  come,  to  do  the  same;  that 
so,  when  the  days  of  our  earthly  pilgrimage  shall  be  happily  ac- 
complished, we  may  sit  down  with  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Ja- 
cob, in  thy  heavenly  kingdom. 

29.  Remove  from  me  the  way  of  lying:  and  grant  me  thy  law 
graciously.  30.  I  have  chosen  the  icay  of  truth:  thy  judgments 
have  I  laid  before  me. 

It  is  plain  that  '•  the  way  of  truth,"  in  the  latter  of  these  two 
verses,  is  opposed  to  the  "  way  of  lying,"  or  of  falsehood,  in  the 
former.  The  one  comprehends  every  thing  in  doctrine  and  prac- 
tice that  is  right,  and  therefore  true ;  the  other  denotes  every  thing 
which  is  wrong,  and  therefore  "  false."  Of  those  two  ways  man 
hath  his  choice.  God  points  out  to  him  the  former  by  his  word, 
and  offers  to  conduct  him  in  it  by  his  Spirit.  Satan  shows  him  the 
latter,  and  endeavours  to  seduce  him  into  it  by  his  temptations. 
The  Psalmist  declareth  himself  to  have  chosen  God's  way,  and  to 
have  "  laid"  the  Scriptures  "  before  him,"  as  the  chart  by  which 
he  was  to  direct  his  course.  He  therefore  prays,  that  the  other 
way  may  be  far  "  removed"  from  him ;  and  that  God  would 
vouchsafe  him  such  a  thorough  acquaintance  with  the  ''  way"  of 
truth,  as  might  prevent  him  from  ever  wandering  into  the  path  oi 


514  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.CXIX. 

error.  How  much  depends  upon  the  road  we  choose !  How  difli- 
cuh  is  it,  in  a  divided  and  distracted  world,  to  choose  aright !  Yet 
this  choice,  so  important,  so  difficuk,  frefjuently  remains  to  be 
made  by  us,  when  we  have  neither  judgment  to  choose,  nor  strength 
to  travel ! 

31.  I  have  stuck  wiio  thy  testimonies:  0  Lord,  put  me  not  to 
shame. 

Having  once  chosen  our  road,  it  remains  tliat  we  persevere  in 
it ;  since  better  had  it  been  for  us  never  to  have  known  the  way 
of  truth,  than  to  forsake  it  when  known ;  and  we  have  the  same 
reasons  to  go  on,  which  induced  us  to  begin;  nay,  though  the 
Jove  of  the  world  may  require  novelty  and  variety  to  support  it, 
yet,  in  the  blessed  union  of  the  soul  with  its  Redeemer,  true  affec- 
tion will  increase  with  time  and  acquaintance.  The  Psalmist 
doth  not  only  say,  "  I  have  followed,"  but  "  I  stuck  unto  thy  testi- 
monies ;"  I  have  adhered  so  closely  and  firmly  to  them,  that  temp- 
tation has  in  vain  essayed  to  allure,  and  persecution  as  vainly  at- 
tempted to  force  me  from  them.  And  therefore  he  beseechetJi 
God  so  to  cpntinue  his  grace  and  favour,  that  he  may  never,  by 
falling  from  his  steadfastness,  disgrace  his  Master,  his  cause,  his 
brethren,  himself,  nor  be  put  to  shame  at  the  last  day.  "O  Lord, 
put  me  not  to  shame  !" 

32.  I  will  run  the  way  of  thy  commandments,  when  thou  shall 
enlarge  my  heart. 

The  true  Christian  is  always  proceeding  in  the  way  of  godli- 
ness, though  not  always  with  equal  pace.  In  grief,  whether  for 
temporal  or  spiritual  losses,  the  heart  is  contracted,  and  tlie  spirit<- 
are  all  summoned  home  to  comfort  and  support  it,  so  that  the  fa- 
culties are  left  feeble  and  sluggish ;  and  then  the  progress  can  be 
but  slow.  This  was  the  Psalmist's  case.  But  even  then  he  pro- 
mises that,  when  God,  by  sending  him  joy  and  gladness,  should 
enlarge  "  his  heart,"  dilate  his  spirits,  and  put  life  and  strength  into 
his  actions,  he  would  quicken  his  pace  in  proportion,  and,  with  re- 
newed vigour  and  alacrity,  "run  the  way"  of  the  divine  "com- 
mandments," until  it  should  have  brought  him  to  rest  and  felicity 
in  the  bosom  of  God. 

TWENTY-FIFTH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 

HE.     PART  V. 

33.  Teach  me,  O  Lord,  the  way  of  thy  statutes ;  and  I  shall 
keep  it  unto  the  end. 

Instruction  from  above  is  necessary  for  the  chiUh'en  of  God, 


Day  \XV.  M.  l\  ON  THE  PSAI.MS.  510 

while  tliey  continue  in  this  world.  The  nioie  we  know,  the  more 
wc  shall  desire  to  know;  we  shall  beg  a  daily  supply  of  grace,  as 
well  as  of  bread  ;  and  a  taste  of  "  the  cluster  of  Eshcol"*  will  make 
us  long  after  the  vintage  of  Canaan,  PSumb.  xiii.  23.  Religion  is 
tiie  art  of  holy  living,  and  then  only  known  when  it  is  practised; 
as  he  is  not  a  master  of  music,  who  can  read  the  notes  which  com- 
|)Ose  it,  but  he  who  has  learned  how  to  take  a  lesson  readily  from 
the  book,  and  play  it  on  his  instrument;  after  which,  the  pleasure 
it  aflbrds  will  be  sufficient  motive  for  continuing  so  to  do.  "  Teach 
me,  O  Lord,  the  way  of  thy  statutes ;  and  1  shall  keep  it  unto  the 
end." 

34.  Give  me  understanding,  and  I  shall  hcrp  thy  law;  yea,  J 
shall  observe  it,  icifh  my  zohole  heart. 

Much  "understanding"  is  needful  in  order  to  the  observation  ol 
the  law,  that  we  may  know  what  is  commanded,  and  what  is  for- 
bidden, and  how  far ;  that  we  may  avoid  the  snares  laid  for  us 
in  the  way  of  duty ;  that  we  may  respect  things  according  to  their 
due  rank  and  worth ;  that  we  may  do  good  works  in  their  proper 
time,  place,  and  manner;  above  all,  that  the  aflections  may  be  di- 
rected by  the  judgment,  and  not  the  judgment  by  the  aflfections. 
The  law  cannot  be  observed,  unless  it  be  understood ;  and  it  is 
understood  in  vain,  unless  it  be  observed;  or  rather,  if  it  be  indeed 
understood,  if  there  be  upon  the  mind,  at  all  times,  a  full  convic- 
lion  of  divine  truths,  and  their  excellency,  not  only  in  themselves, 
l)ut  compared  with  the  ofiers  of  the  world,  the  llesh,  and  the  devil, 
then  it  will  certainly  operate  in  hearty  obedience.  "  Hive  me  un- 
derstanding, and  I  shall  keep  thy  law ;  yea,  I  shall  observe  it  with 
my  whole  heart. 

35.  Make  me  to  go,  or,  conduct  me,  in  the  path  of  thy  coinmand- 
ments;  for  therein  do  I  delight. 

He  who  teacheth  us  the  way  to  heaven,  must  also  conduct  us  in 
it,  and  the  same  grace  must  give  light  and  strength.  The  Scrip- 
ture is  our  rule,  the  Spirit  is  our  guide;  and  from  beginning  to  end, 
it  is  God  who  inclines,  prepares,  and  enables'  us  ''  to  go  in  the" 
clean  and  pleasant  "path  of  his  commandments;"  a  path  which 
leads  us  I'ar  from  the  noise  and  pollution  of  the  world,  through  a 
paradise  of  promises  and  comforts,  grateful  as  the  fragrance  of  early 
spring,  or  the  incense  ascending  from  the  holy  altar.  Happy  the 
soul,  that  can  say  to  God,  therein  do  1  delight;"  which  is  at  the 
same  time  a  reason  for  her  to  ask,  and  for  him  to  grant,  a  continu- 
ance and  perseverance  therein. 

'36.  Incline  my  heart  itnto  thy  testimonies,  and  not  to  covetoun- 
ncss . 


516  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 

The  wit  of  man  may  conceive,  and  his  tongue  may  utter,  great 
things  of  God  and  holiness,  while  his  heart  is  averse  from  both ; 
therefore  David  saith,  not  only,  "Give  me  understanding,"  but, 
''  incline  my  heart."  Our  true  characters  are  formed  by  the  desires 
of  our  hearts,  which  not  finding  satisfaction  in  themselves,  must 
seek  it  in  something  without  them.  The  world  offers  itself  first; 
and  custom,  as  well  as  nature,  inclineth  us  to  the  love  of  that,  and  of 
money,  which  commandeth  all  things  in  it.  Such  love  is  contrary 
to  the  love  of  God,  being  one  of  the  thorns  which  choke  the  seed, 
and  render  it  unfruitful.  Therefore,  the  Psalmist  requesteth,  that 
his  heart  may  be  "inclined  to  the  Divine  testimonies,  and  not  to 
covetousness."  And  as  God  only  can  change  the  disposition  of  the 
heart,  to  God  he  preferreth  his  petition.  It  is  to  be  observed,  that 
by  the  words,  "  Incline  not  my  heart  to  covetousness/'  is  meant, 
"suffer  not  my  heart  to  be  inclined,"  or,  "give  it  not  over  to  co- 
vetousness." 

37.  Turn  away  mine  eyes  from  beholding  vanity  ;  and  quicken 
thou  me  in  thy  way. 

"  Turn  away  mine  eyes  from  beholding  vanity ;"  and  what  is 
there  else  on  earth  to  behold  ?  What  is  there  which  when  possessed, 
doth  not  disappoint  the  expectation  conceived  of  it,  the  pos- 
sessors themselves  being  judges?  Solomon  took  an  inventory  of 
the  world,  and  all  the  best  things  in  it;  he  cast  up  the  account,  and 
the  sum  total  was,  vanity.  The  "  eye"  is  the  grand  inlet  of 
temptation,  and  by  "  beholding,"  we  come  to  desire  and  long  after 
the  objects  of  sense;  from  which  time  our  affection  toward  the  ob- 
jects  of  faith  waxeth  cold.  "  Turn  away  our  eyes"  therefore,  O 
Lord,  "  from  beholding  vanity,  and  quicken  us  in  thy  way;"  mor- 
tify  the  ilesh,  and  the  spirit  shall  live. 

38.  Stablish  thy  word  unto  thy  servant,  loho  is  devoted  to  thy 
fear. 

The  "  word"  here  intended  is  the  word  of  promise,  which  the 
believer  entreateth  God  to  "  stablish,"  confirm,  or  accomplish,  to 
him  by  his  sanctification,  that  so  he  may  walk  in  the  way  of  truth 
and  life.  He  pleadeth  his  title  to  the  promise,  as  a  servant  of  God, 
and  one  who  feared  to  offend  him. 

39.  Turn  away  my  reproach  which  I  fear  :  for  thy  Judgments 
are  good. 

The  "  reproach"  which  we  have  all  most  reason  to  dread,  and 
to  pray  that  God  would  keep  far  from  us  here  and  hereafter,  is  that 
of  having  forsaken  and  apostatized  from  those  statutes  and  "judg- 
ments" revealed  in  the  Scriptures,  which  we  own  to  be  so  "'  good," 
so  pleasant,  and  so  prolitable. 


Day  XXV.  M.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  5iy 

40.  Behold,  I  have  longed  after  thj  precepts :  quiclcn  me  in  thy 
righteousness. 

The  Psalmist  appealetli  to  God,  the  searcher  of  hearts,  for  the 
truth  of  the  protestation  he  was  about  to  make,  that  the  desire  of 
his  soul  was  toward  the  Divine  word;  not  only  toward  the  pro- 
mises, to  believe  and  embrace  them,  but  also  toward  the  "  pre- 
cepts," to  observe  and  to  do  them.  lie  therefore  prayeth,  witli 
confidence,  that  God  would  finish  the  work  he  had  begun,  and  en- 
able him  to  carry  his  wishes  into  execution,  by  continually  "  quick- 
ening"' and  enlivening  him  more  and  more  through  grace,  to  finish 
liis  course  in  "  righteousness,"  and  to  obtain  that  crown  which  is 
to  be  tlie  reward  of  it. 

VAU.     PART  VI. 

41.  Let  thy  mercies  come  also  unto  me,  0  Lord,  even  thy  sal- 
vation, according  to  thy  tvord. 

Persecution  and  affliction,  of  which  they  never  fail,  in  some 
way  or  other,  to  have  their  share,  who  live  godly  in  Christ  Jesus, 
should  teach  us,  like  David,  to  fly  for  refuge  to  that  ••  mercy,"  from 
whence  proceedeth  all  "  salvation,"  temporal  and  eternal ;  and  to 
pray  without  ceasing,  for  the  accomplishment  of  that  "  word," 
which  promiseth  to  the  people  of  God  deliverance  out  of  all  their 
troubles. 

42.  So  shall  T  have  wherewith  to  answer  him  that  reproachcth 
me  :  for  I  trust  in  thy  icord. 

A  believer  trusting  in  the  promises  of  God,  when  the  v  hole  world 
hath  forsaken  him,  and  no  sign  or  probability  appears  of  their  being 
fulfilled,  is  always,  among  the  wicked,  an  object  of  scorn  and  "  re- 
proach." Such  was  David,  when  Shimei  cursed  him.  Such  was 
our  blessed  Master,  when  men  said,  '■^  He  trusted  in  God  that  he 
would  deliver  him,  let  him  deliver  him  now,  if  he  will  have  him." 
And  his  disciples  are  not  to  expect  better  usage.  "  Theretbre," 
saith  one  of  them,  "  we  both  labour  and  sufler  reproach,  because 
we  trust  in  the  living  God,"  1  Tim.  iv.  10.  To  silence  these  re- 
proaches, we  beseech  God  to  manifest  his  mercy  in  our  salvation. 
The  resurrection  of  Jesus  was  an  ''  answer"  to  his  blasphemers; 
and  the  mouth  of  all  wickedness  will  be  stopped  at  the  last  day. 

43.  And  take  not  the  icord  of  truth  utterly  out  of  my  mouth: 
for  I  have  hoped  in  thy  Judgments. 

In  the  mean  time,  while  affliction  presseth  hard  upon  us,  while 
our  deliverance  is  deferred,  and  the  enemy  is  suffered  to  reproach 
and  blaspheme,  our  prayer  must  be,  that  God  would  give  us  cou- 
rage and  utterance,  still  to  confess  him  before  men,  and  boldly  to 


518  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 

speak  his  "  word  of  truth,"  for  the  edification  of  some,  and  the  con- 
futation of  others;  as  knowing,  that  our  Jaith  is  not  vain,  nor  shall 
we  be  disappointed  of  our  '^  hope,"  since  both  are  built  upon  the 
"judgments,"  or  revealed  decrees  of  Him,  who  can  neither  err  nor 
deceive. 

44.  So  shall  I  heep  thij  law  continually,  for  ever  and  ever. 

By  means  of  strength  and  power  from  above,  we  shall  be  enabled 
to  serve  God,  in  adversity  as  well  as  in  prosperity;  and  amidst  all 
difficulties  and  dangers,  into  which  the  path  of  duty  may  lead  us, 
Charity  will  persevere  in  it,  till,  arriving  at  the  gate  of  heaven,  and 
there  taking  leave  of  her  companions  and  fellow-travellers.  Faith 
and  Hope,  she  shall  enter  those  blissful  regions,  to  perform  to  eter- 
nity that  perfect  will  of  God,  which  the  infirmities  of  fallen  nature 
prevented  her  from  having  so  fully  performed  here  below. 

45.  And  I  will  walk  at  liberty :  for  I  seek  thy  prece2}ts. 

No  external  joressure  can  take  away  that  spiritual "  liberty,"  which 
the  faithful  Christian  experienceth  when  he  hath  made  an  open  con- 
fession of  the  truth,  and  determined  at  all  events  to  do  his  duty. 
Then  he  is  no  longer  straitened  by  fear,  but  set  at  large  by  love. 
"  The  truth  niaketh  him  free,  and  he  walketh  in  the  liberty  of  the 
children  of  God ;'"  a  liberty  which  they  only  obtain  '•  who  seek  his 
precepts,"  and,  by  the  performance  of  them,  are  rescued  from  the 
bondage  both  of  tyrannical  desires  and  slavish  fears. 

46.  I  will  speak  of  thy  testimonies  also  before  kings,  and  will 
not  he  ashamed. 

A  prophet  may  be  called  "  before  kings,"  either  in  the  course  of 
liis  office  to  instruct  them,  or  else,  in  a  judiciary  way,  to  give  an  ac- 
count of  his  faith.  In  either  case,  if  he  "  walketh  at  liberty,"  he 
will  "  speak  of  God's  testimonies,"  with  due  reverence  to  the  per- 
son and  authority  of  his  prince,  but  as  one  who  is  neither  afraid  nor 
"  ashamed"  to  declare  the  whole  counsel  of  heaven  to  any  being 
upon  earth. 

47.  And  I  will  delight  myself  in  thy  commandments,  tchich  1 
have  loved.  '48.  My  hands  also  will  I  lift  up  unto  thy  command- 
ments, which  I  have  loved:  and  I  will  meditate  in  thy  statutes. 

He  who  would  preach  boldly  to  others,  must  himself  "  delight" 
in  the  practice  of  what  he  preacheth.  If  there  be  in  us  a  new  na- 
ture, it  will  "love  the  commandments  of  God,"  as  being  congenial 
to  it;  on  that  which  we  love  we  shall  continually  be  nuHhtating; 
and  our  meditation  will  end  in  action;  we  shall  "  lift  up  the  hands 
which  hang  down,"  Heb.  xii.  12.  that  they  may  work  the  works 
of  God,  while  it  is  day;  because  the  night  comcth,  when  no  man 
can  work,"  John  ix.  4. 


DayXXV.  M.  p.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  519 

ZAIN.    PART  VII. 

4<J,  Remember  the  icord  unto  thy  servant,  upon  tchich  thou  hast 
caused  me  to  hope. 

God  promiseth  salvation,  before  he  givelh  it,  to  excite  our  desire 
of  it,  to  exercise  our  faith,  to  prove  our  sincerity,  to  perfect  our  pa- 
tience. For  these  purposes,  he  seemetli  to  liave  sometimes  forgot- 
ten his  word,  and  to  have  deserted  those  whom  he  had  engaged  to 
succour  and  reUeve;  in  which  case  he  would  have  us,  as  it  were, 
to  remind  him  of  his  promise,  and  solicit  his  performance  of  it. 
The  Psalmist  here  instructeth  us  to  prefer  our  petition  upon  these 
grounds;  first,  that  God  cannot  prove  false  to  his  own  word;  ''  Re- 
member the  word  unto  thy  servant;"  secondly,  that  he  will  never 
disappoint  an  expectation  which  himself  hath  raised ;  "  upon  which 
thou  hast  caused  me  to  hope." 

50.  This  is  my  comfort  in  my  affliction :  for  thy  word  hath 
quickened  me. 

While  performance  is  delayed,  we  "  rejoice  in  hope,*'  Rom.  xii. 
12.;  and  the  promise  is  our  "comfort  in  aflliction ;"  a  comfort,  di- 
vine, strong,  lasting;  a  comfort  that  will  not,  like  others,  fail  us 
when  we  most  want  it,  in  the  day  of  sickness,  and  at  the  hour  of 
death;  but  will  always  keep  pace  with  our  necessities,  increasing 
in  proportion  as  the  pleasures  of  the  world  and  the  flesh  decrease  in 
us,  and  then  becoming  complete,  when  they  are  no  more.  So 
powerful  is  the  word  of  God  to  revive  us,  when  dead,  either  in  sins 
or  in  sorrow  ;  "  thy  word  hath  quickened  me." 

51.  The  proud  hath  had  me  greatly  in  derision;  yet  have  I  not 
declined  from  thy  late. 

A  true  servant  of  God  believeth  the  promises,  and  practisetli 
the  precepts  of  his  blessed  Master.  The  haughtly  infidel  will  scofl' 
at  him  for  one  part  of  his  conduct;  the  insolent  worldling  will  ridi- 
cule him  for  the  other.  But  neither  will  induce  him  to  disbelieve, 
or  to  disobey.  Let  us  be  certain  that  we  have  the  Divine  "  law*' 
for  our  warrant  in  what  we  believe,  and  in  what  we  do;  and 
then,  let  not  the  "  derision  of  the  proud"  prevail  upon  us  to  "  de- 
cline from  it." 

52.  I  remembered  thy  judgments  of  old,  O  Lord  ;  and  havn 
comforted  myself. 

The  great  remedy  against  that  temptation  which  ariseth  from 
the  reproaches  of  our  scornful  and  insulting  adversaries,  is  here  pre- 
scribed, namely,  a  '*  remembrance  of  God's  judgments  of  old," 
whether  we  understand  the  judgments  of  his  mouth,  or  those  of  his 
hand;  his  righteons  decrees  for  the  punishment  of  bad,  and  reward 


520  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 

of  good  men,  or  ihe  many  and  wonderful  instances  of  his  executing 
those  decrees,  from  the  beginning  of  the  world,  recorded  in  the  sa- 
cred history.  These  are  sources  of  real  and  endless  comfort  upon 
such  occasions ;  because  nothing  can  happen  to  us,  which  hath  not 
happened  to  God's  people  of  old  ;  no  case,  of  which  there  is  not  a 
precedent  in  Scripture,  where  we  may  read  the  process  of  similar 
trials,  their  issue,  and  the  final  sentence  of  the  Judge,  who  is  still 
the  same,  and  whose  rule  of  procedure  and  determination  is  in- 
variable. 

53.  Horror  hath  taken  hold  upon  7ne,  because  of  the  loickedthaf 
Jorsake  thy  law. 

The  consequence  of  a  due  meditation  on  God's  judgments,  will 
be  a  compassion  for  the  "  wicked,"  on  whom  those  judgments,  in 
the  end,  fall;  so  that  instead  of  feeling  for  ourselves,  on  account 
of  the  injuries  they  do  us,  we  shall  feel  for  them,  who  are  thereby 
drawing  down  vengeance  and  destruction  on  their  own  heads. 
"  Daughters  of  Jerusalem,"  said  the  blessed  Jesus,  when  led  to  be 
crucified,  "  weep  not  for  me,  but  weep  for  yourselves,  and  for  your 
children,"  Luke  xxiii.  28. 

54.  Thy  statiites  have  been  my  songs  in  the  house  of  my  pil- 
grimage. 

The  soul,  which  descended  from  above,  and  longs  to  return  thi- 
ther again,  is  a  stranger  and  a  sojourner  upon  earth.  The  body 
is  "  the  house  of  her  pilgrimage,"  in  which  she  is  confined,  during 
her  state  of  exile.  And,  how  harsh  soever  the  usage  may  be 
which  she  receiveth  from  the  world,  she  ever  findeth  joy  and  com- 
fort, as  once  did  the  fugitive  and  wandering  son  of  Jesse,  in  making 
God's  statutes  the  subjects  of  her  psalms,  and  hymns,  and  spiritual 
songs,  until  death  shall  restore  her  to  liberty.  Then,  ascending  to 
heaven  from  whence  she  came,  and  like  the  early  lark,  singing  as 
she  ascends,  she  will  seek  her  native  abode;  there  to  celebrate  her 
redemption  from  the  earth,  and  to  chant  forth  the  praises  of  Him 
who  hath  redeemed  her,  in  a  new  song,  before  the  throne. 

55.  I  have  remembered  thy  name,  0  Lokd,  in  the  night,  and 
have  kept  thy  law. 

By  the  name  of  God,  his  nature,  so  much  at  least  of  it  as  we  are 
concerned  to  know,  and  are  capable  of  receiving,  is  revealed  to  us. 
Such  a  love  had  the  Psalmist  for  it  on  that  account,  tiiat  as  in  the 
day  God's  statutes  were  his  songs,  so  in  the  night  God's  name  was 
the  subject  of  his  meditation.  With  his  tongue  he  praised  him  in 
the  day,  with  his  heart  he  desired  him  in  the  night-watches.  At 
night,  the  dissipation,  noise  and  hurry  of  busin.'ss.  cease;  external 
silence  produceth  internal  calmness  and  composure,  inviting  us  to 


Day  XXV.  M.  p.  ON  TIIK  PSALMS.  52J 

celestial  contemplation ;  the  world  is  dead  to  us,  and  we  are  dead 
to  the  world;  the  soul  is  then  most  alive,  and  seemeth  to  experi- 
ence a  loretaste  of  that  time,  when  the  body  and  its  concerns  shall 
no  more  molest  and  impede  her.  The  good  eflects  of  hours  thus 
secretly  passed  in  holy  exercises,  will  appear  openly  in  our  lives 
and  conversations :  "  I  have  remembered  thy  name,  O  Lord,  in  the 
night,  and,-'  as  the  fruit  of  it,  "  have  kept  thy  law." 

56.  This  I  had,  because  I  kept  tlnj  precepts. 

As  one  sin  is  often  the  consequence  and  the  punishment  of  ano- 
ther, so  one  act  of  obedience  is  the  issue  and  the  reward  of  another; 
and,  to  him  who  hath  well  used  the  grace  already  received,  shall 
more  be  given.  "This  I  had;*'  this  ability  to  perform  my  duty, 
and  to  delight  in  the  performance  of  it  day  and  night,  was  vouch- 
safed unto  me,  "  because  I  kept  thy  precepts,"  because  I  was  not 
heretofore  disobedient,  but  employed  the  strength  with  which  thou, 
U  Lord,  hast  endued  me,  not  in  doing  mine  own  will,  but  thine. 

CIIETIL     PART  VIIL 

57.  Thou  art  my  purtion,  0  Lord  :  I  have  said  that  I  would 
keep  thy  tvords. 

Happy  the  man  who  can  sincerely  say,  '•  Thou  art  my  portion, 
O  Loud  ;"  I  have  considered,  and  made  my  choice;  from  hence- 
forth, I  renounce  all  things  for  the  love  of  thee ;  thou  art  sufficient 
for  me ;  thee  only  I  desire  to  enjoy,  and  therefore,  thee  only  I  de- 
sire to  please;  "  I  have  said  that  I  would  keep  thy  words." 

58.  I  entreated  thy  favour  tcith  my  ichole  heart:  be  merciful 
unto  me,  according  to  thy  loord. 

He  who  hath  chosen  God  for  his  poition,  will  earnestly  seek  his 
favour,  and  the  light  of  his  countenance;  he  who  hath  promised 
and  vowed  to  ''  keep  the  words"  of  God,  hath  need  to  seek  that  fa- 
Tour  and  that  light,  that  he  may  have  grace  and  power  to  fulfil  his 
engagements.  iMercy  is  the  sole  fountain  of  every  good  gift  for 
which  we  ask,  and  God's  promise  the  only  ground  upon  which  we 
ask  it;  "  Be  merciful  unto  me,  according  to  thy  word." 

59-  I  thought  on  my  ways,  and  turned  my  feet  unto  thy  testi- 
monies. 

The  Psalmist  did  not  content  himself  with  barely  praying  for 
strength  and  grace,  but  his  faith,  relying  on  the  word  of  promise, 
put  itself  in  motion.  He  considered  his  "  ways,"  his  course  of 
thinking,  speaking,  and  acting ;  how  far  he  had  proceeded  in  it,  and 
whither  it  led  him ;  and  this  consideration  produced  a  conversion 
of  the  whole  man,  of  the  heart  and  its  aflections,  from  the  crea- 


522  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 

lure  to  the  Creator,  as  he  hath  revealed  himself  in  tlie  Scriptures  of 
truth;  "I  turned  my  feet  unto  thy  testimonies." 

60.  /  umde  haste,  and  delayed  not  to  keep  thy  commandments. 

A  true  penitent  suflereth  no  time  to  be  lost  between  his  good  re- 
solutions and  the  performance  of  them.  "  Draw  me,"  saith  the 
church,  "and  we  will  run  after  thee,"  Cant.  i.  4.  Andrew,  Peter, 
and  others,  stayed  not  for  a  second  call  from  Christ,  but  followed 
him  immediately  upon  the  first.  By  deferring  our  return  to  duty,  we 
lose  many  comfortable  fruits,  which  it  would  have  produced  both  in 
ourselves  and  others,  while  the  difficulties  of  ever  returning,  and 
the  danger  of  never  returning,  are  daily  and  hourly  increasing. 

61.  The  hands,  or,  troops,  of  the  ungodly  have  robbed  me:  but 
1  have  not  forgotten  thy  law. 

To  be  robbed,  or  plundered  of  his  possessions  in  this  world,  was 
by  no  means  a  case  peculiar  to  David.  The  primitive  Christians 
were  continually  so  treated ;  and  our  Lord  gives  all  his  disciples 
warning  to  stand  prepared  for  such  events,  ready  in  disposition,  in 
heart  and  mind,  to  quit  all,  as  they  who  first  followed  him  literally 
did.  The  Apostle  tells  us  of  some,  who  not  only  bore  patiently, 
but  even  "took  joyfully,  the  spoihng  of  their  goods:"  the  reason 
he  assigns  for  so  extraordinary  a  behaviour,  deserves  to  be  noted 
and  remembered  ;  "  knowing  that  they  had  in  heaven  a  better  and 
an  enduring  substance,"  Heb.  x.  34.  They  who  part  with  earth 
to  gain  heaven,  and  exchange  the  world  for  its  Maker,  certainly 
lose  nothing  by  the  bargain.  Nay,  there  will  come  an  hour,  when, 
for  that  foretaste  of  glory  wliich  a  good  conscience  affordeth  to  its 
happy  possessor,  the  dearest  lover  of  mammon  would  joyfully  give 
up  all  the  gold  of  Peru,  and  all  the  diamonds  of  Indostan. 

62.  At  midnight  I  loill  rise  to  give  thanks  unto  thee,  because  of 
thy  righteous  judgments. 

So  far  were  temporal  losses  from  causing  the  Psalmist  to  ftusake 
God,  that  he  sought  him  the  more  earnestly  and  fervently  on  that 
account,  rising  at  "  midnight  to  give  thanks"  for  all  his  "  righteous 
judgments"  and  dispensations  towards  his  servants.  Thus  Paul 
and  Silas,  not  only  empoverished,  but  imprisoned  for  the  teslimony 
of  Jesus,  yet  in  that  situation,  with  their  feet  fast  in  the  stocks,  "  sang 
praises  at  midnight,"  tliereby  turning  their  night  into  da}',  and 
their  prison  into  a  paradise ;  when,  lo,  their  hallelujahs  ascended 
to  heaven,  and  God  arose  to  judgment;  the  earth  trembled,  the 
doors  were  opened,  their  chains  fell  ofl',  the  gaoler  and  his  family 
were  converted,  and  the  apostles  set  at  liberty.  And  although  there 
be  no  obligation  upon  men  to  "  rise  at  midnight,"  in  order  to  give 


Day  XXV.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  523 

tliariks,  yet  if  they  who  awake,  at  that,  or  any  other  time,  would 
arcustum  their  hearts,  at  least,  to  so  divine  an  exercise,  they  would 
fintl  it  always  productive  of  the  most  comfortable  ell'ects. 

63.  I  am  a  companion  of  all  them  that  fear  thee,  and  of  them 
that  keep  thy  precepts. 

As  no  siiflerings  sliould  make  us  neglect  our  intercourse  with 
God,  so  neither  should  they  temjit  us  to  forsake  the  communion  of 
saints,  or  fellowship  of  tiicm  who  "  fear  (iod,  and  work  righcous- 
ness."  These  are  knit  together  in  love,  as  members  of  the  same 
mystical  body,  insomuch  that  "  if  one  member  sufler,  or  be  ho- 
noured, all  the  members  should  suffer,  or  be  honoured  with  it ;" 
these  we  should  own  at  all  times,  in  prosperity,  and  in  adversity ; 
with  these  should  our  acquaintance  and  conversation  be,  for  the 
mutual  improvement  and  consolation  of  them  and  of  ourselves.  Of 
such  was  David  a  "  companion,"  and  such  the  Redeemer  himself 
••  is  not  ashamed  to  call  brethren,"  Heb.  ii.  11. 

64.  The  earth,  O  Lord,  is  full  of  thy  mercy:  teach  me  thif 
statutes. 

Heaven  and  earth,  and  all  that  are  therein,  declare,  from  day  to 
day,  the  "  mercy"  of  their  Creator  and  Preserver,  which  is  "  over 
;dl  his  works."  And  his  goodness,  thus  displayed  through  the  out- 
ward and  visible  world,  forbids  us  to  doubt  of  his  loving-kindness 
towards  those  immortal  spirits,  which  in  tenements  of  mortal  clay, 
make,  for  a  while,  their  abode  here  below ;  during  which  short  pe- 
riod, they  beseech  him  earnestly  to  grant  them  such  a  portion  of 
that  saving  knowledge,  which  is  his  gift,  as  may  secure  to  them, 
when  they  shall  depart  hence,  a  place  in  a  happier  country,  and  a 
more  enduring  city.     "  Teach  me  thy  statutes  !" 

TETIL     PART  IX. 

65.  Thou  hast  dealt  icell  with  thy  servant,  O  Loro,  according 
to  thy  word. 

As  the  sense  of  our  wants  should  prepare  tlie  mind  for  prayer, 
so  gratitude  for  blessings  received  should  tunc  the  heart  to  praise. 
In  preferring  our  petitions,  self-love  may  sometimes  have  a  share; 
but  thankfulness  is  the  offspring  of  an  ingenious  s})irit,  and  the  love 
of  God.  Let  a  man  carefully  recount  the  Divine  mercies  shown  to 
him  from  his  birth,  considering  withal  how  unworthy  he  hath  been 
of  the  least  of  those  mercies,  as  also  how  far  preferable  his  state  is 
to  that  of  many  others  ;  and  he  will  find  reason  "  in  all  things  to  give 
tiianks,"  to  acknowledge,  with  David,  the  goodness  and  truth  of 
.Jehovah,  and  to  say,  "  Thou  hast  dealt  well  with  thy  so  vin.t,  < ) 
Lord,  according  to  thy  word." 


524  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 

66.  Teach  me  good  judgment  and  knoivkdge:  for  I  have  be- 
lieved thy  commandments. 

From  tbanksgivinc;,  the  Psiilmist  returneth  again  to  prayrr,  as, 
while  we  continue  in  this  world,  we  must  all  do.  The  gift,  for 
which  he  now  prayeth,  is  that  of  "  a  good  judgment  with  know- 
ledge 5"  as  the  former  must  enable  us  to  make  a  proper  use  of  the 
latter.  The  word,  CDj'O,  which  is  here  translated  '•  judgment,"' 
signifies  bodily  taste,  and  that  faculty  in  the  mind  which  answers 
to  it,  the  faculty  of  discerning,  distinguishing,  and  judging  rightly 
of  things  moral  and  spiritual,  as  the  palate  doth  of  meats,  their 
different  flavours,  and  qualities.  Without  this  taste,  or  discretion,  we 
must  mistake  falsehood  for  truth  in  our  studies,  and  wrong  for  right 
in  our  practice ;  superstition  and  enthusiasm  may  pass  with  us  for 
religion,  or  else  licentiousness  may  intrude  itself  upon  us,  under  the 
name  and  notion  of  liberty ;  in  a  word,  our  learning  and  knowledge 
])rove  useless,  if  not  prejudicial  to  us.  A  sound  mind,  therefore, 
should,  above  all  things,  be  desired  of  God  in  our  prayers ;  and 
those  prayers  will  be  heard,  when  we  can  sincerely  profess  a  readi- 
ness to  be  directed  by  God's  laws,  through  faith  in  their  author,  his 
promises  and  threatenings  ;  on  which  ground  David  urgeth  his  re- 
quest; "  for  I  have  believed  thy  commandment." 

67.  Before  I  teas  afiicted  I  went  astray :  but  now  have  I  kept 
thy  loord. 

We  collect  from  this  verse,  that  prosperity  is  too  often  the  pa- 
rent of  sin  ;  that  adversity  is,  first,  its  punishment,  then  its  remedy ; 
and  that  every  considerate  man,  who  hath  been  afllicted,  will  thank- 
fully acknowledge  as  much.  "  When  afflictions  fail  to  have  their 
due  effect,  the  case  is  desperate.  They  are  the  last  remedy  which 
indulgent  Providence  uses ;  and  if  they  fail,  we  must  languish 
and  die  in  misery  and  contempt.  Vain  men  !  How  seldom  do  we 
know  what  to  wish,  or  to  ])ray  for!  When  we  pray  against  mis- 
fortunes, and  when  we  fear  them  most,  we  want  them  most.  The 
shortest  and  the  best  prayer  which  we  can  address  to  Him  who 
knows  our  wants,  and  our  ignorance  in  asking,  is  this — Thy  will 
be  done."     Lord  BuUngbroke^s  Reflections  on  Exile,  p.  276. 

68.  Thou  art  good,  and  docst  good:  teach  me  thy  statutes. 

In  other  words,  as  bishop  Patrick  hath  well  connected  and  pa- 
raphrased it,  "  Thou  art  in  thine  own  nature  kind  and  good  ;  and 
nothing  else  can  proceed  from  theo,  who  designest  our  good,  even 
when  thou  afflictest  us;  take  what  methods  thou  pleasest  with  me, 
only  teach  me  eflectually  to  do  as  thou  wouldest  have  me." 

69.  The  proud  have  forged  a  lie  against  me:  hixi  I  will  keep 
thy  precepts  with  my  ichole  heart. 


DayXXV.M.  p.          ON  THE  PSALiMS.  525 

Kvery  disciple  of  Christ,  who,  like  his  Master,  goeth  contrary 
to  the  ways  of  the  world,  and  condennicth  them,  must  expect  to 
be,  like  that  Master,  slandered  and  calumniated  by  the  world.  To 
such  slanders  and  cahmmies,  a  good  life  is  tlie  best  answer.  Wiien 
a  friend  once  told  Plato  what  scandalous  stories  his  enemies  had 
propagated  concerning  him, ''  I  will  live  so,"'  replied  that  great  phi- 
losopher, "  that  nobody  shall  believe  them."' 

70.  Their  heart  is  as  fat  as  grease;  but  /  (Might  in  thy  law. 
"  The  fatness  of  the  heart''  implieth,  in  this  place,  two  things  in 

those  of  whom  it  is  atrumed ;  luxury,  and  its  consequence,  insensi- 
bility to  those  spiritual  and  divine  truths,  which  are  not  only  the 
study,  Init  the  '•  delight'-  of  tem|)erate  and  holy  persons,  who  gladly 
fly  from  large  comjianies,  full  tables,  costly  meats,  and  rich  wines, 
to  eujoy  in  private  the  more  exalted  pleasures  of  abstinence,  medi- 
tation, and  prayer. 

71.  It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted;  that  I  might 
learn  thy  statutes. 

God's  statutes  are  best  learned  in  the  school  of  afiliction,  because 
by  afiliction  the  great  impediments  to  our  learning  them  are  re- 
moved ;  pride  is  subdued,  and  concujjiscence  is  extinguished.  '•  He 
that  hath  suffered  in  the  flesh,"  saith  an  apostle,  "  hath  ceased  from 
sin;"  1  Pet.  iv.  1.  and  in  an  immunity  from  sin  consisteth  one  of 
the  greatest  felicities  of  heaven,  which  thus  descends  into  the 
afflicted  soul,  so  as  to  render  even  the  state  of  sickness  itself,  in 
some  sort,  desirable.  Strange  as  this  proposition  may  appear,  the 
reader  will  find  its  truth  demonstrated  by  the  inimitable  bishop  Je- 
remy Taylor,  in  that  truly  golden  tract,  *"•  The  Rule  and  Exercises 
of  Holy  Dying,"  chap.  iii.  sect.  G.  on  "  the  Advantages  of  Sickness." 

72.  The  law  of  thy  mouth  is  better  unto  me  than  thousands  of 
gold  and  silver. 

Affliction  taketh  from  us  the  inclination  to  offend,  and  it  giveth 
us,  in  return,  a  knowledge  of  that  law  which  ''  is  better,"  and  which, 
when  we  are  thoroughly  acquainted  with  it,  we  shall  esteem  to  be 
lietter  "  than  thousands  of  gold  and  silver;"  better  in  its  nature, 
for  it  is  from  heaven,  they  are  from  the  earth;  better  in  its  use,  for 
it  bringeth  salvation  to  our  souls,  whereas  they  can  only  procure 
sustenance  for  the  body ;  better  in  point  of  duration,  for  the  bene- 
fits of  one  are  certain  and  eternal,  the  advantages  of  the  other  tem- 
poral and  uncertain.  Blessed  are  they  who  seek  in  the  Scriptures 
the  true  riches;  who  traffic  tor  the  spiritual  gains  of  celestial  wis- 
«lom  ;  for  surely  "  the  merchandise  of  it  is  better  than  the  merchan- 
dise of  silver,  and  the  jrain  thereof  than  fine  gold,"  Prov.  iii.  11. 


526  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXiX. 

TWENTY-FIFTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
JOD.     PART  X. 

Jo.  TJiij  hands  have  marhrmc  and  fashioned  me:  give  me  tinder- 
standing,  that  I  may  learn  thy  commandments. 

The  formation  of  man  was  the  last  and  noblest  work  of  God,  and 
it  is  a  standing  miracle  of  divine  wisdom  and  power.  The  consi- 
deration, that  God  made  us,  is  here  urged  as  an  argument  why  he 
should  not  forsake  and  reject  us,  since  every  artist  hath  a  value  for 
his  own  work,  proportioned  to  its  excellence.  It  is,  at  the  same 
time,  an  acknowledgment  of  the  service-we  owe  him,  founded  on 
the  relation  which  a  creature  beareth  to  his  Creator.  And  the  pe- 
tition implieth  in  it  a  confession  of  our  present  inability  to  know  his 
will  without  his  revelation,  and  to  do  it  without  his  grace. 

74.  They  that  fear  thee  will  be  glad  when  they  see  me  ;  because 
I  hove  hoped  in  thy  toord. 

They  who  "  fear  God"  are  naturally  "  glad"  when  "  they  see" 
and  converse  with  one  like  themselves ;  but  more  especially  so, 
when  it  is  one  whose  faiih  and  patience  have  carried  hira  through 
troubles,  and  rendered  him  victorious  over  temptations ;  one  who 
hath  "  hoped  in  God's  word,"  and  hath  not  been  disappointed. 
Every  such  instance  affordeth  fresh  encouragement  to  all  those  who^ 
in  the  course  of  their  warfare,  are  to  undergo  like  troubles,  and  to 
encounter  like  temptations.  In  all  our  trials,  let  us  therefore  re- 
member, that  our  brethren,  as  well  as  ourselves,  are  deeply  inter- 
ested in  the  event,  which  may  either  strengthen  or  weaken  the 
hands  of  multitudes. 

75.  I  hioiv,  0  LoED,  that  thy  judgments  are  right,  arid  thai 
thou  171  faithfulness  hast  ajflicted  me. 

This  humble,  pious,  and  dutiful  confession,  will  be  made  by 
every  true  child  of  God,  when  under  the  correction  of  his  heavenly 
Father.  From  whatever  quarter  afflictions  come  upon  us,  they  are 
"  the  judgments  of  God,"  without  whose  providence  nothing  be- 
falleth  us.  His  judgments  are  always  "right,  or  just,"  duly  pro- 
portioned to  the  disease  and  strength  of  the  patient;  in  sending 
them,  God  is  "faithful"  and  true  to  his  word,  wherein  he  hath 
never  promised  the  crown  without  the  cross,  but  hath  on  the  con- 
trary assured  us,  that  one  will  be  necessary  in  order  to  our  obtain- 
ing the  other;  and  that  they  who  are  beloved  by  hira  shall  not  sin 
with  impunity,  nor  go  astray  without  a  call  to  return.  All  this  we 
ought  to  "know,"  or  to  be  assured  of  beyond  doubt,  as  we  may  be 


DayXXV.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  :>27 

from  tlie  many  declarations  in  Scripture,  from  our  own  experience, 
and  frojn  that  of  otiiers. 

76.  Let,  I  pray  thee,  thy  merciful  kindness  he  for  my  comfort, 
according  to  thy  word  unto  thy  servant. 

In  the  former  verse  the  criminal,  linding  that  the  hand  of  God 
was  upon  him,  had  owned  the  justice  and  the  faithfulness  of  his 
judge  in  the  punishment  inflicted.  Judgment  having  thus  had  her 
perfect  work,  the  offender,  now  humbled  and  penitent,  maketh  ap- 
plication to  the  throne  of  grace,  and  sueth  for  that  mercy,  which 
God,  by  his  ''  word*'  hath  promised  to  his  servants,  who  are  chas- 
tened, not  for  their  destruction,  but  for  their  salvation.  When  God's 
"judgments"  have  brought  us  to  an  acknowledgment  of  our  sins, 
his  "merciful  kindness"  will  speedily  be  our  '•comfort." 
'77.  Let  thy  tender  mercies  come  unto  me,  that  I  may  live :  for 
thy  law  is  my  delight. 

The  mercies  of  God  are  "tender  mercies,"  they  are  the  mercies 
of  a  father  to  his  children,  nay,  tender  as  the  compassion  of  a  mo- 
ther over  the  son  of  her  womb.  They  "  come  unto"  us  when  we 
are  not  able  to  go  to  them.  By  them  alone  we  "live"  the  life  of 
faith,  of  love,  of  joy  and  gladness.  And  to  such  as  "  delight"  in  his 
law,  God  will  grant  these  mercies,  and  this  life;  he  will  give  them 
pardon,  and  by  so  doing,  he  will  give  them  life  from  the  dead. 

78.  Let  the  proud  be  ashamed;  for  they  dealt  perversely  tcifh 
me  without  a  cause  ;  but  I  will  meditate  in  thy  pi'ccepts. 

This  complaint  of  the  Psalmist  hath  been  made  by  the  faithful 
in  all  ages,  that  the  men  ol"  the  world  "'  dealt  j)erversely  with  them 
without  a  cause,"  or  oppressed  ihem  falsely,  first  spreading  slanders 
and  calumnies  concerning  them,  and  then  persecuting  them  for 
those  supposed  crimes.  Such  usage  should  have  no  other  eflfect 
upon  us,  than  it  had  upon  David.  He  prayed  that  "  shame"  and 
disappointment  might  teach  humility  to  the  "  proud,"  and  applied 
himself  still  more  and  more  to  meditate  in  the  "precepts"  of  his 
God. 

79.  Let  those  that  fear  thee  turn  unto  me,  and  those  that  have 
known  thy  testimonies. 

David  beseecheth  God,  if  any  good  men  have  been  alienated 
from  him,  either  through  fear,  prejudice,  or  offence,  that  they  might 
return  to  him,  join,  and  acknowledge  him.  To  thee,  O  thou  Son 
of  David,  and  King  of  the  spiritual  Israel,  let  those  among  thy 
people,  who,  through  any  temptation,  have  fallen  from  their  alle- 
giance, return  and  be  subject. 

80.  Let  my  heart  be  sound  in  thy  statutes;  that  I  be  not 
ashamed. 


528  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 

This  is  a  prayer  necessary  for  all  men  to  use  at  all  times,  but 
more  particularly  in  seasons  of  persecution  and  temptation.  By 
"  soundness  of  heart,"  is  meant  solidity  and  steadfastness  in  grace 
and  virtue,  as  opposed  to  the  mere  form  of  godliness,  or  fair  show 
of  the  hypocrite,  which  conceal  the  rottenness  and  corruption  lurk- 
ing within ;  and  also  to  the  sudden  and  vanishing  goodness  of  the 
temporary  convert,  which  quickly  disappears  like  the  morning  dew, 
and  withers  like  the  seed  sown  on  a  rock.  When  internal  holiness 
accompanies  and  actuates  that  which  is  external,  when  the  word  is 
thoroughly  rooted,  and  faith  hath  acquired  the  sovereignty  over  our 
desires,  then  our  "  hearts"  are  "  found  in  God's  statutes,"  and  there 
is  hope,  that,  in  the  day  of  trial,  we  shall  not  give  our  brethren  cause 
to  be  ashamed  of  us,  nor  be  ourselves  '■'  ashamed"  before  God. 

CAPII.     PART  XT. 

81.  My  soul  fed  nieth  for  thy  salvation:  but  I  hope  in  thy  irord, 
or,  I  have  expected  thy  loord. 

Thus  have  the  true  servants  of  God,  in  every  age,  expressed  their 
ardent  desire  of  his  salvation.  Thus  did  the  patriarchs,  the  pro- 
phets, the  kings,  and  the  faithful  people,  formerly  wish  to  behold 
the  advent  of  their  Saviour  in  the  flesh ;  until  Simeon,  taking  him 
in  his  arms,  spoke  what  they  would  all  have  spoken  had  they  been 
present,  "  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  ac- 
cording to  thy  word;  for  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation."  But 
the  Bridegroom  was  soon  taken  away,  and  the  heavens  have  re- 
ceived him,  until  the  restitution  of  all  things ;  for  which  the  church 
upon  earth  at  this  day  waiteth  and  prayeth ;  that  she  may  be  deli- 
vered from  all  her  troubles,  and  inseparably  united  to  him  in  whom 
she  delighteth.  Every  individual,  when  oj)pressed  by  sin  and  sor- 
row, may  make  his  supplication  in  the  same  words,  for  that  salva- 
tion which  is  by  grace,  through  faith. 

82.  Mine  eyes  fail  for  thy  ivord,  saying,  When  wilt  thou  com- 
fort me? 

While  the  promised  salvation  is  delayed,  the  afllicted  soul 
thinketh  every  day  a  year,  and  looketh  toward  heaven  for  the 
accomplishment  of  God's  word,  saying  to  "  her  Friend  and  her 


i?j# 


quickly 

*  "  Defeccrunt  oculi  mni :"  Ambiosius:  "  Noiine  quanilo  ali(iucm  desi- 
deramus  et  si)eiamus  adfore,  ch  diriginius  oculos  unde  speranius  esse  ventu- 
nim  ?  Sic  tencrw  uxor  ictatis,  de  specula  litorali,  indefessaexpectationc  coii- 
jugis  pra!s(olatur  advcntum:  ut  quamcunque  navim  videiit,  illic  putat  conju- 
gem  navigare,  metuatque  ne  videndi  gratia  dilccti,  alius  autevertat,  nee  ipsa 
possit  prima  diccrc,  video  te,  mi  marite."     Vide  leliciua  apud  Ambrosium, 


DayXXV.  E.  p.         O.N  THE  PSALMS.  029 

S3.  For  I  am  become  like  a  buttle  in  the  smoke:  yet  do  I  not 
forget  thy  statutes. 

"  Bottles,"  among  the  Jews,  were  made  of  skins.  One  ol"  these, 
it"  exposed  to  licat  and  "  smoke,"'  would  become  shrivelled  and  use- 
less. Such  a  change  will  labour  and  sorrow  cause  in  the  human 
frame;  and  the  Psalmist  iiere  complaineth  that  his  beauty  and 
strength  were  gone ;  the  natural  moisture  was  dried  up ;  in  conse- 
quence of  which  the  skin  shrivelled,  and  both  colour  and  vigour 
departed  from  him.  Disease  and  old  age  will  produce  the  same 
sad  effects  in  us  all ;  but  the  body's  weakness  is  the  soul's  strength ; 
as  the  outward  man  decay ctli,  the  inward  man  is  renewed,  "  I  do 
not  forget  thy  statutes." 

84.  lIoiD  many  are  the  days  of  thy  servant?  When  icilt  thou 
execute  judgment  on  them  that  persecute  me  ? 

The  well-beloved  John  heard  a  question,  of  the  same  import 
with  this,  asked  by  the  spirits  of  the  martyrs,  that  had  left  their 
bodies,  and  were  waiting  in  the  separate  state,  for  the  day  of  re- 
tribution. The  answer  which  was  made  to  them,  may  likewise 
satisfy  our  impatience,  when  suffering  afBiction  and  persecution : 
"  I  saw  under  the  altar  the  souls  of  them  that  were  slain  for  the 
word  of  God,  and  for  the  testimony  which  tjiey  held.  And  they 
cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  How  long,  O  Lord,  holy  and  true, 
dost  thou  not  judge  and  avenge  our  blood  on  them  that  dwell  on 
the  earth  ?  And  white  robes  were  given  unto  every  one  of  them, 
and  it  was  said  unto  them,  that  they  should  rest  yet  for  a  little  sea- 
son, until  their  fellow-servants  also,  and  their  brethren,  that  should 
be  killed  as  they  were,  should  be  fulfilled,"  Rev.  vi.  9,  &c. 

S5.  The  proud  have  digged  pits  for  me,  which  are  not  after  thy 
law. 

The  manner  of  taking  wild  beasts  was  by  ^'  digging  j)its,"  and 
covering  them  over  with  turf,  upon  which  when  the  beast  trod,  he 
fell  into  the  pit,  and  was  there  confined  and  taken.  But  there  was 
a  "  law,"  that  if  a  pit  were  left  open,  and  a  tame  beast,  an  ox,  or 
an  ass,  fell  into  it,  the  owners  of  the  pit  shoukl  make  good  the  da- 
mage, Exod.  xxi.  33.  Much  more  shall  men  be  called  to  a  severe 
account,  who  purposely  lay  snares  and  stumbling-blocks  before  the 
feet  of  their  innocent  brethren,  to  cause  them  to  fall  and  perish. 

86.  All  thy  commandments  are  faithful:  they  persecute  vie 
icrongfully  ;  help  thou  me. 

rjustlem  plane  spirifus,  ncc  fnmon  potui  tempoiarc,  qiiin  hrpc  cxciiheioin. 
Sic  aflectus  est  quisqiiis  cum  Paulu  ilissolvi  cnpit,  fit  csbc  cum  Cliristo.  Sic 
ileni(iuc  qui  semel  gustato  bono  Dei  verbo,  iit  iilciu  I'aules  ait,  sibi  postea 
rclictus,  deficit  taedio  sui,  ac  leddi  sibi  postulat  pra  sjustatein  suuvifsiini 
amoris  iluIcccliHcm.    Uossuct. 

07 


530  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.CXIX. 

Man  is  perfidious  and  deceitful ;  God  is  "  faithful"  and  true ;  he 
hath  promised  to  '•  help"  those  who  sufier  wrongfully,  and  he  will, 
in  the  end,  show  himself  to  be  the  avenger  of  all  such.  Let  them 
wait  with  patience,  since  the  King  of  Righteousness  himself  suf- 
fered as  a  malefactor  before  he  entered  into  his  glory. 

87.  They  had  almost  consumed  me  upon  earth  :  hit  I  forsook 
not  thy  precepts. 

However  low  the  church,  or  any  member  thereof,  may  by  per- 
secution and  tribulation,  be  brought  upon  earth,  yet  nothing  can 
separate  them  from  the  love  of  God,  while  they  "  forsake  not  his 
precepts,"  nor  disbelieve  his  promises.  The  soul,  we  know,  must 
forsake  the  body ;  but  God  will  forsake  neither. 

88.  Quicken  me  after  thy  loving-kindness ;  so  shall  I  keep  the 
testimony  of  thy  mouth. 

Through  the  "  loving-kindness"  of  God  our  Saviour,  the  Spirit 
of  life  is  given  unto  us,  by  whose  "  quickening"  influences  we  are 
revived,  when  sunk  in  sins,  or  in  sorrows,  and  are  enabled  with  joy 
and  gladness  to  persevere  in  keeping  the  "  testimony  of  his  mouth." 

LAMED.     PART  XII. 

89.  For  ever,  0  Lord,  thy  loordis  settled  in  heaven:  or.  Thou 
art  for  ever,  O  Lord,  thy  toord  is  settled  in  heaven.  90.  Thy 
faithfulness  is  irnto  all  generations:   thou  hast  established  th< 

earth,  and  it  ahideth.  91-  They  continue  this  day  according  to 
thine  ordinances :  for  all  are  thy  servants. 

The  eternity  of  Jehovah,  and  the  immutability  of  his  counsels, 
are  considerations  which  afford  comfort  and  encouragement  to  his 
people,  when  their  enemies  are  in  arms  against  them.  Even  in 
this  world  the  unwearied  heavens  continue  to  perform  invariably 
their  operations  upon  themselves  and  the  bodies  placed  in  them ; 
while  the  globe  of  the  earth,  retaining  its  original  form  and  cohe- 
rence of  parts,  still,  as  at  the  beginning,  supports  and  maintains 
the  successive  generations  of  men,  which  live  and  move  upon  it, 
to  whom  the  faithful  promises  of  (^od  are  fulfilled,  from  age  to  age. 
Thus  doth  the  unchangeable  order  of  nature  itself  point  out  to  us 
the  truth  of  her  great  Author,  and  at  the  same  time  reprove  the  ec- 
centric motions  of  rebellious  man.  The  heavens  and  the  earth 
''  continue  this  day  according  to  thine  ordinance,"  O  Lord,  "  for  all 
are  thy  servants ;"  all  invariably  serve  thee,  except  man,  who  alone 
was  endowed  with  reason,  that  he  might  obey  and  glorify  thee,  in 
this  life  and  that  which  is  to  come. 

92.  Unless  thy  law  had  been  7ny  delights,  1  should  then  have  pe- 
rished in  mine  ajjiiction. 


Day  XXV.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  531 

The  Psalmist  assureth  us,  from  liis  own  experience,  how  pleasant 
and  how  profitable,  in  time  of  trouble,  is  the  meditation  on  the 
fidelity  of  Ood,  as  displayed  in  the  stability  of  his  works.  The 
'•'  delights'-  by  this  afforded,  sustained  his  soul  in  '•  afllictions,"  which 
must  otlierwise  have  brought  him  to  an  end.  And  tiie  same  ever- 
lasting word  should  be  the  believer's  support  and  consolation,  even 
when  the  heavens  shall  melt  around  him  with  fervent  heat,  and  the 
earth,  and  all  that  is  therein,  shall  be  burnt  up.  "  Heaven  and 
earth  shall  pass  away,''  saith  He  who  made  them,  "  but  my  word 
shall  not  pass  away." 

93.  I  will  never  forget  thy  precepts:  for  with  them  thou  hast 
quickened  me. 

Great  are  the  necessities,  and  many  the  disorders  of  the  soul; 
but  in  the  Scripture  there  is  provision  and  medicine  for  them  all ; 
and  according  to  our  various  wants  and  maladies,  God  relieveth  and 
'•  quickeneth"  us,  sometimes  with  one  part  of  his  word,  sometimes 
with  another.  Now,  when  we  have  found  ourselves  thus  benefited, 
at  any  time,  by  a  particular  passage  of  holy  writ,  we  should  '•  never 
forget,"  but  remember  and  treasure  it  up  in  our  minds,  against  a 
like  occasion,  when  the  same  aflliction  or  temptation  may  agam 
befall  us. 

IM.  /  am  thine,  save  me:  for  I  have  sought  thy  precepts. 

The  double  relation  which  we  have  the  honour  to  bear  to  God, 
by  creation  and  by  redemption,  as  the  work  of  his  hands,  and  the 
purchase  of  his  blood,  is  a  most  endearing  and  prevailing  argument 
with  him,  to  "  save"  us  from  our  enemies.  But  then  let  it  be  re- 
membered, that  no  man  can  say  to  God  with  a  good  conscience, 
'■'  I  am  thine,"  unless  he  can  also  go  on,  and  say,  "  I  have  sought 
thy  precepts,"  I  desire  to  serve  and  obey  thee  alone ;  since,  after 
all,  "  his  servants  we  are  to  whom  we  obey ;"  and  if  sin  be  our 
master,  how  can  we  say  to  a  Master,  whose  interest  is  directly  op- 
posite, "  I  am  thine?" 

95.  The  wicked  have  waited  for  me  to  destroy  me:  but  I  will 
consider  thy  testimonies. 

In  the  preceding  verse,  David  besought  God  to  save  him.  The 
reason  of  that  prayer  is  here  assigned,  namely,  because  "  the  wicked 
lay  in  wait  for  him,  to  destro}'  him,"  as  they  afterwards  did  to  de- 
stroy one,  whom  the  afflicted  and  persecuted  Psalmist  represented. 
Spiritual  euemies  are  continually  upon  the  watch  to  destroy  us  all ; 
and  we  can  no  way  escape  their  wiles,  but  by  "  considering,"  so  as 
to  understand  and  observe,  (iod's  "■  testimonies." 

9(3.  /  have  seen  an  end  of  all  perfection  :  but  thy  commandment 
is  exceeding  broad. 


532  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 

'•■  Of  all  perfection"  in  this  world,  whether  of  beauty,  wit,  learn- 
ing, pleasure,  lionour  or  riches,  experience  will  soon  show  us  the 
"  end."  But  where  is  the  end  or  boundary  of  the  word  of  God  ? 
Who  can  ascend  to  the  height  of  its  excellency ;  who  can  fathom 
the  depth  of  its  mysteries;  who  can  find  out  tlie  comprehension  of 
its  precepts,  or  conceive  the  extent  of  its'promises ;  who  can  take 
the  dimensions  of  that  love  of  God  to  man  which  it  describeth,  or 
that  love  of  man  to  God  which  it  teacheth.  The  knowledge  of 
one  thing  leadeth  us  forward  to  that  of  another,  and  still  as  we 
travel  on,  the  prospect  opens  before  us  into  eternity,  like  the  plea- 
sant and  fruitful  mountains  of  Canaan,  rising  on  the  other  side  of 
Jordan,  when  viewed  by  Moses  from  the  top  of  Pisgah.  O  happy 
region  of  celestial  wisdom,  permanent  felicity,  true  riches,  and  un- 
fading glory ;  while  we  contemplate  thee,  how  doth  the  world  les- 
sen, and  shrink  to  notliing  in  our  eyes !  Thy  blessings  faith  now 
beholdeth,  but  it  is  charity  which  shall  hereafter  possess  and  enjoy 
them. 

MEM.    PART  XIII. 

97-   O  how  I  love  thy  law  !  It  is  my  meditation  all  the  clay. 

Words  cannot  express  the  love  which  a  pious  mind  entertaineth 
for  the  Scriptures.  They  are  the  epistle  of  God  to  mankind,  offer- 
ing reconciliation,  peace,  and  union  with  himself  in  glory ;  contain- 
ing reasons  why  we  should  love  him  and  each  other,  with  directions 
how  to  show  forth  that  love,  which,  as  the  Apostle  saith,  is  "  the 
fulfilling  of  the  law,"  Rom,  xiii.  10.  On  some  portions  of  these 
Scriptures  should  our  "  meditation"  be  continually,  and  "  each  day" 
should  add  something  to  our  knowledge,  to  our  faitji,  to  our  virtue. 

98,  Thou,  through  thy  commandments,  hnst  made  ;«e  wiser  than 
mine  enemies :  for  they  are  ever  zvith  me.  99. 1  have  more  under- 
standing than  all  my  teachers :  for  thy  testimonies  are  viy  medita- 
tion. 100.  /  understand  more  than  the  ancients,  because  I  keep 
thy  precepts. 

The  ^'  commandments"  of  God  were  '•  ever  with"  David ;  the 
'•  testimonies"  of  God  were  his  "  meditation ;"  and  the  '•  precepts" 
of  God  it  was  his  care  to  "  observe ;"  therefore  his  wisdom  exceeded 
the  policy  of  his  "  enemies,"  the  learning  of  his  "  teachers,"  and 
the  experience  of  the  "  ancients."  Thus,  by  the  wisdom  of  the 
Scriptures,  did  the  holy  Jesus,  in  the  days  of  his  llesh,  confound 
his  adversaries,  astonisli  the  teachers  of  the  law,  and  instruct  the 
aged.  And  it  is  the  high  prerogative  of  the  Scriptures,  at  all  times, 
to  render  youth  and  simplicity  superior  to  tiie  inveterate  malice 
and  stibtlety  of  the  grand  deceiver  and  his  associates. 


Day  XXV.  E.  P.         ON  THE  PSALINIS.  533 

101.  J  have  refrained  my  feet  from  every  evil  way,  that  I  might 
keep  thy  word. 

The  foundation  of  all  religion  must  be  laid  in  mortification  and 
self-denial;  for  since  the  will  of  fallen  man  is  contrary  to  the  will  of 
(lod,  we  must  abstain  from  doing  the  one,  in  order  to  do  the  other. 
The  affections  may  be  styled  the  "  feet"  of  the  soul,  and  unless 
these  be  "  refrained  from  evil  ways,"  no  progress  can  be  made  in 
that  way  which  alone  is  good  and  right;  we  cannot  "  keep  God's 
word."'  • 

102.  I  have  not  departed  from  thy  judgments:  for  thou  hast 
taught  me. 

Perseverance  is  the  efi'ect  of  instruction  fi-oni  above,  by  the 
Spirit,  througli  the  word  :  and  our  heavenly  Teacher  difl'ereth  from 
all  others  in  this,  that,  with  the  lesson,  he  bestoweth  on  the  scholar 
both  a  disposition  to  learn,  and  ability  to  perform. 

103.  How  sweet  are  thy  words  tinto  my  taste!  yea,  sweeter  than 
koney  to  my  mouth  ! 

The  soul  hath  its  "  taste,"  as  well  as  the  body,  and  that  taste  is 
then  in  right  order,  when  the  "  words"  of  Scripture  are  "  sweet" 
to  the  soul,  as  "  honey"  is  to  the  mouth.  If  they  are  not  always 
so,  it  is  because  our  taste  is  vitiated  by  the  world  and  the  flesh; 
and  we  shall  ever  find  our  relish  for  the  word  of  God  to  be  greatest, 
when  that  for  the  world  and  the  flesh  is  least,  in  time  of  affliction, 
sickness,  and  death ;  for  these  are  contrary  one  to  the  other.  In 
heaven  the  latter  will  be  no  more,  and  therefore  the  former  will  be 
all  in  all. 

104.  TJirough  thy  precepts  I  get  understanding :  therefore  I 
hate  every  false  way. 

He  who  delighteth  to  study  the  Scriptures,  will  '•  understand" 
from  them  the  true  nature  of  righteousness  and  of  sin;  he  who 
doth  understand  the  nature  of  each,  will  love  the  former,  and,  in 
proportion,  "  hate"  the  latter;  and  whli  that  which  we  thoroughly 
hate,  we  shall  not  bear  to  have  any  connexion  ;  with  suspicion  and 
jealousy  we  shall  eye  it  approaching;  with  courage  and  constancy 
we  shall  arm  and  fight  against  it ;  we  shall  make  no  peace,  nor  so 
much  as  a  truce  with  it;  but,  as  faithful  soldiers  and  servants  of 
Jesus  Christ,  we  shall  aim  at  that  utter  extermination  of  it,  which 
we  have  vowed,  and  which,  through  the  Spirit  of  grace  and  power, 
will  be  accomplished,  but  not,  perhaps,  totally,  till  our  life  anil 
warfare  shall  end  toarether. 


534  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 


TWENTY-SIXTH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 

NUN.     PART  XIV. 

105.  Tliy  tBord  is  a  lamp  unto  mijfett,  find  a  light  unto  my  path. 
Man  is  a  traveller,  his  life  is  a  journey,  heaven  is  his  end,  his 

road  lieth  through  a  wilderness,  and  he  is  in  the  dark.  Thus  cir- 
cumstanced, how  earnestly  and  devoutly  ought  he  to  pray,  "  O 
stnd  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth  ;  let  them  lead  me,  let  them  bring 
me  to  thy  holy  hill,  and  to  thy  tabernacles  !"  Psalm  xliii,  3.  For 
surely,  "  the  commandment  is  a  lamp,  and  the  law  is  light;  and 
reproofs  of  instruction  are  the  way  of  life,"  Prov.  vi,  23.  The 
word  of  God  discovereth  to  us  our  errors;  it  showeth  us  where  we 
lost  our  way,  and  how  we  may  recover  it  again.  If  we  take  this 
"  lamp"  in  our  hand,  it  will  not  only  point  out  our  course  in  gene- 
ral, but  also  direct  us  in  every  step,  and  guide  (jur  "  feet"'  aright  in 
the  "  path"'  of  holiness  and  peace.  Thus,  through  the  devious  and 
lonely  wilds  of  Arabia,  was  Israel  once  coniiucted  to  the  land  of 
promise,  by  the  illuminating  pillar,  or  rather  by  Him,  whose  pre- 
sence dwelt  in  the  midst  of  it. 

106.  /  have  sworn,  and  I  will  perform  it,  that  I  ivill  keep  thy 
righteous  judgments. 

Such  being  the  direction  afforded  by  the  word  of  God  to  a  be- 
nighted pilgrim,  David  had  obliged  himself,  in  the  most  solemn 
manner,  to  follow  that  direction.  Every  Christian  doth,  at  his  bap- 
tism, in  like  manner,  ''•'  promise  and  vow  to  keep  God's  command- 
ments, and  to  walk  in  the  same  all  the  days  of  his  life."  The  na- 
ture and  extent  of  these  engagements  must  be  interpreted  according 
to  the  covenant  of  grace,  under  which  they  are  made.  The, com- 
mand to  us  sinners  is,  that  we  should  repent,  and  believe  in  him, 
who  will  pardon  our  failings,  and  strengthen  our  infirmities,  that 
we  may  walk  as  becometh  his  disciples,  who,  though  they  ought  not 
to  commit  sin,  may  yet,  by  divine  grace,  be  restored  and  saved  from 
it.  "  These  things  write  I  unto  you,  that  ye  sin  not.  And  if  any 
man  sin,  we  have  an  Advocate  witli  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the 
righteous;  and  he  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins,"  1  John  ii.  1. 

107.  /  am  a/ffiicted  very  much :  quicken  me,  0  Lord,  according 
to  thy  word. 

The  faithful  servants  of  God  mny  lie  "  afllicted;"  they  may  bo 
"  very  much"  and  grievously  atllicted :  but  let  them  consider, 
that,  by  attlictions,  their  corruptions  are  purged  away,  their  faith 
is  tried,  their  patience  perfected,  their  brethren  are  edified,  and 
their  Master  is  glorified.     Let  them  still  firmly  rely  on  the  Divine 


DavXXVI.  M.  p.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  535 

promise  of  grace  anil  salvation:  still  humbly  pray  for  its  accomplish- 
ment in  themselves;  '•  quicken  me,0  Loud,  according  to  thy  word."' 

lOS.  Accept,  I  beseech  thee,  the  frvv-ivill  ojf'erings  ofnti/  mouth, 
O  Loud,  and  teach  me  thy  Judgments. 

The  '•'  offerings"  of  the  believer  are  prayer,  praise,  and  holy  re- 
solutions and  vows,  like  that  of  the  Psalmist  above,  "  to  keep 
God's  righteous  judgments,"  in  which  he  therefoi-e  pctitioneth  to 
be  every  day  more  antl  more  '•  taught"  and  instructed  by  th<}  Spirit 
of  truth.  Christians  are  called  by  St.  Peter,  '^  a  royal  and  holy 
priesthood,  appointed  to  offer  up  spiritual  sacrifices,  acceptable  to 
God,  by  Jesus  Christ,"  1  Pet.  ii.  5.  <). 

109.  My  soul  is  continually  in  my  hand ;  yet  do  I  not  forget 
thy  law. 

To  have  one's  "  soul,"  jyDJ,  or  life, '-  in  one's  hand,"  is  a  phrase 
often  used  in  Scripture,  and  implieth  going  in  continual  danger  of 
one's  life.  See  Judges,  xii.  3.  1  Sam.  xi.x.  5.  and  xxviii.  21.  Job 
xiii.  14.  Great  and  incessant  as  David's  perils  were,  he  did  not 
"  forget"  God's  promises,  nor  his  precepts,  but  trusted  in  the  for- 
mer, and  perl'ormed  the  latter.  St.  Paul  knew,  that  ''  in  every 
city  bonds  and  alllictions  waited  for  him :  but  none  of  these  things," 
saith  he,  "  move  me,  neither  count  I.my  life  dear  unto  myself,  so 
that  I  might  finish  my  course  with  joy,''  Acts  xx.  23. 

110.  The  iciched  have  laid  a  snare  for  me  :  yet  I  erred  not  from 
thy  precepts. 

When  open  violence  fails  to  move  a  man  from  his  steadfastness, 
"  the  wicked  will  lay  snares"  for  him,  to  entice  him  into  sin,  by  the 
baits  of  honour,  pleasure,  or  profit ;  by  exposing  him  to  unavoidable 
temptations,  as  when  David  was  driven  out  of  his  own  land,  to  live 
amongst  idolaters,  of  which  usage  he  complaineth,  1  Sam.  xxvi.  ly. 
or  else,  by  making  laws  which  an  honest  man  cannot  obey  without 
sin,  or  refuse  to  obey  without  danger.  Numberless  are  the  traps, 
of  one  kind  or  other,  which  human  wit  and  diabolical  malice,  in 
conjunction,  have  set  for  the  consciences  of  those  w'ho  profess  them- 
selves to  be  the  servants  of  God  ;  and  happy  is  that  servant,  whom 
they  have  not  caused  to  "  err  from  the  precepts"  of  his  Master. 

111.  Thy  testimonies  have  I  taken  as  an  heritage  for  ever  :  for 
they  are  the  rejoicing  of  my  heart. 

The  "  testimonies"  of  God's  will,  his  word  and  his  sacraments, 
are  the  bonds  and  the  deeds  by  which  we  hold  our  heavenly  inheri- 
tance, as  heirs  of  God,  and  joint  heirs  with  Christ."  Of  these 
deeds,  and  this  inheritance,  no  power  can  deprive  us ;  and  when 
'^  they  are  the  rejoicing  of  our  hearts,"  we  shall  not,  by  preferring 
an  earthly  inheritance;  deprive  ourselves  of  tiicm. 


536  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 

112.  /  have  inclined  mine  heart  to  pcrfurm  tlnj  statutes  always ) 
even  unto  the  end. 

The  "  inclination  of  the  heart"  to  good,  is  the  work  of  God; 
but  man  is,  nevertheless,  in  this,  as  in  other  instances,  said  to  per- 
form it,  when  he  listens  to  the  call,  and  obeys  the  motions,  of  his 
grace.  We  are  not  to  judge  of  ourselves  by  what  we  sometimes 
say  and  do,  but  by  the  general  disposition  and  tendency  of  the 
heart  and  its  affections.  When  after  repeated  trials,  we  find  that 
the  love  of  God  casts  the  scale  against  the  love  of  the  world ;  when 
it  is  our  glory,  our  delight,  our  treasure,  our  meat  and  drink,  to  do 
his  will,  and,  against  all  opposition,  to  persevere  in  doing  it,  "  even 
unto  the  end;-'  then  are  we  the  true  disciples  of  that  Master,  whose 
heart  was  evermore  inclined  to  good ;  who  alone  performed  a  per- 
fect and  spotless  obedience,  and  persisted  in  working  the  work  of 
him  that  sent  him,  until,  with  his  last  breath,  he  declared  upon  the 

cross,  IT  IS  FINISHED. 

SAMECII.     PART  XV. 

113.  I  hate  vain  thoughts:  but  thy  law  do  I  love. 

"  Love  and  hatred"  are  the  two  great  and  influencing  affections 
of  the  human  mind.  Since  the  fall,  they  have  been  misplaced.  By 
nature  we  "  love  vain  thoughts,"  and  '•'  hate  the  law  of  God." 
"  The  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God,  for  it  is  not  subject  to 
the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be,"  Rom.  viii.  7.  But  in  a  re- 
newed mind  the  case  is  altered;  its  delight  is  in  the  law  of  God,  and 
therefore  it  cannot  bear  "  vain  thoughts,"  which  are  contrary  to 
that  law,  and  exalt  themselves  against  it.  .Thoughts  are  often  said 
to  be  free;  from  human  censure  they  are,  but  not  from  the  cogni- 
zance and  judgment  of  the  Omniscient.  The  mind  should  be  well 
furnished  with  proper  materials,  on  which  to  employ  itself.  We 
shall  then  be  secured  against  the  incursions  of  rambling,  conceited, 
Avorldly,  impure,  and  revengeful  thoughts,  which  otherwise  will  de- 
vour half  our  time,  and  appear  against  us,  to  our  unspeakable  amaze- 
ment, in  that  day  when  the  secrets  of  all  hearts  shall  be  revealed. 

111.  Thou  Alt  my  hiding  i)lace,  and  my  shield :  I  hope  in  thy 
ivord. 

From  vain  thoughts,  and  vain  persons,  the  Psalmist  teacheth  us 
to  fly,  by  prayer  to  ( Jod,  as  our  refuge  and  protectoi".  This  course 
a  believer  will  as  naturally  take,  in  the  hour  of  temptation  and  dan- 
ger, as  the  offspring  of  the  hen,  on.  perceiving  a  bird  of  prey  hover- 
ing over  their  heads,  retire  to  the  "  hiding  place*'  under  the  wings 
of  their  dam ;  or  as  the  warrior  opposeth  his  "  shield"  to  the  darts 
which  are  aimed  at  him. 


Day  XXVI.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  537 

1  IT).  Depart  from  mc,  ye  evil  doers:  for  I  will  keep  the  com- 
mandments of  God. 

Safe  under  tlie  protection  of  the  Almighty,  David  bids  the  wicked 
"depart  from  iiim;"  he  neither  fears  tiieir  malice,  nor  will  follow 
their  counsels,  being  resolutely  determined  to  adhere  to  his  duty, 
and  to  '•  keep  the  commandments  of  his  God."  lie  who  hath 
formed  David's  resolution,  must,  like  him,  disclaim  and  renounce 
the  society  of  '"'evil  doers;"  for  every  man  will  insensibly  contract 
the  good  or  bad  qualities  of  the  company  which  he  keeps ;  and 
should,  therefore,  be  careful  to  keep  such  as  will  make  him  wiser  and 
better,  and  fit  him  for  the  goodly  fellowship  of  saints  and  angels. 

llG.  Uphold  me  according  to  thj  toord,  that  I  may  live:  and 
let  me  not  he  ashamed  of  my  hope.  1 1 7-  Hold  thou  me  up,  and  I 
shall  be  safe  :  and  I  will  have  respect  vnto  thy  statutes  continually. 

A  resolution  to  lly  from  evil,  and  to  do  good,  is  properly  followed 
by  an  earnest  and  repeated  prayer,  to  be  "  upheld''  in  the  perform- 
ance of  it,  by  divine  grace,  according  to  ''  God's  word"  and  |)ro- 
mise ;  that  so  our  '•  hope"  in  that  word  may  not  fail,  and  put  us  to 
"  shame"  before  our  enemies  ;  that  we  may  be  "  saved"  from  fall- 
ing, and  enabled,  in  ouf-  walking,  to  have  "  respect  unto  the  Divine 
statutes  continually."  How  necessary  is  this  prayer  to  be  made  by 
creatures,  whose  tempers  and  dispositions  are  ever  varying;  who 
have  so  many  and  so  formidable  adversaries  to  contend  with ;  and 
on  whom  their  temporal  condition  hath  so  much  influence ! 

118.  Thou  hast  trodden  down  all  them  that  err  from  thy  sta- 
tutes :  for  their  deceit  is  falsehood. 

The  dreadful  judgments  which  God,  from  time  to  time,  in  all  ages 
of  the  world,  hath  executed,  and  which  he  still  can,  and  will  exe- 
cute, upon  impenitent  sinners,  afford  a  kind  admonition,  and  a  pow- 
erful motive  to  obedience.  As  no  force  can  counteract  the  power 
of  God,  so  no  "cunning"  can  deceive  his  wisdom,  but  will  always, 
in  the  end,  miserably  "  deceive"  those  who  trust  in  it,  and  employ 
it  against  the  counsels  of  heaven  ;  "their  deceit,  or  subtlety,  is  false- 
hood," "ipK/,  it  will  fall  and  ruin  its  owners.  Of  this,  history  fur- 
nisheth  instances  in  abundance.  And  it  will  be  evident  to  all  the 
world,  when  simplicity  and  innocence  shall  reign  triumphant,  with 
the  Lamb  on  mount  Sion ;  and  deceit  and  guile  shall  have  their 
portion  with  the  serpent  in  the  lake  of  fire.  » 

119.  Thou  puttest  away  all  the  wicked  of  the  earth  like  dross: 
therefore  I  love  thy  testimonies. 

L^ngodly  men  and  hypocrites  are  mingled  among  the  sons  and 
servants  of  God,  as  "  dross"  is  blended  with  the  pure  metal,  and 
appeareth  to  be  part  of  it.     But  the  fiery  trial  of  divine  judgment 
68 


538  A  COMMENTARY.  Psal.  CXIX. 

soon  discovereth  the  difference.  The  false  pretences  of  the  hypo- 
crite are  detected,  and  the  glory  of  the  wicked  vanisheth  away. 
These  dispensations  of  God's  providence  increase  our  "  love"  of 
his  "  word  ;"  because  they  give  us  sensible  experience  of  its  truth, 
they  show  us  the  justice  of  God  in  punisliing  others,  together  with 
his  mercy  in  sparing  us,  and  removing  those  who  might  have  cor- 
rupted us,  and  turned  the  silver  itself  into  dross.  In  times  of  visi- 
tation, Christ  sitteth  among  his  people  "  as  a  refiner  and  purifier 
of  silver,"  purging  away  all  dross,  that  out  of  what  remains  may  be 
made  "  vessels  of  honour,  meet  for  the  Master's  use,"  to  serve  and 
to  adorn  the  sanctuary.     See  Mai.  iii.  3.  Isa.  i.  25.  2  Tim.  ii.  21. 

120.  My  jlesh  Iremhleth  for  fear  of  thee  ;  and  I  am  afraid  of 
thy  judgments. 

At  the  presence  of  Jehovah,  when  he  appeareth  in  judgment,  the 
earth  trembleth  and  is  still.  His  best  servants  are  not  exempted 
from  an  awful  dread,  upon  such  occasions ;  scenes  of  this  kind, 
shown  in  vision  to  the  prophets,  cause  their  flesh  to  quiver,  and  all 
their  bones  to  shake.  Encompassed  with  a  frail  body,  and  a  sin- 
ful world,  we  stand  in  need  of  every  possible  tie ;  and  the  affec- 
tions both  of  fear  and  love  must  be  employed,  to  restrain  us  from 
transgression ;  we  must,  at  the  same  time,  "  love  God's  testimonies, 
and  fear  his  judgments." 

AIN.     PART  XYI. 

121.  I  have  done  judgment  and  justice:  leave  me  not  to  mine 
oppressors. 

He  who  is  engaged  in  a  righteous  cause,  and  hath  acted  uprightly 
in  the  support  of  it,  may,  so  far,  without  incurring  the  censure  of 
boasting,  or  trusting  in  his  own  righteousness,  make  David's  plea, 
"I  have  done  judgment  and  justice;"  as  if  he  had  said,  Thou,  O 
my  God,  knowest  that  I  am  innocent  of  the  crimes  whereof  my  im- 
placable enemies  accuse  me,  and  that  I  have  done  no  wrong  to 
those  who  seek  to  take  away  my  life;  dehver  not  thine  injured 
servant,  therefore,  into  their  hands;  "leave  me  not  to  mine  op- 
pressors." The  Son  of  David  might  use  the  words  in  their  full  and 
absolute  sense,  and  plead  for  a  glorious  resurrection,  on  the  foot  of 
his  having  performed  a  perfect  obedience  to  the  law. 

122.  Be  surety  to  thy  servant  for  good :  let  not  the  proud  op- 
press me. 

The  Psalmist,  finding  himself  ready  to  be  seized  by  his  insolent 
adversaries,  like  a  helpless  and  insolvent  debtor,  entrcateth  the 
Almighty  to  appear  in  his  defence,  to  take  the  matter  into  his  own 
hands,  to  interpose  and  plead  his  cause,  as  his  surety  and  his  advo- 


Hay  XXVI.  M.  P.        ON  THE  PSALIMS.  539 

catc,  in  tlie  day  of  trouble.  Good  Ilczekiah  uses  the  same  word  in 
the  same  sense,  speakingof  the  time  when  death  was  about  to  make 
his  chiim  upon  the  mortal  part  of  him ;  "  O  Lord,  I  am  oppressed, 
'J2"ii',  undertake,  be  surety  for  me,"'  Isa.  xxxviii.  14.  Hajipy  tlie 
creatures,  whose  Creator  is  their  surety,  and  hath  interposed  to 
rescue  them  from  those  great  oppressors,  sin,  death,  and  Satan  ! 

123.  Mine  eyes  fail  for  thtj  salvation,  and  for  the  word  of  thy 
righteousness. 

Salvation,  whether  temporal  or  spiritual,  may  be  delayed;  the 
'■'  eyes"  of  the  sufl'erer  may  "  fail''  with  looking  upward,  and  his 
earnest  expectation  may  be  ready  to  break  forth,  in  the  words  of 
Sisera's  mother,  "  Why  is  his  chariot  so  long  in  coming  ?  Why 
tarry  the  wheels  of  his  chariot?"  But  what  saith  God,  by  his  pro- 
phets and  apostles  ?  "  Though  it  tarry,  wait  for  it,  because  it  will 
surely  come,"  Hab.  ii.  3.  "  Yet  a  little  while,  and  he  that  shall 
come,  will  come,"  Heb.  x.  37.  The  "  word"  which  hath  promised 
it,  is  the  word  of  truth,  faithfulness,  and  '>  righteousness ;"  the  at- 
tributes of  God  are  engaged  for  its  accomplishment,  and  he  cannot 
deny  himself. 

124.  Deal  with  thy  servant  according  unto  thy  mercy,  and  teacft 
me  thy  statutes.  125.  I  am  thy  servant;  give  me  understanding, 
that  I  may  know  thy  testimonies. 

The  consideration,  that  we  are  the  "  servants"  of  God,  if  indeed 
we  are  so,  will  always  be  successfully  urged  to  the  best  of  Masters, 
as  an  argument  why  he  should  "  deal  with  us  according  to  his 
mercy,"  in  the  pardoning  of  our  offences;  "  teach  us  his  statutes," 
that  we  may  know  and  do  his  will ;  and  instruct  us  in  his  "  testi- 
monies," that  we  may  believe  aright  concerning  him. 

126.  It  is  time  for  thee,  Lord,  to  work:  for  they  have  made 
void  thy  law. 

The  "  law"  of  God  "  is  made  void"  by  those  who  deny  its  au- 
thority, or  its  obligation;  by  those  who  render  it  of  none  effect 
through  their  traditions,  or  their  lives.  When  a  deluge  of  wicked- 
ness and  impiety,  entering  at  these  gates,  hath  overwhelmed  a 
land,  "  it  is  time  for  the  Lord  to  work ;"  the  great  Lawgiver  will 
then  exert  his  power,  and  vindicate  his  authority  speedily.  There 
is  a  certain  measure  of  iniquity,  which  when  communities,  or  indi- 
viduals, respectively,  have  fdled  up,  the  destroying  angel  comes 
forth,  and  executes  his  commission.  How  oyght  a  man  to  fear, 
lest  the  next  sin  he  commits  should  fill  up  his  measure,  and  seal  his 
eternal  doom ! 

127.  Therefore  I  love  thy  comviandments  above  gold;  yea, 
above  fine  gold. 


540  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.CXIX. 

As  the  wickedness  of  those  increaseth,  who  "  make  void  the  Di- 
vine hiw,"  the  zeal  and  ''  love''"  of  believers  should  increase  in  pro- 
portion, to  stem  the  torrent;  and  this  may  be  done,  to  a  surprising 
degree,  by  a  few  jjersons,  who,  after  the  example  of  the  first  Chris- 
tians, can  forsake  all,  to  follow  their  IMaster;  who  have  the  sense 
and  the  courage  to  prefer  truth,  wisdom,  holiness,  and  heaven,  to 
falsehood,  folly,  sin,  and  the  world;  who  can  resolutely  reject  the 
glhtering  temptation,  and  say,  without  hypocrisy,  to  their  God,  '•! 
love  thy  commandments  above  gold,  yea,  above  fine  gold." 

128.  Therefore.  I  I'fitccm  all  thy  precepts  concerning  all  things  to 
be  right :  or.  Therefore  all  thy  precepts,  even  all,  have  I  ap- 
proved; and  1  hate  every  false  way. 

For  the  san)e  reason  that  the  children  of  God,  in  the  worst  of 
times,  "love  his  commandments,"  they  love  them  "all,"  not  ob- 
serving such  only  as  they  can  observe  without  giving  offence,  but, 
regardless  of  the  censures  of  the  world,  doing  their  duty  in  every 
particular ;  not  "  hating"  some  "  evil  ways,"  and  at  the  same  time 
walking  in  others,  but  extending  and  manifesting  their  aversion  to 
all  alike.  Of  such  persons  it  is  evident,  that  they  make  a  con- 
science of  their  doings,  and  their  conduct  appears  to  be  uniform  j 
the  adversary  will  have  no  evil  thing  to  say  of  them ;  they  will  do 
real  service  to  the  cause  which  they  maintain;  and,  after  having 
honoured  their  Master  before  men,  they  will  by  him  be  honoured 
before  men  and  angels. 

PE.    PART  XVII. 

129.  Thy  testimonies  are  iconderful:  therefore  doth  my  soul 
keep,  or,  observe  them. 

The  Scriptures  are  "  wonderful,"  with  respect  to  the  matter 
which  they  contain,  the  manner  in  which  they  are  written,  and  the 
effects  which  they  produce.  They  contain  the  sublimest  spiritual 
truths,  veiled  under  external  ceremonies  and  sacraments,  figurative 
descriptions,  typical  histories,  parables,  similitudes,  &c.  When 
properly  opened  and  enforced,  they  terrify  and  humble,  they  con- 
vert and  transform,  they  console  and  strengthen.  AVho  but  must 
delight  to  study  and  to  "  observe"  these  "  testimonies"  of  the  will 
and  the  wisdom,  the  love  and  the  power,  of  God  most  high  !  While 
we  have  these;  holy  writings,  let  us  not  waste  our  time,  misemploy 
our  thoughts,  and  prostitute  our  admiration,  by  doting  on  human 
follies,  and  wondering  at  human  trifles. 

130.  The  entrance  of  thy  words  giveth  light:  it  giveth  iinder- 
derstanding  unto  the  sijnplc. 

The  Scriptures  are  the  appointed  means  of  enlightening  the 


5-«- 


DavXXVI.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  541 

mind  with  true  and  saving  knowledge.  Tliey  sliow  us  what  wc 
were,  what  we  are,  and  what  we  shall  be ;  they  show  us  what 
God  hath  done  for  us,  and  what  he  expecteth  us  to  do  lor  him; 
they  show  us  the  adversaries  we  have  to  encounter,  and  how  to  en- 
counter them  with  success;  they  show  us  the  mercy  and  the  justice 
of  the  Lord,  the  joys  of  heaven,  and  the  pains  of  hell.  Thus  will 
they  give  to  the  simple,  in  a  few  days,  an  '*  understanding"  of  those 
matters,  which  philosophy,  for  whole  centuries,  sought  in  vain. 

131.  I  opened  my  mouth,  und  imnted:  for  1  lunged  for  thy 
commandments. 

An  eastern  traveller,  fatigued  through  toil,  and  parchcil  by  heat, 
doth  not,  with  more  vehement  desire,  gasp  for  the  cooling  breeze, 
than  the  servant  of  God,  in  time  of  temptation  and  trouble,  panteth 
after  that  spirit  of  refreshment  and  consolation,  which  breathes  in 
the  Scriptures  of  truth.  The  afiections  are  the  springs  of  human 
actions;  no  arguments  are  needful  to  impel,  and  no  difficulties  are 
sufficient  to  retard,  the  man  who  is  in  pursuit  of  an  object  which, 
with  all  his  heart,  he  loves  and  "  longs  for.-'  How  happy  is  it  when 
heaven,  instead  of  earth,  is  that  object! 

132.  Look  thou  upon  me,  and  he  merciful  unto  me,  as  thou  usest 
to  do  unto  those  that  love  thy  name. 

A  child  of  God  is  never  so  much  afflicted,  as  when  his  heavenly 
Father  seemeth,  for  a  time,  to  have  turned  away  his  face  from  him. 
All  lesser  troubles  vanish,  when  God  doth  but  vouchsafe  a  "  look" 
of  paternal  compassion.  And  since  the  love  of  Jehovah  to  his  peo- 
ple is  unchangeable  as  his  nature,  mercies  formerly  shown  to  others, 
are  most  forcibly  urged  by  the  Psalmist,  in  his  petition  for  the  like; 
'•  Be  merciful  unto  me,  as  thou  usest  to  do  unto  those  that  love  thy 
name." 

133.  Order  my  steps  in  thy  word;  and  let  not  any  iniquity 
have  dominion  over  me. 

By  the  instruction  of  his  "  word,"  God  bringeth  us  into  the  way 
of  Ufe;  by  the  aids  of  his  grace  he  "  directcth"  and  "  supporteth" 
our  '*'  steps"  in  that  way,  enabling  us,  as  we  proceed,  to  overcome 
the  sins  which  do  beset  us,  so  that  they  prevail  not  to  turn  us  back, 
or  to  make  us  desist  from  travelling  towards  the  city  of  our  eternal 
habitation. 

134.  Deliver  me  from  the  oppression  of  man :  so  tcill  I  keep  thy 
■precepts. 

He  truly  loveth  God,  who  requesteth  "  deliverance"  from  '^  op- 
pression" and  persecution,  that  he  may  again  enjoy  the  opportunities 
of  '•'  keeping  his  precepts,"  and  of  serving  him  without  distraction. 
And  gratitude  for  his  deliverance  will  be,  with  such  a  one,  an  ad- 


542  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 

ditional  reason  for  using  those  opportunities,  when  they  are  restored, 
to  the  best  advantage. 

135.  Make  thy  face  to  shine  upon  thy  servant  ^,  and  teach  vie 
thy  statutes. 

The  same  sentiment  is  again  expressed  in  different  language. 
The  Psahnist  prayeth  for  a  return  of  the  Divine  favour,  and  for  bet- 
ter days,  that  in  peace  and  tranquilUty  he  may  learn  and  do  the 
v'ill  of  God.  Tribulation  is  a  dark  and  tempestuous  night;  but 
Jehovah  causeth  "  his  face  to  shine"  upon  his  people,  and  the  ef- 
fects are  like  those  produced  by  the  sun  at  his  rising,  when  universal 
nature  revives  and  rejoices,  and  clouds  and  darkness  fly  away. 

13G.  Rivers  of  waters  run  doicn  mine  eyes,  because  they  keep 
not  thy  law. 

David,  who,  through  this  Avhole  Psalm,  so  often  and  so  ardently 
beseecheth  God  to  "  teach  him  his  statutes,"  declareth,  in  this 
verse,  his  continual  grief  of  heart,  occasioned  by  seeing  others 
break  those  statutes.  Thus  Lot,  among  the  Sodomites,  was  "  vexed 
from  day  to  day,"  not  so  much  at  their  usage  of  himself,  as  at 
"  seeing  and  hearing  their  unlawful  deeds,"  2  Pet.  ii.  8.  Thus  Je- 
remiah telleth  the  ungodly  of  his  time,  "  If  ye  will  not  hear,  ray 
soul  shall  weep  in  secret  places  for  your  pride;  and  mine  eyes  shall 
weep  sore,  and  run  down  with  tears,"  Jer.  xiii.  17.  Thus  the  holy 
Jesus  "  looked  round  about  on  the  Pharisees,  being  grieved  for  the 
hardness  of  their  hearts,"  Mark  iii.  5.  and  "  wept  over"  a  city 
which  had  always  persecuted,  and  was  then  about  to  crucify  him, 
because  it  "  knew  not  the  things  which  belonged  to  its  peace," 
Luke  xix.  41.  Accept,  O  Lord,  the  tears  which  our  blessed  Re- 
deemer shed,  in  the  days  of  his  flesh,  for  us,  who  should,  but,  alas  ! 
too  often,  cannot,  weep  for  our  brethren,  or  for  ourselves;  and  give 
us,  at  least,  the  grace  of  holy  mourning,  which  in  thy  sight  is  of 
great  price. 

TZADDL     PART  XVIIL 

1 37.  Righteous  art  thou,  0  Lord,  and  upright  are  thy  judgments. 

This  portion  of  our  Psalm  is  employed  in  celebrating  the  righte- 
ousness of  God,  manifested  to  us  by  his  word,  and  by  his  dispen- 
sations, which  that  word  both  recordeth  and  explaineth.  It  is  said 
of  the  emperor  Mauritius,  that,  upon  seeing  all  his  children  slain 
before  his  face,  at  the  command  of  tliat  bloody  tyrant  and  usurper, 
Phocas,  himself  expecting  the  next  stroke,  with  a  philosophy  truly 
divine,  he  exclaimed  aloud,  in  these  words  of  David,  "  Righteous 
art  thou,  O  Lord,  and  upright  are  thy  judgments."*     By  faith  he 

*  Baron.  Anual.  ad  Ann.  602. 


Day  XXVI.  M.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  543 

was  assured  of  this  great  truth,  and  nobly  confessed  it,  notwith- 
standing all  appearances  to  the  contrary.  The  last  day  will  de- 
monstrate the  same  thing  to  the  whole  world,  and  open  the  mouths 
of  men  and  angels  to  declare,  concerning  all  the  Divine  [)roceed- 
jngs,  what  the  good  Mauritius  acknowledged,  at  the  time,  with  re- 
gard to  the  murder  of  his  children. 

138.  Thy  testimonies,  that  thou  hast  commanded,  are  righteous 
and  very  faithful. 

The  revelations  of  God's  will  are  "  righteousness''  and  "  truth ;" 
his  commands  are  just,  and  ought  to  be  obeyed ;  his  promises  and 
his  threatenings  will  infallibly  come  to  pass,  and  deserve,  above  all 
things,  to  be  regarded. 

139.  My  zeal  hath  consumed  me ;  because  mine  enemies  have 
forgotten  thy  words. 

"  Zeal"  is  a  high  degree  of  love;  and  when  the  object  of  that 
love  is  ill-treated,  it  venteth  itself  in  a  mixture  of  grief  and  indigna- 
tion, which  are  sufficient  to  wear  and  <•  consume"  the  heart.  This 
will  be  the  case,  where  men  rightly  conceive  of  that  dishonour 
which  is  continually  done  to  God,  by  creatures  whom  he  hath  made 
and  redeemed.  But  never  could  the  verse  be  uttered,  with  such 
fulness  of  truth  and  propriety,  by  any  one,  as  by  the  Son  of  God, 
who  had  such  a  sense  of  his  Father's  glory,  and  of  man's  sin,  as 
no  person  else  ever  had.  And,  accordingly,  when  his  zeal  had 
exerted  itself  in  purging  the  temple,  St.  John  tells  us,  "  his  disciples 
remembered  that  it  was  written.  The  zeal  of  thine  house  hath  eaten 
me  up."  The  place  where  it  is  so  written,  is  Psalm  Ixix.  9-  and 
the  passage  is  exactly  parallel  to  this  before  us. 

140.  Thy  iDurdh  very  pure:  therefore  thy  servant  loveth  it. 

"  Thy  word  is  very  pure ;"  in  the  original,  '•  tried,  refmed,  pu- 
rified like  gold  in  the  furnace;"*  absolutely  perfect,  without  the 
dross  of  vanity  and  fallibility,  which  runs  through  human  writings. 
The  more  we  try  the  promises,  the  surer  we  shall  find  them.  This 
pure  word  hath  likewise  in  it  a  power  of  purifying  us.  It  containeth 
precepts  and  examples  of  purity,  helps  and '  encouragements  to 
purity,  and  the  Spirit  of  purity  goeth  with  it,  and  worketh  by  it. 
"  Therefore  thy  servant  loveth  it;"  and  no  one,  but  a  true  servant 
of  God,  can  "  therefore"  love  it,  because  it  is  pure;  since  he  who 
loves  it,  must  desire  to  be  like  it,  to  feel  its  efficacy,  to  be  reformed 
by  it,  and  conformed  to  it. 

141.  Jam  small  and  despised :  yet  do  not  I  forget  thy  precepts. 

Faithfulness  to  God  will  often  reduce  men  to  straits,  and  bring 

*  Pure  (^okl  is  so  fixed,  that  Boeiliaave  informs  us  of  an  ounce  of  it  sot  in 
the  cyG  of  u  glass  furnace  for  two  months,  without  losing^  a  sinj;lc  gfvain.- 


544  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 

upon  them  the  contempt  of  the  world ;  happy  are  they  who,  under 
these  difficuhies  and  discouragements,  "  forget  not  his  precepts," 
but  still  continue  faithful,  looking  unto  Jesus,  who  once  "  endured 
the  cross,  despising  the  shame,  and  is  now  set  down  at  the  right 
hand  of  God,"  Heb.  xii.  2. 

142.  Thy  righteousness  is  an  everlasting  righteousness,  and 
thy  law  is  the  truth. 

Men  may  decree  wickedness  by  a  law,  or  they  may  change  their 
decrees,  and,  with  them,  what  was  right  to-day,  may  be  wrong  to- 
morrow. But  the  law  of  God  is  "  righteousness,"  and  it  is  "  truth," 
to-day  and  for  ever.  His  justice,  goodness,  and  fidelity,  are  un- 
changeable ;  he  will  never  forsake  us,  unless  we  forsake  him,  but 
will  remember  us  in  our  lowest  estate,  if,  in  that  estate,  "  we  do 
not  forget  his  precepts." 

143.  Tro^iblc  and  anguish  have  taken  hold  upon,  or  have  found, 
me  ;  yet  thy  commandments  are  my  delights. 

We  need  not  take  pains,  as  many  do,  "  to  find  trouble  and  an- 
guish," for  they  will,  one  day,  "  find  us."  In  that  day,  the  revela- 
tions of  God  must  be  to  us  instead  of  all  worldly  "  delights"  and 
pleasures,  which  will  then  have  forsaken  us ;  and  how  forlorn  and 
desolate  will  be  our  state,  if  we  shall  have  no  other  dehghts,  no  other 
pleasures,  to  succeed  them,  and  to  accompany  us  into  eternity !  Let 
our  study  be  now  in  the  Scriptures,  if  we  expect  our  comfort  from 
them  in  time  to  come. 

144.  The  righteousness  of  thy  testimonies  is  everlasting:  give 
me  understanding,  and  I  shall  live. 

In  every  sense,  O  Lord  Jesus,  thy  righteousness  is  "  everlasting ;" 
grant  us  the  "  understanding"  of  it,  in  every  sense,  and  we  "  shall 
live,"  in  thee  now,  and  with  thee  for  ever. 


TWENTY-SIXTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 

KOPH.    PART  XIX. 

145.  I  cried  with  my  whole  heart ;  hear  me,  O  Lord:  I  will 
keep  thy  statutes.  146.  I  cried  unto  thee  ;  save  me,  and  I  shall 
keep  thy  testimonies. 

Believers,  in  time  of  afiliction,  make  their  prayer  to  God  with 
fervour  and  importunity,  pt'titioning  for  deliverance,  th<tt  they  may 
the  better  serve  their  Deliverer,  and  keep  his  laws. 

148.  I  prevented  the  daioning  of  the  morning,  and  cried:  I 
hoped  in  thy  tnord.  148.  Mine  eyes  prevent  the  night  loalchcs, 
that  I  might  meditate  in  thy  word. 


Day  XXVI.  E.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  [>4'> 

It  is  a  certain  sign  that  our  hearts  are  s(>t  upon  a  work,  w  hen  the 
thouglits  of  it  cause  sleep  to  depart  from  us,  and  we  awake  readily, 
constantly,  and  early,  to  the  performance  of  it.  David  delighted 
in  the  holy  exercises  of  prayer  and  meditation ;  therefore  he  '•  pre- 
vented the  dawning  of  the  morning,''  and  was  beforehand  with 
the  light  itself;  therefore  his  '•  eyes  prevented  the  watches,*'  that 
is,  the  last  of  tliose  watches,  into  which  the  night  was  by  the  Jews 
divided ;  he  needed  not  the  watchman's  call,  but  was  stirring  be- 
fore it  could  be  given.  Climate  and  constitution  will,  doubtless, 
make  adiflerence,  and  claim  considerable  allowance;  but  by  Chris- 
tians, who  enjoy  their  health,  in  temperate  weather  the  sun  should 
not  be  suflered  to  shine  in  vain,  nor  the  golden  hours  of  the  morning 
to  glide  away  unimproved ;  since  of  David's  Lord,  as  well  as  of 
David,  it  is  said,  "  in  the  morning  rising  up,  a  great  while  before 
day,  he  went  out  and  departed  into  a  solitary  place,  and  there 
prayed,**  Mark  i.  3j. 

149.  Hear  mi/ voice,  according  iinto  iJii/ loving-kindness :  O 
Lord,  quicken  me  according  to  thy  judgment ;  that  is,  thy  loord. 
150.  They  draw  nigh  that  folio  lo  after  mischief;  they  are  far 
from  thy  law.  151.  Thou  art  near,  O  Lord;  and  all  thy  com- 
mandments are  truth. 

If  our  enemies  '•'  draw  nigh"  to  destroy  us,  God  is  still  ''  nearer"' 
to  preserve  us ;  and,  however  his  "  word''  may  be  rejected  by  the 
wicked,  the  faithful  always  find  it  to  be  "  true,"  to  their  great  and 
endless  comfort. 

152.  Concerning  thy  testimonies,  I  have  knoim  of  old,  that 
thou  hast  founded  them  for  ever. 

This  portion  of  our  Psalm  endeth  with  the  triumph  of  faith 
over  all  dangers  and  temptations.  "  Concerning  thy  testimonies," 
the  revelations  of  thy  will,  thy  counsels  for  the  salvation  of  thy 
servants,  "  I  have  known  of  old,"  by  faith,  and  by  my  own  expe- 
rience, as  well  as  that  of  others,  "  that  thou  hast  founded  them  for 
ever ;"  they  arc  unalterable  and  everlasting  as  the  attributes  of  their 
great  Author,  and  can  never  fail  those  who  rely  upon  them,  in  time 
or  in  eternity. 

RESII.     PART  XX. 

153.  Consider  mine  affliction,  and  deliver  me  :  for  I  do  not  for- 
get thy  law. 

It  is  happy  Avhen  our  "  afflictions"  do  not  make  us  to  "  forget 

the  law  of  God;"  then  have   we  confidence  toward  him  in  our 

prayers,  that  he  will  "  consider"  and  regard  our  sufferings,  as  he  did 

>hose  of  Israel  in  Egypt,  and  come  down  to  <'  deliver"  us  out  of  all 

C9 


J46  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.CXIX. 

o«r  troubles;  for  Israel  is  still  in  Egypt,  while  the  church  is  in  the 
world ;  but  let  us  remember  the  promise,  and  rejoice  in  hope. 

1 54.  Plead  my  cause,  and  deliver  me :  quicken  me  according  to 
thy  loord. 

God  is  the  patron  of  his  people,  to  "  plead"  their  "  cause ;"  their 
Redeemer,  to  "  deliver"  them  out  of  troubles ;  the  author  and  foun- 
tain of  their  life,  to  "  quicken"  and  support  them.  We  may, 
therefore,  have  recourse  to  him  at  all  times,  as  an  Advocate,  a  Sa- 
viour, and  a  Comforter,  for  the  defence  of  our  cause,  the  deliverance 
of  our  persons,  and  the  support  of  our  hearts.  And  all  this,  "  ac- 
cording to  his  word,"  in  which  he  hath  engaged  thus  to  patronize, 
to  rescue,  and  to  strengthen  those  who  trust  in  him,  and  apply  to  him. 

155.  Salvation  is  far  from  the  tvicked:  for  they  seek  not  thy 
statutes. 

The  "  salvation"  which  is  nigh  the  faithful,  because  they  dili- 
gently and  earnestly  seek  to  know  and  to  do  the  will  of  God  re- 
vealed to  them  in  his  word,  "  is  far  from  the  wicked,"  because 
"  they  seek  not  his  statutes,"  nor  concern  themselves  to  know 
what  they  are,  much  less  to  observe  and  practise  them, 

156.  Great  are  thy  tender  mercies,  0  Lord  :  quicken  me  ac- 
cording  to  thy  judgments,  that  is,  thy  word.  1 57.  Many  are  my 
persecutors  and  mine  enemies:  yet  do  Inot  decline  from  thy  testi- 
monies. 158.  I  beheld  the  transgressors,  and  was  grieved ;  he- 
cause  they  kept  not  thy  word. 

Persecution  tempteth  men  to  apostacy,  and  is  the  great  trial  of 
our  fidelity  to  God  and  to  his  word.  He  who,  in  such  circum- 
stances, forgettetli  his  own  sufferings,  to  commiserate  the  sin  and 
folly  of  his  persecutors,  is  a  true  follower,  as  David  was  a  forerunner, 
of  Jesus  Christ. 

159.  Consider  how  I  love  thy  precepts :  quicken  me,  0  Lord, 
according  to  thy  loving-kindness.  l60.  Thy  word  is  tnie  Troni 
the  beginning:  and  every  one  of  thy  righteous  judgments  endureth 
for  ever. 

It  is  observable  how  the  Psalmist  delighteth  to  dwell  on  these 
two  sweet  notes ;  the  "  loving-kindness"  of  God  in  promising  sal- 
vation, and  his  "  truth"  in  the  constant  performance  of  that  pro- 
mise to  his  church,  while  she  "  loves"  and  adheres  to  his  "  pre- 
cepts." Thus  it  hath  been  from  the  "  beginning,"  and  thus  it  will 
be  until  the  whole  counsel  of  heaven  shall  at  length  be  fulfilled,  by 
the  resurrection  and  salvation  of  the  just. 


DayXXVI.E.P.         on  the  psalms.  547 

SCIIIN.     PART  XXI. 

iGl.  Princes  have  persecuted  me  without  a  cause:  but  my  heart 
fttandeth  in  awe  of  thy  word.  lG2.  /  rejoice  at  thy  tcord,  as  one 
that  Jindeth  grcAt  spoil. 

David  was  persecuted,  by  Saul  and  his  associates,  "  without  a 
cause."  The  life  of  Saul  was  spared  by  him,  because  "  he  stood 
in  awe  of  God's  word,"  and  preferred  the  comfortable  reflection,  of 
having  obeyed  its  injunctions,  to  all  the  "spoil,"  and  to  those 
many  advantages,  that  would  have  accrued  to  him,  by  the  over- 
throw and  death  of  his  implacable  adversary,  who  acknowledged, 
upon  the  occasion,  "  Thou  art  more  righteous  than  I,"  1  Sam. 
xxiv.  17.  The  suflerings  of  the  body  are  soon  over;  the  joys  of 
conscience  have  no  end. 

163.  I  hate  and  abhor  lying:  but  thy  law  do  I  love. 

The  word  of  truth  is  the  proper  object  of  our  "  love,"  and  every 
thing  which  is  contrary  to  it  deserveth  our  hatred  and  abhorrence; 
iior  is  life  itself  worth  preserving,  at  the  expense  either  of  our  faith 
or  our  virtue. 

164.  Seven  times  a  day  do  I  praise  thee,  because  of  thy  righte- 
ous judgments. 

They  who,  like  David,  during  the  time  of  persecution  and  af- 
fliction, put  their  trust  in  God,  and  wait  his  decision  of  their  cause, 
will  always  find  reason,  as  David  did,  "  to  praise  him  seven  times 
a  day,"  or  continually,  for  his  just  decrees  and  "'  righteous  judg- 
ments" concerning  them. 

1G5.  Great  peace  have  they  which  love  thy  law:  and  nothing 
shall  offend  them. 

Amidst  the  storms  and  tempests  of  the  world,  there  is  a  perfect 
calm  in  the  breasts  of  those,  who  not  only  do  the  will  of  God,  but 
*'  love"  to  do  it.  They  are  at  peace  with  God,  by  the  blood  of  re- 
conciliation ;  at  peace  with  themselves,  by  the  answer  of  a  good  con- 
science, and  the  subjection  of  those  desires  which  war  against  the 
soul ;  at  peace  with  all  men,  by  the  spirit  of  charity ;  and  the  whole 
creation  is  so  at  peace  with  them,  that  all  things  work  together  for 
their  good.  No  external  troubles  can  rob  them  of  this  "great 
peace,"  no  "  offences"  or  stumbling  blocks,  which  are  thrown  in 
their  way  by  persecution  or  temptation,  by  the  malice  of  enemies 
or  the  apostacy  of  friends,  by  any  thing  which  they  see,  hear  of,  or 
feel,  can  detain  or  divert  them  from  their  course.  Heavenly  love 
surmounts  every  obstacle,  and  runs  with  delight  the  way  of  God's 
commandments. 


548  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXIX. 

166.  Lord,  I  have  hoped  for  thj  salvation,  and  done  thy  com- 
mandments. 

This  is  the  true  posture  of  a  Christian,  in  which  he  need  not  fear 
to  be  found  by  his  last  and  great  enemy,  deatli,  "  doing"  his  duty, 
and  "  hoping"  for  salvation  from  the  person  wlio  is  his  Master 
as  well  as  his  Redeemer,  and  who,  consequentl}',  expecteth  to  bo 
obeyed,  no  less  than  to  be  believed  in. 

1G7.  My  soul  hath  Iccpt  thy  testimonies,  and  loved  them  exceed- 
ingly. 168. 1  have  kept  thy  precepts  and  thy  testimonies :  for  all 
my  'ways  are  before  thee. 

The  ''  love  of  God's  testimonies,"  and  the  consideration,  that  all 
'•  our  ways  are  before  him,"  and  subject  to  his  immediate  inspec- 
tion, are  two  powerful  motives  to  obedience.  The  plea  of  having 
'•  kept  the  Divine  precepts,"  &c.  in  the  mouth  of  David,  or  any 
other  believer,  intendeth  sincerity,  not  perfection,  and  is  alleged  as 
an  evidence  of  grace,  not  as  a  claim  of  merit.  Christ  alone  kept 
the  old  law,  and  he  enableth  us  to  observe  the  new. 

169.  Let  my  cry  come  near  before  thee,  O  Lord:  give  me  un- 
derstanding according  to  thy  loord.  IJO.  Let  my  supplication 
come  before  thee:  deliver  me  according  to  thy  word. 

The  Psalmist  still  continueth  instant  in  prayer  for  "  understand- 
ing," to  direct  him  in  the  midst  of  dangers  and  temptations,  and 
for  "  deliverance"  out  of  them  all,  when  God  shall  see  fit  to  accom- 
plish the  promises  made  in  his  "  word."  These  are  blessings,  for 
which  a  man  cannot  be  too  frequent,  or  too  earnest  in  his  petitions 
to  the  throne  of  heaven. 

171.  My  lijis  shall  utter  praise,  when  thou  hast  taught  me  thy 
statutes.  172.  My  tongue  shall  spe ah  of  thy  word:  for  all  thy 
commandments  are  righteousness. 

He  who  obtaineth  his  requests,  and  is  made  a  partaker  of  that 
grace  and  salvation,  for  which  he  so  fervently  prayed,  will  edify 
men,  by  singing  the  "  praises,"  and  proclaiming  the  "  righteous- 
ness" of  God  his  Saviour. 

^73.  Let  thine  hand  help  me:  for  I  have  chosen  thy  precepts. 
]  74.  I  have  longed  for  thy  salvation,  0  Lord  :  a7id  thy  law  is  my 
delight. 

"  Salvation"  by  the  "  hand"  or  arm  of  Jehovah,  (which  is  often 
in  Scripture  a  title  of  Messiah,)  hath  been  the  object  of  the  hopes, 
the  desires,  and  "  longing"  expectation  of  the  faithful,  from  Adam 
to  this  hour;  and  will  continue  so  to  be,  until  He,  who  hath  already 
visited  us  in  great  humility,  shall  come  again  in  glorious  majesty, 
to  complete  our  redemption,  and  take  us  to  himself. 


Day  XXVII.  M.  p.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  :il9 

175.  Let  my  soul  lice,  and  it  shttll  praise  thee ;  andlettlnj 
judgments  helj)  me. 

The  '•  life"  whicli  God  giantclli  and  preserveth  to  us,  whether 
it  be  the  natural  life  of  the  bod}',  or  the  si)iritual  life  of  the  soul 
(for  both  are  from  him),  should  be  employed  in  '*  praising"  him. 
This  return  for  his  mercies  we  are  always  ready  to  promise,  when 
we  are  in  danger,  but  often  forgetl'ul  to  perform,  when  delivered 
out  of  it. 

176.  I  have  gone  astray  like  a  lost  sheep;  seek  thy  servant :  for 
I  do  not  forget  thy  coinmandments. 

It  is  doubtful,  whether  David  here  speaks  of  his  misery,  or  his 
sin ;  of  his  "  wandering,"  as  an  exile  in  foreign  lands,  or  of  his 
"going  astray"  from  the  "  commandments"  of  his  God,  though  he 
had  not  altogether  "  I'orgotten,"  but  was  desirous  of  returning  again 
to  the  observance  of  them,  and  therefore  beseeches  the  great  Shep- 
herd to  "  seek"  and  bring  back  his  "  lost  sheep."*  In  the  appli- 
cation of  the  passage  to  ourselves,  it  matters  not  which  interpreta- 
tion we  adopt,  since  we  are  both  sinners  and  exiles ;  exiles,  because 
sinners ;  "  we  have  erred  and  strayed  from  God's  ways,  like  lost 
sheep,"  and  are,  for  that  reason,  excluded  from  our  heavenly  city 
and  countr}-,  to  wander  for  a  time  in  the  wilderness.  Restore  us, 
O  Lord  Jesus,  by  thy  grace,  to  righteousness,  and  by  thy  power  to 
glory. 

TWENTY-SEVENTH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 

PSALM  CXX. 

ARGUMENT. 

This,  and  the  fourteen  Psalms  which  follow  it,  are  entitled,  "  Psalms  of 
Degrees,  or  of  Ascensions.  "  For  what  reason  they  were  so  called,  is  al- 
together uncertain.  Certain,  however,  it  is,  that  they  are  most  instructive 
and  pleasing  compositions,  wonderfully  calculated  to  elevate  the  soul  to 
God  ;  and  that  the  Christian,  as  he  proceeds  from  pne  degree  of  virtue  to 

*  "  Erravi  sicut  ovis — Omncs  nos  quasi  oves  erravimus,"  Isa.  liii.  6.  Sed 
nos  bonus  ille  Pastor  humeris  reportavit,  Luc.  .\v.  5.  Bossnel.  Mr.  Merrick's 
Poetical  Paraphrase  of  this  verse  is  so  beautiful  and  affecting,  that  I  cannot 
refrain  from  subjoining  it — 

Thine  ejes  In  me  the  fheep  J)ehoId, 

Whose  feet  have  wander'tl  from  the  fold ; 

That,  puideless,  helpless,  strives  in  vain 

To  find  its  safe  retreat  ag^iiii ; 

Now  listens,  if  perchance  its  ear 

The  Sliopherd's  well-known  voice  may  hear; 

Now,  as  the  tempest.*  round  it  blow, 

In  plaintive  accents  vents  its  woe. 

Great  Rider  of  this  earthly  lall, 

Do  thou  my  errinjj  steps  recall ; 

O  seek  thou  him  who  thee  has  soug'hl. 

Nor  turns  from  thy  decrees  bis  thought. 


050  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXX. 

anotlicT,  in  his  way  towards  eternal  felicity,  cannot  employ  himself  better 
than  in  meditation  on  them.  In  the  first  of  these  Psalms,  the  author, 
most  probably  David,  complaineth  of  the  falsehood,  the  treachery,  and. 
the  violence  of  men,  amongst  whom  he  grieveth  that  his  pilgrimage  is 
prolonged. 

1.  In  my  distress  I  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  heard  me.  2. 
Deliver  my  sold,  0  Lord,  from  lying  lips,  and  from  a  deceitful 
tongue. 

The  prophet  relateth  tlie  success  of  his  prayer  made  to  Jehovah 
in  time  of  trouble.  He  "  cried"  and  was  "  heard."  The  particular 
species  of  trouble,  under  which  he  then  laboured,  was  that  caused 
by  the  malice  and  treachery  of  his  adversaries,  who  either  with 
"  lying  lips"  bore  false  witness  against  him,  or  with  a  "  deceitful 
tongue"  tried  to  ensnare  him,  and  to  draw  something  from  him,  on 
which  they  might  ground  an  accusation.  Thus  the  Jews  dealt  with 
Christ;  and  men  of  their  cast  and  complexion  have,  in  all  ages, 
dealt  thus  with  his  true  followers.  From  such  "  lips,"  and  such 
"  tongues,"  God  only  can  "  deliver"  the  persons  and  the  reputations 
of  the  most  innocent. 

3.  What  shall  be  given  unto  thee?  or  what  shall  be  done  unto 
thee,  thou  false  tongue?  4.  Sharp  arroios  of  the  mighty,  roith  coals 
of  juniper. 

Some  render  the  first  of  these  two  verses  a  little  difierently ; 
"  What  shall  a  false  tongue  give  thee,  or  what  shall  it  add  to  thee  ?" 
The  sense  will  be  much  the  same,  whether  the  Psalmist  be  supposed 
to  address  his  question  to  the  false  tongue,  or  to  him  who  is  the 
owner  of  it.  The  purport  of  the  question  plainly  is  this ;  What 
profit  or  advantage  do  you  expect  to  reap  from  this  practice  of  ly- 
ing and  slandering ;  what  will  at  last  be  its  end  and  its  reward  ? 
Then  followeth  the  answer;  "  Sharp  arrows  of  the  mighty  one," 
inj,  who  is  the  avenger  of  truth  and  innocence ;  with  a  fire  that 
burns  fiercely,  and  burns  long,  like  that  which  was  made  of  "  juni- 
per," or  some  wood  used  in  those  days,  remarkable  for  increasing 
and  retaining  heat ;  punishments  Justly  inflicted  on  a  tongue,  the 
words  of  which  have  been  keen  and  killing  as  arrows,  and  which, 
by  its  lies  and  calumnies,  hath  contributed  to  set  the  world  on  fire. 
We  read  in  the  Gospel,  of  one  who  exclaimed,  "  Send  Lazarus, 
that  he  may  dip  the  tij)  of  his  finger  in  water,  and  cool  my  tongi'E  ; 
for  I  am  tormented  in  this  flame." 

5.  Wo  is  me  that  I  sojourn  in  Mesech,  that  J  dwell  in  the  tents 
if  Kedarf 

The  Psalmist  lamenteth  his  long  continuance  among  those  de- 
ceitful and  malicious  men,  whom  he  compareth  to  the  wild,  barba- 
rous, and  idolatrous  Arabs,  the  descendants  of  "  Kedar,"  the  son  of 


Day  XXVII.  M.  p.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  jjl 

Ishmael,  Gen.  x^v.  13.  The  former  part  of  the  verse  is  with  greater 
propriety,  perhaps,  rendered,  by  many  of  the  translators  and  ex- 
positors, thus ;  "  Wo  is  me  that  my  sojourning  is  proh)ngeil — " 
"Iiyo  'mJ  O,  "  I  dwell,  or,  my  dwelling  is,  among  the  tents  of  Ke- 
dar.-'  When  our  Lord  was  upon  earth,  the  Jews  were  become  the 
spiritual  Ishmaelites,  sons  of  the  bond-woman,  persecutors  of  the 
sons  of  the  free-woman,  and  the  children  of  promise.  "O  faithless 
and  perverse  generation,"  saith  he,  "  how  long  shall  I  be  with  you  ? 
How  long  shall  I  sulTer  your"  Matt.  xvii.  17.  "  And  as  then  he 
that  was  born  after  the  flesh,  persecuted  him  that  was  born  after 
the  Spirit,  even  so  it  is  now,"  Gal,  iv.  29.  The  church  daily  sigh- 
cth  and  groaneth,  because  her  "  sojourning  is  prolonged,"  and  she 
dwelleth  among  adversaries  of  various  denominations,  among  thos^ 
who  take  delight  in  vexing  and  troubling  her.  These  are  "  the 
tents  of  Kedar,"  among  which  we  dwell  in  the  wilderness,  longing 
to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Christ  in  the  city  of  the  living  God. 

C.  My  soul  hath  long  dwelt  with  him  thai  hatcth  peace.  7.  I 
am  for  peace  ;  or,  I  am  a  man  of  peace :  but  tchen  I  speak,  they 
iirej'or  tvar. 

If  this  was  the  case  with  David,  much  more  might  the  Son  of 
David  make  the  same  complaint,  that  he  dwelt  with  them  that  hated 
peace  ;  that  although  he  was  a  "  man  of  peace,"  meek,  lowly,  and 
gracious,  in  his  deportment  to  all  around  him ;  although  he  came 
to  make  peace,  anfl  to  reconcile  all  things  in  heaven  and  earth ;  al- 
though his  conversation  and  his  preaching  were  of  peace,  and  love, 
and  the  kingdom  of  God;  yet  no  sooner  did  he  open  his  mouth  to 
"  speak"  upon  these  divine  subjects,  but  his  enemies  were  up  in 
arms,  ready  to  apprehend,  to  accuse,  to  condemn,  and  to  crucify 
him.  Marvel  not,  O  disciple  of  Jesus  !  if  the  world  hate  and  op- 
pose thee ;  but  pray  only,  that  when  thou  shalt  be  used  as  he  was, 
thou  mayest  be  enabled  to  bear  that  usage  as  he  did. 

PSALM  CXXI. 

ARGUMENT. 

Ill  tills  Psalm,  the  prophet,  1,  2.  introduceth  a  person,  most  probably  an  Is- 
raelite on  his  way  to  Jerusalem,  expressing  his  trust  and  confidence  in  Je- 
hovah, the  maker  of  heaven  and  earth,  of  whose  favour  and  i)rotcctioi), 
at  all  times,  and  in  all  dangers,  the  prophet,  3 — 8.  assureth  him.  These 
promises,  like  those  in  the  scist  Psalin,  were,  in  their  full  and  spiritual 
sense,  made  good  to  Messiah,  and  arc  now  daily  accomplishing  in  the 
members  of  his  mystical  body,  the  Christian  church.  Bishop  Lowtli  sup- 
poseth  the  two  first  verses  to  be  spoken  by  David,  when  going  out  to  war, 
and  the  answer  of  encouragement  to  he  made  by  the  high  priest  from  the 


552  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXXI. 

holy  place.  In  this  case,  the  idea  of  warfare  is  added  to  that  of  pilgrimage, 
and  the  Psahn  rendered  still  more  applicable  to  us,  as  Tvcll  as  to  the  true 
David  our  King. 

1 .  I  will  lift  up  mine  eyes  unto  the  hills,  from  ichence  cometh 
my  help.  2.  My  help  cometh  from  the  Lord,  lohich  made  hea- 
ven and  earth. 

The  true  Israelite,  amidst  the  dangers  of  his  earthly  pilgrimage 
and  warfare,  looketh  continually  towards  the  heavenly  city,  whither 
he  is  travelling.  Faith  slioweth  him  afar  off  the  everlasting  "  hills, 
from  whence  cometh  the  help"  which  must  bring  him  in  safety 
to  them.  He  "  lifteth  up  his  eyes,"  in  prayer  to  the  Almighty, 
whose  temple  and  habitation  are  thereon.  He  putteth  not  his  trust 
in  any  creature,  but  iniploreth  aid  immediat^'y  of"  him  who  made 
heaven  and  earth,"  and  who,  consequently,  hath  power  over  all 
things  in  both. 

3.  He  wilhiot  suffer  thy  foot  to  be  moved:  he  that  keepeth  thet 
will  not  slumber.  4.  Behold,  he  that  keepeth  Israel,  shall  neither 
slumber  nor  sleep. 

In  the  two  first  verses,  we  heard  the  believer  declaring  his  reso- 
lution to  trust  in  God.  The  prophet  now  coramendeth  that  resolu- 
tion, and  encourageth  him  to  persevere  in  it.  As  if  he  had  said, 
Thou  doest  well  to  expect  help  from  Jehovah  alone ;  to  overlook 
the  vanities  here  below;  to  place  thy  confidence,  and  set  thy  af- 
fections, on  him  who  dwelleth  above.  Know,  therefore,  assuredly, 
that  he  will  be  with  thee  in  the  way  in  which  thou  goest ;  he  will 
preserve  thee  from  falling,  and  defend  thee  from  all  dangers  ;  for  in 
him  thou  hast  a  guardian,  who  is  not  like  all  others,  liable  to  remit 
his  care,  by  being  subject  to  sleep  or  death.  The  eye  of  his  pro- 
vidence is  upon  thee,  and  that  is  always  open.  "  Behold,  he  that 
keepeth  Isrwel  shall  neither  slumber  nor  sleep." 

5.  The  Lord  is  thy  keeper :  the  Lord  is  thy  shade  upon  thy 
right  hand.  6.  The  sun  shall  not  smite  thee  by  day,  nor  the  moon 
by  night. 

The  meaning  is,  that  the  good  man,  durmg  his  journey  through 
life,  shall  be  under  God's  protection  at  all  seasons;  as  Israel  in  the 
wilderness  was  defended  from  the  burning  heat  of  the  sun,  by  the 
moist  and  refreshing  shadow  of  the  cloud  ;  and  secured  against  the 
inclement  influences  of  the  nocturnal  heavens,  by  the  kindly 
warmth  and  splendour  diffused  from  the  pillar  of  fire.  Be  thou 
with  us,  thy  servants,  O  Lord,  in  the  world,  as  thou  wast  with  Is- 
rael in  the  wilderness;  suffer  not  our  virtue  to  dissolve  before  the 
sultry  gleams  of  prosperity;  permit  it  not  to  be  frozen  by  the  chil- 
ling blasts  of  adversity. 


Day  XXVII.  M.  p.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  M3 

7.  The  Lord  shall  preserve  thee  from  all  evil:  he  shall  pre- 
serve thy  soul.  8.  The  Lord  shall  preserve  thy  going  out,  and 
thy  coming  in,  from  this  time  forth  for  evermore. 

To  dissipate  our  fears,  and  remove  every  ground  of  diffidence, 
Jelurvali  promiselh,  by  his  holy  prophet,  to  '•  preserve  us  from  all 
evil,''  which  miglu  befall  us  in  the  way,  either  by  turning  it  aside, 
or  turning  it  hnally  to  our  advantage,  so  that  we  shall  not  perish, 
but  see  our  labours  happily  begun  and  ended  in  him;  he  shall  pre- 
F.erve  our  going  out,  and  our  coming  in,  until,  through  all  the  vicis- 
situdes of  the  mortal  state,  he  shall  have  brought  us  into  his  holy 
"  temple,"  there  to  become  "  pillars,-'  and  lo  '■"  go  no  more  out," 
Hev.  iii.  12. 

PSALM  CXXU. 

AUGL/'MENT. 

The  author  of  this  Psalm,  as  we  are  informed  by  its  title,  was  David.  The 
subject  of  it  is  that  joy  which  the  people  were  wont  to  express  upon  their 
going  up  in  companies  to  keep  a  feast  at  Jerusalem,  when  the  divine  ser- 
vices were  regulated,  and  that  city  was  appointed  to  be  the  place  of  public 
worship.  Every  thing  whicli  can  be  said  upon  this  topic,  must  naturally 
hold  good  in  its  application  to  the  Christian  church,  and  the  celebration  of 
her  feasts;  at  which  seasons  the  believer  will  as  naturally  extend  his 
thoughts  to  the  Jerusalem  above,  and  to  that  festival,  which  shall  one  day 
be  there  kept  by  all  the  people  of  God. 

1 .  I  was  glad  lohen  they  said  unto  mc,  Let  us  go  into  the  house 
of  the  hoRD. 

Great  was  the  joy  of  an  Israelite,  when  his  brethren  called  upon 
him  to  accompany  them,  on  some  festive  occasion,  to  the  taberna- 
cle, or  temple  at  Jerusalem ;  great  is  the  joy  of  a  Christian,  when 
he  is  invited,  in  like  manner,  to  celebrate  the  feasts  of  the  church, 
to  commemorate  the  nativity:  or  the  resurrection,  and  to  eat  and 
drink  at  the  table  of  his  Lord.  Such,  in  kind,  but  far  greater  in 
degree,  is  that  gladness,  which  the  pious  soul  experiences,  when 
she  is  called  hence;  when  descending  angels  say  unto  lu.'r,  Thy 
labour  and  sorrow  are  at  an  end,  and  the  hour  of  tiiy  enlargement 
is  come;  put  off  mortality  and  misery  at  once;  quit  thy  house  of 
bondage,  and  the  land  of  thy  captivity ;  lly  forth,  and  "  let  us  go 
together  into  the  house  of  the  Lord,  not  made  with  hands,  eternal 
in  the  heavens." 

2.  Our  feet  shall  stand  within  thy  gates,  0  Jerusalem. 

Yes,  O  thou  holy  and  happy  city  of  peace,  and  love,  and  ever 
lasting  delight,  our  God  will  in  t  Jme  bring  us  to  behohi,  and  to  enter 
thee;  our  I'eet,  which  now,  with  many  a  weary  step,  tread  the  earthy 
70 


j54  a  commentary  Psal.  CXXll. 

"  sliall"  one  day  '•  stand  within  thy  gates,"  which  are  opened  to  all 
believers;  we  shall  at  length  rest  in  thy  celestial  mansions,  and 
converse  for  ever  with  thy  blest  inhabitants  ! 

3.  Jerusalem  is  hvilded  as  a  city  thai  is  compact  together. 
We  see  thee  not,  indeed,  as  yet,  but  we  hear  of  thy  stability,  thy 

unity,  thy  beauty,  and  thy  magnificence.  Thy  foundations  are  firm 
upon  the  holy  hills;  they  are  garnished  with  all  manner  of  precious 
stones ;  and  in  them  are  the  names  of  the  twelve  apostles  of  the 
Lamb.  Thy  gates  are  of  pearl,  twelve  in  number,  and  open  to  all 
quarters,  for  the  tribes  of  the  spiritual  Israel  to  come  in.  Thy 
streets  are  of  pure  gold,  as  it  were  transparent  glass ;  thou  art 
crowned  with  the  unfoding  brightness  of  eternal  glory  ;  and  the  Lord 
<Mxl  Almighty  and  the  Lamb  are  the  temple  in  the  midst  of  thee. 
All  these  glorious  things  are  spoken  of  thee,  thou  city  of  God! 
And  yet,  when  \ve  come  to  see  thee  with  our  eyes,  we  shall  be 
forced  to  confess,  as  the  queen  of  Sheba  did  upon  viewing  the  earthly 
Jerusalem,  with  its  material  temple,  and  the  courts  of  its  mortal 
king,  that  thou  far  "  exceedest  the  fame  which  we  had  heard,"  and 
that  "  the  half  was  not  told  us,"  1  Kings  x.  7. 

4.  Whither  the  tribes  go  up,  the  tribes  of  the  Lord,  unto,  or, 
according  to,  the  testimony  of  Israel,  to  give  thanks  unto  the  name 
of  the  Lord. 

As  all  the  '^'  tribes"  of  Israel,  three  times  in  the  year,  were  seen 
'■'■  going  up"  to  the  old  Jerusalem  in  compliance  with  the  testimo- 
nies, the  injunctions,  and  institutions  of  their  law,  to  acknowledge 
the  mercies,  and  to  give  thanks  unto  the  name  of  "  Jehovah,"  who 
had  done  such  great  things  for  them;  so  from  the  ends  of  the  earth 
are  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord,  out  of  every  nation,  and  kindred, 
and  people,  continually  ascending,  by  faith  and  cliarity,  to  the  new 
Jerusalem.  St.  John  saw  the  nations  of  them  that  were  saved, 
walking  in  the  light  of  the  heavenly  chy,  and  he  heard  "her  streets 
resound  widi  the  hallelujahs  often  thousand  times  ten  thousand. 

T).  For  there  arc  set  thrones  of  judgment,  the  thrones  of  the 
house  of  David. 

The  Israelites  rcsorled  to  Jerusalem,  because  it  was  the  metro- 
polis of  the  country,  and  there  was  the  residence  of  their  monarchs, 
after  the  kingdom  was  established  in  the  house  of  David.  But 
alas  !  that  metropolis  is  desolate,  and  ''  the  thrones  of  judgment" 
which  were  therein,  have  been  long  since  cast  down  to  the  ground. 
A  Jerusaleu),  however,  remains,  which  shall  never  be  moved;  in 
that  Jerusalem  is  the  throne  of  eternal  judgment  erected,  and  the 
Son  of  David  sitteth  upon  it.  Of  him  it  was  said  by  the  angel  to 
Mary.    "  The  Lord  God  shall  give  unto  him  the.  throne  of  his  fa- 


DayXXVII.  M.  p.         OxN  THE  PSALMS.  055 

llior  David :  and  he  shall  reign  over  tlie  liouso  of  Jacob  for  over, 
tind  of  his  kingdom  there  shall  be  no  end,"  Luke  i.  32.  And  he 
himself  tlms  addressed  his  apostles;  "  Verily,  I  say  unto  you,  that 
ve  which  have  followed  me  in  the  regeneration,  when  the  Son  ol" 
man  shall  sit  on  the  throne  of  his  glory,  ye  also  shall  sit  upon  twelve 
ihrones,  judging  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel,''  Matt.  xix.  28. 

6.  Pray  for  the  jjeace  of  Jesusalem :  they  shall  prosper  that 
hve  thee. 

In  this  latter  part  of  our  Psalm,  the  members  of  the  Israehtish 
church  are  exhorted  to  pfay  for  its  peace  and  wellare.  What  that 
church  was,  the  Christian  church  militant  upon  earth  now  is,  and 
dcmandeth  in  like  manner,  the  prayers  of  all  ("hristian  people  for 
its  peace  and  welfare  in  a  troublesome  and  contentious  world.  h'=. 
increase  here  below  is  in  reality  the  increase  of  Jerusalem  above, 
of  which  it  is  a  part,  and  ought  to  be  a  resemblance.  Heaven 
has  therefore  decreed,  that  they  who  contribute  their  labours  as 
well  as  their  prayers,  to  promote  so  good  and  so  glorious  an  end, 
shall  enjoy  its  protection,  and  its  blessing  shall  be  upon  the  work 
of  their  hands;  '"'They  shall  pros})er  that  love  thee."' 

7.  Peace  be  within  thy  trails,  and  prosperity,  or,  jileiiteousncss, 
within  thy  palaces. 

Come,  O  thou  divine  Spirit  of  peace  and  love,  who  didst  reside 
in  the  soul  of  the  holy  Jesus,  descend  into  his  mystical  body,  and 
till  us,  who  compose  it,  with  all  its  heavenly  tempers;  put  an  end 
to  heresies,  heal  all  schisms,  cause  bitter  contentions  to  cease, 
abolish  every  enmity,  and  make  us  to  be  of  one  mind  in  thy  holy 
city ;  that  so,  "  peace  being  within  her  walls,"  her  citizens  may 
give  themselves  to  every  profitable  employment,  and  jilenteousness 
of  grace,  wisdom,  and  truth,  as  well  as  of  earthly  blessings,  maybe 
in  all  her  "  palaces."  Thus  will  she  become  a  lively  portrait  of 
that  place  which  is  prepared  for  them  that  love  one  another,  where, 
with  one  heart  and  one  voice,  tliey  shall  ascribe  "  salvation  anil 
glory  to  God  and  to  the  Lamb." 

8.  For  my  brethren  and  companions'  sahes,  I  trill  now  say, 
Peace  be  within  thee.  9.  Because  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  our 
God,  I  will  seek  thy  good. 

In  these  concluding  verses,  the  Psalmist  declaretli  the  two  mo- 
tives, which  induced  him  to  utter  his  best  wishes,  and  to  use  his 
best  endeavours,  for  the  prosperity  of  Jerusalem;  namely,  love  to 
his  brethren,  whose  happiness  was  involved  in  that  of  their  city ; 
and  love  to  God,  who  had  there  fixed  the  residence  of  his  glory. 
These  motives  are  ever  in  force,  and  ought,  surely,  to  operate  with 
marvellous  energy  upon  our  hearts,  to  stir  us  up  to  imitate  the  pat- 


556 


A  COMMENTARY 


PSAL.  CXXIt 


tern  now  before  us,  in  fervent  zeal  and  unwearied  labour,  for  the 
salvation  of  men,  and  the  dor}'  of  their  great  Redeemer;  both 
which  will  then  be  complete,  when  the  church  militant  shall  be- 
come triumphant,  and  the  heavenly  paradise  shall  he  filled  with 
plants  taken  from  its  terrestrial  nursery. 

Theodore  Zuinger,  of  whom  some  account  may  be  found  in 
Thuanus,  when  he  lay  on  his  death-bed,  took  his  leave  of  the  world 
in  a  paraphrase  on  the  foregoing  Psalm;  giving  it  the  same  turn 
with  that  given  to  it  above.  I  have  never  been  able  to  get  a  sight 
of  the  original;*  but  one  may  venture,  I  believe,  to  say,  that  it  has 
lost  nothing  in  a  translation  of  it  by  the  late  learned  and  pious  Mr. 
Merrick ;  which  is  so  excellent,  that  I  must  beg  leave  to  present  il 
to  the  reader.  Some  of  the  lines  are  retained  in  his  more  literal 
Poetical  Version,  published  in  1765.  It  may  serve  as  a  finished 
specimen  of  the  noble  and  exaUed  use  which  a  Christian  may,  and 
ought  to  make,  of  the  Psalms  of  David. 


PSALM  CXXIL 


I. 

What  joy,  while  thus  I  view  the  day 
That  warns  my  thirsting  soul  away, 

What  transports  fill  my  breast! 
For,  lo,  my  great  Redemer's  power 
Unfolds  the  everlasting  door, 

And  leads  me  to  his  Rest. 

II. 

The  festive  morn,  my  God,  is  come, 
That  calls  me  to  the  hallow'd  dome, 

Thy  presence  to  adore ; 
My  feet  the  summons  shall  attend, 
With  willing  steps  thy  courts  ascend, 

And  tread  th'  ethereal  floor. 


'■  Since  the  publication  of  tVie  first  edition,  a  learned  friend  has  obliset^ 
me  with  a  copy  of  these  Latin  verses  of  Zuinger,  transcribed  from  the  303d 
page  of  VitcB  Germanorum  Medicorum,  by  Melchior  Adamus.  Tluy  are  as 
follow  : 


O  lux  Candida,  lux  mihi 
Lati  conscia  transitus ! 
Per  Christi  iiienlumpatct 

Vita-  porta  l)eatn>. 
Me  status  rcvoi  at  dies 
Augustmn  Uoinini  iid  domum. 
.lam  sacra  a;therii  premani 

LiEtus  Uinina  templi. 
.Tam  visam  Solyma;  edita 
Ctrlo  culmina,  et  a;dium 
Coetus  angelicos,  suo  et 

Augustiim  popiilo  urbom : 
IJrbeni,  quam  procul  infimis 
Terra;  iinibus  exrili 
retuntChristiada;,et  Ueum 

Laudeut  voce  perenni : 


.Tussam  cirlitus  oppidis 
XJrbein  Jus  dare  cajteris, 
Kt  sede'm  fore  Davidis 

Cuncta  in  saecla  beati. 
Mater  nobilis  urbium ! 
Kemper  te  bona  pax  amat : 
Kite  semper  amanlibus 

Cedunt  omnia  rccte. 
Semper  pax  tua  moenia 
Colit ;  semper  in  atriis 
Tuis  copia  dextera 

Larga  munera  fundit- 
Dulcis  Christiaduni  domu.=, 
Civem  adscribe  novitium: 
Solo  comitata  Carltas — 

Spesque  Fidesque  valete. 


Day  XXVII.  M.  P.        ON  THE  PSALMS. 
III. 

E'en  now  to  my  expecting  eyes 

The  heav'n-built  towers  of  Salem  rise  : 

E'en  now,  with  ^lad  survey, 
I  view  her  mansions,  that  contain 
Th'  angelic  forms,  an  awful  train 

And  shine  with  cloudless  day. 
IV. 
Hither,  from  earth's  remotest  end, 
Lo,  the  redcem'd  of  God  ascend, 

Their  tribute  hither  bring: 
Here  crown'd  with  everlasting  joy. 
In  hymns  of  praise  their  tongues  employ, 

And  hail  Ih'  immortal  King. 
V. 
'Great  Salem's  King;  who  bids  each  state 
On  her  decrees  dependent  wait ; 
, ,    .       In  her,  e'er  time  begun. 

High  on  eternal  base  uprear'd, 
His  hands  tlie  regal  seat  prepar'd 

For  Jesse's  favour'd  son.  ' 

VI. 
Mother  of  cities!  o'er  thy  head 
See  Peace,  with  healing  wings  outspread, 

Delighted  fix  her  stay  ; 
How  blest,  who  calls  iiimself  thy  friend  ! 
Success  his  labours  shall  attend, 

And  safely  guard  his  way. 
VII. 
Thy  walls,  remote  from  hostile  fear, 
Nor  the  loud  voice  of  tumult  hear. 

Nor  war's  wild  wastes  deplore ; 
There  smiling  Plenty  takes  her  stand, 
And  in  thy  courts  with  lavish  hand 

Has  pour'd  forth  all  her  store. 
VIII. 
Let  me,  blest  seat,  my  name  behold 
Among  thy  citizens  cnroll'd, 

In  thee  for  ever  dwell. 
Let  Charity  my  steps  attend. 
My  sole  companion  and  my  friend. 

And  Faith  and  Hope  farewell ! 


PSALM  CXXITL 

ARGUMENT. 
This  Psalm  containeth,  1,2.  an  act  of  confidence  in  God,  with,  3,  4.  a  prayei 
for  deliverance  from  that  reproach  and  contempt  which  infidelity  and  sen- 
suality are  wont  to  pour  upon  the  afflicted  people  of  God. 

1 .  Unto  thee  I  lift  up  mine  eyes,  0  thou  that  dwellest  iti  the  hea- 
vens. 

The  church,  when  distressed  and  persecuted  upon  earth,  "  lifleth 
up  her  eyes  to  him  that  dwelleth  in  the  heavens,  from  thence  be- 
holding and  ordering  all  things  here  below.  It  is  by  his  permission 
that  she  is  depressed  and  insulted ;  and  he  only  can  deliver  her  out 
of  the  hands  of  her  enemies. 


55S  A  COMMENTARY         Psal.  CXXIV 

2.  Behold,  as  the  eyes  of  servants  look  imto  the  hand  of  their 
masfxrs,  and  as  the  ei/es  of  a  maiden  unto  the  hand  of  her  mis- 
tress; so  our  eyes  wait  iqwn  the  Lord  our  (iod,  until  that  he  have 
mercy  vpon  us. 

The  servants  of  God  like  other  servants,  if  they  are  injured  and 
suffer  violence,  expect  redress  and  protection  from  their  Master, 
whose  they  are  and  whom  they  serve.  Under  the  law  of  Moses,  a 
master  was  to  demand  satisfaction,  and  to  have  it  made  him,  for  any 
hurt  done  to  his  servant.  And  shall  not  the  best  of  Masters  avenge 
the  wrongs  done  to  those  who  serve  Him  ;  and  done,  perhaps,  be- 
cause they  serve  him?  Without  iloubt,  he  will  avenge  them  spee- 
dily, and  reward  the  suflerers  gloriously. 

3.  Have  mercy  upon  us,  O  Lord,  have  mercy  upon.us :  for  we 
are  exceedingly  filled  with  contempt.    4.   Our  soul  is  exceedingly 

filled  with  the  scorning  of  those  that  are  at  ease,  and  with  the  con- 
tempt of  the  proud. 

Unbelieving,  ungodly,  and  worldly  men,  who  are  "  at  ease,*'  and 
boast  themselves  in  the  multitude  of  their  riches,  will  always  be 
ready  to  cast  upon  the  afliicted  servants  of  Christ  some  portion  of 
that  reproach  and  contempt,  which  were  so  plentifully  poured  upon 
their  blessed  Master,  in  tlie  day  of  his  passion,  and  indeed  through 
his  whole  life.  With  these  they  may  Justly  complain  that  "  their 
souls  are  exceedingly  filled,'''  insomuch  that  they  are  compelled  to 
•exclaim  with  redoubled  earnestness,  "  Have  mercy  upon  us,  O 
Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us."  And  let  them  know,  for  their  com- 
fort;, tliat  the  Lord  w  ill  "  have  mercy  upon  them"  in  that  day  when 
sensuality  shall  be  succeeded  by  torment,  and  pride  shall  end  in 
shame  and  confusion ;  when  patient  poverty  shall  inherit  everlast- 
ing riches,  and  oppressed  humility  shall  be  exalted  to  a  throne 
above  the  stars. 

PSALM  CXXIV. 

AR(iUMKNT. 

In  (liis  Fsahii,  which,  as  vvc  arc  ini'onncd  by  (he  title,  haih  David  for  its  aii- 
tlior,  tlie  church  describeth  the  danger  in  which  siie  liad  been,  and  giveth 
to  God  alone  the  glory  of  her  deliverance  out  of  it. 

1.  J/"  it  had  not  been  the  Lord  who  was  on  our  side,  now  may 
Israel  say  ;  2.  If  it  had  not  been  the  Lord  irho  was  on  our  side, 
lohen  men  rose  vp  against  us :  3.  Then  they  had  swallowed  us  tq) 
quick,  ivhen  their  wrath  7vas  kindled  against  us. 

The  jjeople  of  Israel  rescued  from  impending  ruin,  break  fortii 
into  a  joyful  acknowledgment  of  that  almighty  aid,  to  which  they 


Day  XXVII.  M.  P.        OX  THE  PSALMS.  559 

were  indebted  for  their  deliverance.  "  Men''  rose  up  against  tliem, 
but  "  Jeiiovah"'  was  on  their  side  ;  men  intended  to  devour,  but  God 
interposctl  to  save.  May  not  "  the  Israel  of  God"  say,  in  like  nian- 
ner,  '•  If  the  Lord  had  not  been  on  our  side,"  when  our  spiritual 
enemies,  sin,  death,  and  hell,  were  in  arms  a^^ainst  us,  surely  now 
"  they  had  swallowed  us  up  quick,"  and  wc  had  perished  everlast- 
ingly. It  is  thou,  O  Lord  Jesu,  who  hast  wrought  for  us  this  great 
salvation;  it  is  thou  who  from  the  beginning  hast  ])roserved  thy 
church  in  the  world,  amidst  the  persecutions  which  must  otherwise 
have  put  an  end  to  its  very  existence. 

4.  Then  the  tvaters  had  overwhelmed  us;  the  stream,  or,  tor- 
rent,  had  gone  over  our  soul:  i>.  Then  the  proud,  or,  swelling, 
waters  had  gene  over  our  soul. 

The  redeemed  are  astonished,  upon  looking  back,  at  the  great- 
ness of  the  danger  to  which  they  had  been  exposed.  They  can 
compare  the  fury  and  insolence  of  their  adversaries  to  nothing  but 
overwhelming  floods  and  desolating  torrents;  and  the}-  consider 
themselves  as  snatched  by  a  miracle  from  instant  destruction. 
Happy  they,  wi\o  are  taken  from  the  evil  to  come,  and  have  passed 
from  the  miseries  of  earth  to  the  felicities  of  heaven,  where  they 
are  neither  tempted  nor  molested  more.  The  devout  Christian, 
whom,  in  perilous  times,  and  towards  the  close  of  life,  a  gracious 
Providence  has  thrown  ashore  in  some  sequestered  corner,  from 
whence  he  views  those  secular  tumults  with  which  he  hath  no  far- 
ther concern,  is  perhaps  arrived  at  the  next  degree  of  happiness  to 
that  of  just  spirits  made  perfect. 

6.  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  ivho  hath  not  given  us  as  a  prc7j  to  their 
teeth.  7.  Our  soul  is  escaped  as  a  bird  out  of  the  snare  of  the 
fowlers  :  the  snare  is  broken,  and  loe  are  escaped. 

The  marvellous  deliverance  of  Israel  is  illustrated  by  two  other 
images.  It  is  compared  to  the  escape  of  a  lamb  from  the  jaws  of 
a  wolf,  or  a  lion ;  and  to  that  of  a  bird,  by  the  breaking  of  the  snare, 
in  which  it  had  been  entangled,  before  the  fowler  came  to  seize  and 
to  kill  it.  Save  us,  O  God,  from  the  rage  and  the  subtlety  of  our 
spiritual  adversary  ;  save  us  from  his  teeth,  when  he  would  devour; 
from  his  snares,  when  he  would  deceive ;  sufler  us  not,  either  by 
persecution  or  temptation,  to  fall  from  thee;  let  the  lion  gnash  his 
teeth,  and  the  fowler  look  for  his  captive  in  vain;  that  so  we  too 
may  sing  the  song  of  Zion  in  thy  heavenly  kingdom,  and  say, 
"  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  hath  not  given  us  ovjr  for  a  prey  unto 
their  teeth.  Our  soul  is  escap'd  as  a  bird  out  of  the  snare  of  the 
fowlers;  the  snare  is  broken,  and  we  are  escaped." 


500  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXXV. 

8.  Our  help  is  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  icho  made  heaven  and 
earth. 

The  great  lesson  which  this  Psalm,  from  the  beginning  to  the 
end,  inculcates,  is,  that  for  every  deliverance,  whether  of  a  temporal 
or  spiritual  nature,  we  should,  in  imitation  of  the  saints  above, 
ascribe  "  salvation  to  God  and  to  the  Lamb." 


PSALM  CXXV. 

ARGUMENT. 

Ill  this  Psalm,  tlie  church  is  comforted  with  the  promises,  1,2.  of  God's  pro- 
tection, and,  8.  of  his  removing^,  in  due  time,  from  his  inheritance  the 
rod  of  the  oppressor ;  when,  4.  the  faithful  will  be  rewarded,  and,  5.  apos- 
tates punished  with  other  workers  of  iniquity.  Aben  Ezra,  as  cited  by 
Hammond,  applieth  the  Psalm  to  the  days  of  Messiah. 

1.  They  that  trust  in  the  l-.ov.iis\id\\  be  as  mount  Zion,  which 
cannot  be  removed,  but  ahideih  for  ever.  2.  As  the  mountains 
are  round  about  Jerusalem,  so  the  Lord  is  round  about  his  people 
from  henceforth,  even  for  ever. 

The  stability  of  the  church,  and  the  protection  afforded  her  by 
Jehovah,  were  of  old  represented  by  the  mountain  on  which  the 
Divine  presence  resided,  and  by  the  hills  which  encompassed  Jeru- 
salem, so  as  to  render  that  city  in  a  manner  impregnable.  While 
her  inhabitants  continued  to  "  trust  in  the  Lord,"  this  was  the  case. 
But  when  they  became  faithless  and  disobedient,  she  became  weak, 
and  like  another  city.  Let  not  our  "  trust  in  God"  be  a  pre- 
sumptuous, ungrounded  assurance;  but  let  it  be  a  confidence  spring- 
ing from  faith  unfeigned,  out  of  a  pure  heart,  a  good  conscience, 
and  fervent  charity.  Then  shall  our  situation,  whetlier  as  a  church 
or  as  individuals,  resemble  that  of  the  holy  mount  in  the  beloved 
city,  and  our  God  will  be  unto  us  a  fortress,  and  a  wall  rounil  about. 
But  let  us  never  forget,  that  the  promises  to  us,  like  those  to  Israel, 
are  conditional :  "  Because  of  unbelief  they  were  broken  ofi"j  and 
we  stand  by  faith." 

3.  For  the  rod  of  the  wiched  shall  not  rest  iipon  the  lot  of  the 
righteous  ;  lest  the  righteous  put  forth  their  hands  unto  iniquity. 

God  may,  and  often  doth,  permit  "  the  rod"  or  power  ''  of  the 
wicked  to  fall  upon  the  lot  of  the  righteous,"  in  this  world.  But  it 
is  only  for  the  purposes  of  chastisement,  or  probation.  The  rod  is 
not  suffered  to  "  rest,"  or  abide,  liiere  too  long,  '*  lest  the  righteous," 
harassed  and  worn  down  by  oppression,  and  seeing  no  end  of  their 
calamities,  should  be  tempted  to  ''  put  their  hands  to  iniquity," 


Day  XXVII.  E.  P.        ON  THE  PSALIMS.  OCl 

and  practise  that  wickedness,  which  they  find  to  prosper  so  well 
here  below.  The  import  of  this  verse  seemeth  to  be  the  same  with 
that  of  our  Lord's  prediction  concerning  the  troubles  of  the  latter 
days.  Then  shall  be  great  tribulation,  such  as  was  not  since  the 
beginning  of  the  world  to  this  time,  no  nor  ever  shall  be.  And  ex- 
cept those  days  should  be  shortened,  there  should  no  flesh  be  saved. 
But  for  the  elect's  sake  those  days  shall  be  shortened,"  Matt.  xxiv. 
21,  22. 

4.  Do  good,  0  Lord,  unto  those  that  be  good,  and  to  them  that 
are  upright  in  their  hearts.  5.  As  for  such  as  turn  aside  unto 
(heir  crooked  loays,  the  Lord  shall  lead  the ni  forth  with  the  loork- 
ers  of  iniquity  ;  hni  peace  shall  be  upon  Israel. 

"  The  good  and  upright  in  heart"  are  they  who  stand  steady  in 
every  change  of  circumstances;  who  complain  not  of  God's  dis- 
pensations, but,  believing  every  thing  to  be  best  which  he  ordains, 
adhere  to  him  with  a  will  entirely  conformed  to  his,  in  adversity  no 
less  than  in  prosperity.  To  these  Jehovah  will  finally  "  do  good;" 
and  they  shall  receive  the  reward  of  their  faith  and  patience ;  while 
such  as,  in  time  of  trial,  have  fallen  away,  and  returned  no  more, 
"  shall  be  led  forth"  to  punishment  ^'  with  the  workers  of  iniquity," 
to  whose  company  their  apostacy  hath  joined  them.  And  then, 
*'  peace  shall  be  upon  the  Israel  of  God,"  with  joy  and  gladness, 
for  evermore. 

TWENTY-SEVENTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  CXXVL 

ARGUMENT. 

in  this  Psalm,  the  children  of  Zion,  1 — 3.  describe  the  juy  consequent  upon 
their  restoration  from  captivity  ;  4.  they  pray  God  to  brint^  back  the  rest 
of  their  countrymen,  and  to  complete  his  work;  5,  6.  they  foresee  and 
predict  the  success  of  their  laljours  in  rebuilding  their  ruined  city  with  itg 
temple,  and  cultivating  again  their  desolated  country.  The  return  of 
Israel  from  Babylon  holds  forth  a  figure  of  the  same  import  with  the  exo- 
dus of  that  people  from  Egypt.  And  this  Psalm,  like  the  prophecies  of 
Isaial),  representeth  the  blessed  efi'ects  of  a  spiritual  redemption,  in  words 
primarily  alluding  to  that  temporal  release. 

1.  fVhcn  the  Lord  turned  again  the  captivity  of  Zion,  we  tcere 
like  them  that  dream. 

That  Cyrus  should  issue  a  decree  for  the  Jews  to  return  to  their 

own  country,  and  to  rebuild  their  city  and  temple;  that  he  should 

dismiss  such  a  number  of  captives,  not  only  without  money  and 

without  price,  but  should  send  them  home  laden  with  presents ; 

71 


662  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXXVl. 

Ezra  i.  I — 4.  this  was  the  work  of  Jehovah,  who  only  could  thus 
"  turn  the  captivity  of  Zion.-'  A  restoration  so  complete,  so  strange 
and  unlookeil  for,  brought  about  at  once,  without  any  endeavours 
used  on  the  side  of  Israel,  seemed,  in  all  these  respects,  as  a 
"  dream  5"  and  the  parties  concerned,  when  they  saw  and  heard 
sucli  things,  could  scarce  believe  themselves  to  be  awake.  That 
the  King  of  kings,  of  his  own  mere  love  and  mercy,  should  take 
pity  on  poor  mankind,  in  their  more  grievous  captivity  under  sin 
and  death ;  that  he  should  send  his  only  Son  to  purchase  their 
liberty,  his  Spirit  to  enrich,  and  to  conduct  them  to  their  country 
above,  and  his  heralds  to  proclaim  such  unexpected  deliverance  to 
all  the  world ;  this  likewise  was  the  work  of  the  same  Jehovah, 
who  only  could  thus  "  turn  again  the  captivity  of  his  Zion."  Sin- 
ners, when  the  tidings  of  a  salvation  so  great  and  marvellous  are 
preached  to  them,  think  themselves  in  a  "  dream,"  and  with  difli- 
culty  give  credit  even  to  the  royal  proclamation,  though  the  great 
seal  of  heaven  be  affixed  to  it. 

2.  ThcH  teas  our  mouth  Jillcd  with  laughter ^  and  our  tongue 
with  singing:  then  said  they  among  the  heathen,  The  Lord  hath 
done  great  things  for  them.  3.  The  Lord  hath  done  great  things 
for  tis  ;  whereof  toe  are  glad. 

The  people  of  God  soon  find,  that  they  are  not  mocked  with  il- 
lusions, but  that  all  about  them  is  reality  and  truth.  Then  sorrow 
and  sighing,  fear  and  distrust,  fly  away  together.  Joy  fills  their 
hearts,  and  overflows  by  their  tongues,  in  songs  of  praise.  The 
nations  hear,  and  are  astonished,  and  own  the  hand  of  Jehovah  in 
tlie  restoration  of  his  people ;  "  Jehovah  hath  done  great  things  for 
them."  The  chosen  people  echo  back  the  gladsome  sound,  and 
reply,  with  transports  of  gratitude,  "  Jehovah  hath  done  great  things 
for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad."  Every  word  of  this  agreeth  not 
more  exactly  to  the  return  from  Babylon,  than  it  doth  to  that  eter- 
nal redemption  thereby  prefigured,  which  is  the  grand  subject  of 
thanksgiving  in  the  Christian  church. 

4.  Tur7i  again  our  captivity,  O  Loud,  as  the  streams  in  the  south. 

The  joy  occasioned  by  Cyrus's  jiroclamation  having  been  de- 
scribed in  the  former  part  of  the  Psalm,  we  may  now  suppose  some 
of  the  Jews  ready  to  set  out  on  their  return  home;  at  which  time, 
and  during  their  journey,  they  prefer  this  petition  to  God,  that  he 
would  be  pleased  to  bring  back  the  rest  of  their  countrymen,  who, 
like  "  floods"  rolling  down  upon  the  thirsty  regions  of  the  "  south,"* 

"  I  think  (he  iniasc  is  taken  from  tlie  "  torrents"  in  the  deserts  to  the  south 
of  Judea;  in  l(hiii'.Ta,  Arabia  Potriea,  kc.  a  mountainous  country.  These 
torrents  were  constantly  drit'd  up  in  llie  summer  ;  See  Job  vi.  17,18.  and  as 
constantly  "  returned"  after  the  rainy  season,  and  filled  again  their  deserted 


1>AY  XXVII.  E.  P.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  5G3 

might  people  the  land,  and  by  their  labours  put  an  end  to  the  deso- 
lations of  Judah.  That  God  would  daily  increase  the  number  of 
true  converts  from  the  world  to  the  church,  to  clear  and  cultivate 
the  mystical  vineyard,  to  build  and  to  ornament  the  holy  cit}-, 
should  be  the  prayer  of  every  labourer  in  that  vineyard,  of  every 
citizen  in  that  city. 

5.  Theij  that  sow  in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy.  G.  He  that  goeth 
forth  and  tceepeth,  beariui^  precious  seed,  shall  doubtless  come 
again  icith  rejoicing,  bringing  his  sheaves  with  him. 

The  fatigue  of  travelling  from  Babylon  to  Judea  ;  the  melancholy 
prospect  of  a  long-depopulated  country,  and  ruined  city ;  the  toil 
necessary  to  be  undergone  before  the  former  could  be  again  brought 
into  order,  and  the  latter  rebuilt;  all  these  considerations  could 
not  but  allay  the  joy  of  the  released  captives,  and  even  draw  ma 
ny  tears  from  their  eyes.  They  are  therefore  comforted  with  a 
gracious  promise,  that  God  would  give  a  blessing  to  the  labours  of 
their  hands,  and  crown  them  with  success,  so  that  they  should 
once  more  see  Jerusalem  in  jn-osperity,  and  behold  in  Zion  the 
beauty  of  holiness.  This  promise  is  conveyed  under  images  bor- 
rowed from  the  instmctive  scenes  of  agriculture.  In  the  sweat  of 
his  brow  the  husbandman  tills  his  land,  and  casts  the  seed  into 
the  ground,  where,  for  a  time,  it  lies  dead  and  buried.  A  dark  and 
dreary  winter  succeeds,  and  all  seems  to  be  lost.  But  at  the  return 
of  spring,  universal  nature  revives,  and  the  once-desolate  fields  are 
covered  with  corn,  which,  when  matured  by  the  sun's  heat,  the 
cheerful  reapers  cut  down,  and  it  is  brought  home  with  triumphant 
shouts  of  joy.  Here,  O  disciple  of  Jesus,  behold  an  emblem  of  thy 
present  labour  and  thy  future  reward.  Thou  '•  sowest,"  perhaps 
"  in  tears;*'  thou  dbest  thy  duty  amidst  persecution  and  afiliction. 
sickness,  pain,  and  sorrow ;  thou  labourest  in  the  church,  and 
no  account  is  made  of  thy  labours ;  no  profit  seems  likely  to  arise 
from  them.  Nay,  thou  must  thyself  drop  into  the  dust  of  death, 
and  all  the  storms  of  that  winter  must  pass  over  thee,  until  thy  form 
shall  be  perished,  and  thou  slialt  see  corruption.'  Yet,  the  day  is 
coming,  when  thou  shalt  ''  reap  in  joy  ;"  and  plentiful  shall  be  thy 
harvest.  For  thus  thy  blessed  Master  *•  went  forth  weeping,  a  man 
of  sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  grief,  bearing  jjrecious  seed,"  and 
sowing  it  around  him,  till  at  length  his  own  body  was  buried,  like  a 

rhannpls.  The  point  of  the  comparison  seems  to  be  the  "rolum"  and  renew  £il 
of  these  (not  "rivers'"  but)  "  torrents;"  which  yearly  leave  their  beds  dry,  but 
fill  them  again;  as  the  Jews  had  left  their  country  desolate,  but  now  "  flowed 
i^ain"  into  it. — Bishop  Lowtli,  in  Merrick's  Jinnotnlions.  Dr.  Durell  render.^ 
this  verse  as  follows — "  The  turning  of  our  cnptivity.  O  Lord,  i>  jt  stream^  ia 
the  south." 


564  A  COMMENTARY        Psal.CXXVII. 

grain  of  wheat,  in  the  furrow  of  the  grave.  But  he  arose,  and  is 
now  in  heaven ;  from  whence  he  "  shall  doubtless  come  again  with 
rejoicing,"'  with  the  voice  of  the  archangel  and  the  trump  of  God, 
"  bringing  his  sheaves  with  him."  Then  shall  every  man  receive 
the  fruit  of  his  works,  and  have  praise  of  God. 

PSALM  CXXVII. 

ARGUMENT. 

tf  this  Psalm  were  written  by  Solomon,  or  by  David  for  Solomon,  as  the  title 
jmporteth,  it  was  probably  used  again  at  the  time  of  rebuilding  the  city 
and  temple,  after  the  return  from  Babylon.  But  indeed  it  is  a  Psalm 
which  can  never  be  out  of  season,  the  design  of  its  author  being  to  teach 
us  the  necessity  of  a  dependence  upon  God  and  his  blessing,  in  every  work 
to  which  we  set  our  hands.  What  is  said  with  regard  to  an  earthly  house, 
city,  and  family,  extendeth  also  to  the  spiritual  house,  city,  and  family  of 
Christ,  which  are  now,  what  Jerusalem,  the  temple,  and  the  people  of  Is- 
rael, were  in  old  time. 

1.  Except  the  Lord  build  the  house,  they  labour  in  vain  that 
build  it:  except  the  Lord  keep  the  city,  the  ivatchmen  loaketh  but 
in  vain. 

In  every  undertaking,  the  blessing  of  God  must  accompany  the 
labours  of  man,  to  render  them  effectual.  No  work  can  prosper 
without  liim,  nor  can  an}'  design  miscarry  under  his  favour  and 
protection,  which  are  equally  necessary  to  be  obtained  by  the 
builder  in  time  of  peace,  and  by  the  soldier  in  time  of  war.  But 
they,  above  all  men,  ought  to  implore  the  Divine  grace  and  bene- 
diction, who  are  employed  either  in  building  or  defending  the  spi- 
ritual house  and  city  of  God  ;  especially  as  the  same  persons,  like 
the  Jews  after  their  captivity,  surrounded  by  enemies  always  ready 
to  obstruct  the  work,  arc  often  obliged  to  hold  a  sword  in  one  hand, 
while  they  build  with  the  other.  Our  own  edification  in  faith  and 
holiness  must  likewise  be  carried  on  by  us  in  this  attitude,  by  rea- 
son of  the  many  temptations  which  are  continually  assailing  us.  It 
njay  also  be  remarked,  that  both  Solomon  and  Zerubbabel  had 
vainly  laboured  to  construct  the  first  or  the  second  material  temple, 
unless  Jehovah  himself  had  built  the  true  House  for  the  reception 
of  his  glory,  that  is  to  say,  the  Temple  of  Christ's  body,  and,  after 
it  was  fallen  down,  had  reared  it  again,  by  a  resurrection  from  the 
dead. 

2.  It  is  vain  for  you  to  rise  vp  earhj,  to  sit  up  late,  to  eat  the 
bread  of  sorroics  ;  for  so  he  giveth  his  beloved  sleep. 

The  Psalmist  doth  not,  certainly,  intend  to  say,  that  labour 
and  diligence  are  vain,  but  that  they  are  so,  except  the  Lord  be 


DayXXVII.  E.  p.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  565 

witli  the  labourer :  .the  business  is  not  to  be  done  by  all  the  indus- 
try and  pains,  all  the  carking  and  caring  in  the  world,  w  ithout 
Him;  whereas,  if  his  aid  be  called  in,  if  part  of  our  time  be  spent 
in  prayer,  not  the  whole  of  it  in  prayerless  toiling  and  moiling, 
our  work  will  become  easier,  and  goon  better;  a  solicitude  and 
anxiety  for  its  success  and  completion,  will  no  longer  prey  upon 
our  minils  by  day,  and  break  our  rest  at  night ;  we  shall  cheerfully 
fulfil  our  daily  tasks,  and  then,  with  confidence  and  resignation,  lay 
our  heads  upon  our  pillows,  and  God  will  "  give  to  his  beloved"  a 
sweet  and  undisturbed  '•  sleep,''  which  shall  fit  them  to  return  every 
morning,  with  renewed  vigour  and  alacrity,  to  their  stated  employ- 
ments. This  seemeth  to  be  the  import  of  the  verse.  An  obscurity 
has  been  occasioned  in  the  translations,  by  rendering  the  adverb, 
13,  so;  ''SO  he  giveth  his  beloved  sleep;"  in  which  form,  this  last 
part  of  the  verse  will  not  connect  with  what  goes  before.  But  if 
t:;  be  translated,  like  its  kindred  particle  t3n,  "  surely*  he  giveth 
his  beloved  sleep;"  or,  as  Dr.  Hammond  renders  it,  "  since  he 
giveth  his  beloved  sleep ;"  the  difficulty  will  vanish,  arid  the  sense 
apj)ear  to  be  as  above.  Nor  can  we  easily  find  a  more  profitable 
piece  of  instruction,  with  regard  to  the  management  of  all  our  con- 
cerns, temporal  and  spiritual. 

3.  Lo,  children  are  an  heritage  of  the  Lord:  and  the  fruit  of 
the  ivomb  is  his  reumrd. 

The  labours  of  mankind,  first  in  building  houses  and  cities,  and 
then  in  guarding  and  securing  their  possessions,  are  undergone,  not 
with  a  view  to  themselves  alone,  but  to  their  families,  which  they 
would  establish  and  perpetuate.  The  Psalmist,  therefore;  in  the  pre- 
ceding verses,  having  taught  men  to  expect  a  happy  settlement  only 
from  the  favour  of  Jehovah,  now  directs  them  to  look  up  to  him  for 
the  farther  blessing  of  a  numerous  and  virtuous  progeny.  He  can 
in  a  moment  blast  the  most  fruitful  stock,  or  he  can  "  make  the  bar- 
ren woman  to  keep  house,  and  to  become  a  joyful  mother  of  chil- 
dren." "  Lo,  children  are  an  heritage  of  Jehovah ;"  an  heritage 
which  he  bestows  on  those  who  fear  him  ;  "  the  fruit  of  the  womb 
is  a  reward"  conferred  by  him,  where  he  sees  it  will  be  a  blessing 
indeed,  upon  faithful  and  pious  parents.  St.  Paul  calls  the  converts 
made  by  his  ministry,  his  "  children ;"  and  all  believers  are  the 
children  of  Christ,  the  heritage  given  him  by  his  Father,  the  reward 
of  his  righteous  life,  and  meritorious  death  ;  as  it  is  written,  "  I  will 
give  thee  the  heathen  for  thine  inheritance.  He  shall  see  of  the 
travail  of  his  soul,  and  shall  be  satisfied,"  Psalm  ii.  8.    Isa.  liii.  11. 

'  This  is  tlie  second  of  the  senses  given  to  this  particle  by  NoKliuc,  who 
cites  in  confirmation  of  it,  1  Sam.  ix  13.  1  Kings  xx.  40. 


566  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXXVII. 

4.  As  arroivs  are  in  the  hand  of  a  mighty  man;  so  are  ehildren 
of  the  youth. 

Children,  when  well  educated,  are  like  so  many  "  arrows  in  the 
hand  of  a  strong  manj"  ready  winged  with  duty  and  love,  to  fly 
to  the  mark ;  polished  and  keen,  to  grace  and  maintain  the  cause 
of  their  parents,  to  defend  them  from  hostile  invasions,  and  instantly 
to  repel  every  assailant.  The  apostles  and  first  Christians  were 
arrows  in  the  hand  of  Messiah,  with  which  he  encountered  his  ene- 
mies, and  subdued  the  nations  to  the  faith.  When  by  the  splendour 
of  their  sanctity,  the  power  of  their  miracles,  and  the  efficacy  of 
their  preaching,  they  pierced  the  hearts  of  thousands  and  ten  thou- 
sands, what  were  they  but  "  arrows  in  the  hand  of  IDJ  the  Mighty 
One?"  And  in  this  instance  liJcewise  it  ma}'  truly  be  said,  that  no 
well  nurtured  son  of  Christ  and  the  church  will  hear  his  Father 
dishonoured,  or  despise  his  Mother  when  she  is  old. 

5.  Happy  is  the  man  that  hath  his  quiver  full  of  them:  they  shall 
not  he  ashamed,  hut  they  shall  speak  loith  the  enemies  in  the  gate. 

In  a  house  full  of  dutiful  children  consisteth  the  happiness  of  their 
parents,  who  then  can  never  \\ant  friends ;  friends,  that  will  at  no 
time  be  ashamed,,  but  will  at  all  limes  rejoice  to  appear  for  them, 
to  meet  their  "  enemies"  and  accusers  "  in  the  gate,"  or  place  of 
judgment;*  there  to  answer  any  charge  against  them,  to  vindicate 
them  in  their  persons,  their  good  name,  or  their  property.  It  is  a 
glorious  sight  to  behold  children  thus  standing  forth  in  the  defence 
of  their  parents.  la  the  multitude  of  true  believers  consist  the 
glory  of  Christ,  and  the  riches  of  the  church.  How  forward  were 
the  primitive  Christians  to  meet  the  enemies  of  these  their  spiritual 
parents  "  in  the  gate ;"  how  ready,  in  their  cause,  to  speak  openly, 
and,  having  witnessed  a  good  confession,  to  die  by  the  hand  of  the 
executioner !  Therefore  shall  they  not  be  ashamed  at  the  judgment 
of  the  last  day,  but  fehall  then  stand  with  great  boldness  before  the 
face  of  such  as  have  afflicted,  persecuted,  and  tormented  them.  For 
their  heavenly  Father  will  then  be  their  Judge,  and  will  own,  in 
his  turn,  the  cause  of  his  dutiful  children,  who  for  his  sake  endured 
tribulation,  and  loved  not  their  lives  unto  the  death.  Confusion 
shall  overwhelm  the  accuser  of  the  brethren,  with  all  the  instru- 
ments of  his  malice;  but  glory,  honour,  and  immortality  shall  be 
given  to  the  children  of  God. 

*  Mr.  Merrick  observes,  that  tlie  pate  was  sometimes  the  scat  of  war,  as 
Aiell  as  the  place  of  judicature.  "  Then  was  war  in  the  pates,"  Judges  v.  8 
He  mentions  a,remnrkable  Chinese  proverb  :  "AVhen  a  son  is  born  intd  a  r<i- 
mily,  a  bow  and  arrow  are  hunjr  before  the  gate." 


Day  XXVII.  E.  p.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  .oe? 

PSALM  CXXVIIL 

ARGUMENT. 

I  his  Psalm  containotli  a  promise  made  to  him  who,  1.  feareth  Jthovah,  and 
walkcth  in  his  ways,  that  he  should  be  blessed,  2.  in  his  person,  and,  3,  4. 
in  his  family,  and  that  he  shouUl  see  the  good  of  Jerusalem.  The  Psalm 
wa?,  probably,  sunc^  at  the  marriages  of  tlie  Israelites,  as  it  is  now  a  part 
of  the  matrimonial  seivlce  among  us.  In  its  prophetical  and  exalted  sense, 
it  hath  respect  to  the  person,  marriage,  family,  and  city  of  Messiah. 

1.  Blessedis  evenj  one  that  feareth  the  Lord:  that  walkcth  in 
his  loays. 

Happiness  belongeth  not  to  the  rich,  the  powerful,  and  the  pros- 
perous, as  such ;  but  in  every  state  and  condition,  blessed  is  the 
man  that  "  feareth  Jehovah,"'  that  so  feareth  him  as  to  obey  him, 
and  to  "  walk  in  his  ways,  notwithstanding  all  the  obstructions  he 
may  meet  with  from  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  tiie  devil.  Blessed 
above  all  the  sons  of  men,  and  the  author  of  blessing  to  them  all, 
was  the  man  Christ  Jesus,  because  above  them  all,  and  for  them  all, 
he  feared,  he  loved,  and  he  obeyed. 

2.  For  thou  shall  eat  the  labour  of  thine  haiids:  happy  shall 
thou  be,  and  it  shall  be  ?/'t7/  with  thee. 

The  person  is  here  beautifully  changed,  and  to  the  man  who 
feareth  Jehovah  is  addressed  an  enumeration  of  those  blessings 
which  shall  attend  him.  He  is  to  "  eat  the  labour  of  his  hands," 
that  is,  the  fruit,  or  returns  of  his  labours.  Hereby  it  is  implied, 
that  he  is  not  to  be  idle,  but  to  "  labour,"  that  he  may  eat ;  that  he 
is  not  to  be  niggardly,  but  to  "  eat,"  when  he  has  laboured ;  that 
he  is  neither  to  be  unjust,  by  living  upon  the  labours,  nor  enslaved 
by  depending  upon  the  bounty,  of  others,  but  to  eat  of  "  his  own" 
labours  ;  and  that  he,  whose  labours  procure  him  a  sustenance,  hath 
enough  to  be  "  blessed"  and  happy.  Happy  shalt  thou  be,  and 
it  shall  be  well  with  thee ;  every  thing  shall  happen,  which  God 
seetli  to  be  best  for  thee  in  this  life,  and  (as  saith  the  Chaldee  Para- 
phrast  on  the  place)  "  it  shall  be  good  to  thee  in  the  world  to  come." 
The  glory  of  Clirist,  and  tlio  salvation  of  mankind,  were  the  fruits 
of  his  actions  and  his  sufterings  in  the  days  of  his  flesh  ;  so  that,  in 
the  enjoyment  of  them,  he  doth  no  more  than  "  cat  of  the  laiiours 
of  his  hands ;"  or,  to  use  the  words  of  Isaiah,  "  he  seeth  of  the  tra- 
vail of  his  soul,  and  is  satisfied."  Before  ho  went  hence,  he  took 
romtort  in  the  reflection,  "  I  have  glorified  thee  on  tlie  earth,  I  have 
finished  the  work  which  thou  gavest  me  to  do,"  John  .xvii.  4. 
Happy  shalt  thou  be.  O  Christian,  and  it  shall  be  well  with  tiiee,  if 


568  A  COMMENTARY        Psal.  CXXVUI. 

at  thy  latter  end  thou  shah  be  able  to  draw  comfort  from  the  same 
consideration. 

3.  Thy  wife  shall  be  as  a  fruitful  vine  by  the  sides  of  thine 
house:  thy  children  like  olive  plants  round  about  thy  table. 

Marriage  was  ordained  by  God  to  complete  the  felicity  of  man 
in  a  state  of  innocence ;  and  the  benediction  of  heaven  will  ever 
descend  upon  it,  when  undertaken  in  the  "  fear  of  the  Lord."  The 
vine,  a  lowly  plant,  raised  with  tender  care,  becoming,  by  its  luxu- 
riancy,  its  beauty,  its  fragrance,  and  its  clusters,  the  ornament  and 
glory  of  the  house  to  which  it  is  joined,  and  by  which  it  is  sup- 
ported, forms  the  finest  imaginable  emblem  of  a  fair,  virtuous,  and 
fruitful  wife.  The  olive  trees  planted  by  the  inhabitants  of  the 
eastern  countries  around  their  tables,  or  banqueting  places  in  their 
gardens,*  to  cheer  the  eye  by  their  verdure,  and  to  refresh  the  body 
by  their  cooling  shade,  do  no  less  aptly  and  significantly  set  forth 
the  pleasure  which  parents  feel,  at  the  sight  of  a  numerous  and  flou- 
rishing offspring.  As  marriage  was  from  the  beginning  intended 
to  represent  the  mystical  union  between  Christ  and  his  church, 
which  union  is  spoken  of  in  matrimonial  language,  through  the 
Scriptures,  both  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament,  we  need  but  extend 
our  view  to  behold,  under  the  imagery  of  the  vine  and  the  olive- 
plants,  the  prolific  spouse  of  Messiah,  and  the  children  of  peace  as- 
sembled around  the  table  of  their  heavenly  Father.  See  Psalm 
Ixxx.  8.  Rom.  xi.  17- 

4.  Behold,  that  thus  shall  the  man  be  blessed  that  feareth  the 
Lord. 

Are  temporal  blessings,  then,  the  reward  of  piety  ?  They  are 
not  its  only,  nor  chief  reward,  but  are  often  added,  even  under  the 
new  dispensation,  to  those  who  "  first  seek  the  kingdom  of  God, 
and  his  righteousness."  When  they  are  withholden,  or  withdrawn, 
it  is  for  the  security  or  increase  of  those  more  valuable  blessings, 
which  are  spiritual.  There  are  times,  when  father,  mother,  breth- 
ren, sisters,  wife,  children,  and  lands,  must  be  given  up  for  Christ's 
and  the  Gospel's  sake.  But  amjjle  amends  are  promised  to  be 
made  to  all  who  thus  part  with  earthly  relations  and  possessions. 
They  find  in  the  church  other  fathers,  mothers,  brethren,  sisters, 
children,  &c.  and  at  the  resurrection  they  will  "  inherit  all  things," 

*  This  is  Bishop  Patrick's  idea.  The  learned  and  ingenious  Mr.  Harnier, 
in  his  very  vahml)le  "  Observations  on  divers  passages  of  Scripture,"  (Vol.  1. 
p.  197,  2d  edit.)  disapproves  of  it ;  as,  lie  says,  "  we  find  no  siu  li  arbours  in 
the  Levant,  nor  is  the  tree  very  jjropcr  lor  the  purpose."  He  thinks  tliere- 
fore,  the  table  refers  to  the  "  children"  only,  and  not  to  the  "  olives."  But 
Mr.  Merrick,  in  his  ^Annotations,  produces  some  very  good  arguments  on 
the  side  of  Bishop  Patrick. 


DayXXVII.  E.  p.        OiN  THE  PSALMS.  0G9 

Rev.  xxi.  7.  and  brighter  coronets  of  glory  shall  sparkle  from  their 
lieads.  The  Scriptures  show  us  the  servants  of  Cod  in  every  state 
and  condhion  ;  we  view  them  rich  and  poor,  honoured  and  despised, 
sick  and  in  hcahh,  married  and  single,  ciiildlcss  and  otherwise,  in 
prosperity  and  in  adversity ;  to  teach  us,  that  all  things  work  t(j- 
gether  for  good  to  them  who  love  God  ;  so  that  the  believer  hath 
comfort  always.  If  temporal  blessings  be  granted  him,  he  accep- 
tefh  them  as  shadows  of  those  which  are  eternal ;  if  they  are  denied, 
he  remembereth  that  they  are  only  shadows,  and  are  therefore  de- 
nied, that  he  may  fix  his  thoughts  and  aftections  more  firmly  on  the 
substance. 

5.  The  Lord  shall  bless  thee  out  of  Zion:  and  thou  shall  see 
the  irood  of  Jerusalem  all  the  days  of  thy  life.  6.  Yea,  thou  shall 
see  thy  children- s  children,  and  peace  itpon  Israel. 

Every  true  Lsraelite  rejoiceth  in  the  prosperity  of  Zion  ;  a  bless- 
ing upon  the  church  difluseth  itself  to  all  the  members  thereof;  and 
the  good  of  Jerusalem,  with  peace  upon  Israel,  is  all  the  good  we 
can  desire  to  see  upon  earth.  Hereafter  we  sliall  see  greater  things 
than  these.  Jehovah  from  the  heavenly  Zion  will  bless  us  with  the 
vision  of  his  immortal  glory;  we  shall  see  the  good  of  the  new  Je- 
rusalem, the  wealth,  beauty,  and  majesty  of  that  holy  city;  we 
shall  see  the  generations  of  the  faithful  walking  in  the  light  of  it; 
with  that  everlasting  peace  and  rest  which  remain  for  the  Israel  of 
God.  These  are  the  blessings  promised  to  JMessiuh,  and  to  his 
seed,  for  evermore. 


PSALM  CXXIX. 


ARGtJMENT. 

Fii  the  former  part  of  this  Psalm,  1 — 4.  the  church  declaroth  herself  to  have 
been  often  assailed  and  persecuted  by  lier  enemies,  but  as  often  rescued 
and  preserved  by  Jeliovah  ;  in  the  latter  part  of  it,  5 — 8.  she  predicteth 
the  miserable  end  of  all  those  who  hate  Zion. 

1 .  Many  a  time  have  they  afflicted  me  from  my  youth,  may  Is- 
rael 71020  say :  2.  Many  a  time  haiie  they  afflicted  me  from  my 
youth :  yet  they  have  not  prevailed  agaiiisf  me. 

Aflliction  is  nothing  new  to  the  jjeojile  of  God.  Many  a  time 
have  the  righteous  been  under  persecution,  from  the  hour  when 
Cain  rose  up  against  his  brother  Abel,  to  this  day.  Like  the  bush 
which  Moses  beheld  in  the  desert,  the  church  hath  "  bunied  with 
fire,"  but  is  not  yet '"'  consumed:''  and  for  the  same  reason,  because 


5ro  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXXIX. 

God  is  in  the  midst  of  her.*  He  who  took  our  nature  upon  him, 
was  also  afflicted  from  his  youth,  but  his  enemies  "  prevailed  not 
finally  against  him.''  And  it  is  observable,  that  what  God  spake, 
b}'  his  prophet  Hosea,  concerning  Israel,  "  When  Israel  was  a  child, 
then  I  loved  him,  and  called  my  son  out  of  Egypt,"  is  by  St.  Mat- 
thew applied  to  Christ ;  "  Joseph  took  the  young  child  and  his  mo- 
ther by  night,  and  departed  into  Egypt,  and  was  there  until  the 
death  of  Herod :  that  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken  by  the 
]nophet,  Out  of  Egypt  have  I  called  my  son,"  Matt.  ii.  14.  Hos.xi. 
( .  The  truth  is,  that  there  subsisteth  between  Christ  and  the 
church  a  union  like  that  betAveen  the  head  and  the  members  of  the 
.same  body;  they  are  therefore  called  by  the  same  name,  Israel, 
and  what  is  said  concerning  one,  frequently  admitteth  of  an  appli- 
cation to  the  other.  He  became  like  us  by  taking  our  nature,  and 
wc  become  like  him  by  receiving  his  grace.  Our  sufferings  are  ac- 
counted as  his ;  and  his  righteousness  spoken  of  as  ours. 

3.  The  plougliers  lyloughed  upon  viy  back:  iliey  made  long 
tJieir  furroios.  4.  The  Lord  is  righteous :  he  hath  cut  asunder 
the  cords  of  the  icicJced. 

The  former  of  these  two  verses  expresseth  a  state  of  great  afflic- 
tion, the  latter  a  deliverance  from  that  state.  The  word  ts'nn. 
which  signifieth  to  dig,  or  cut  the  ground,  and  so,  to  plough,  is  also 
used  simply  for  cutting,  carving,  or  graving;  see  Exod.  xxxv.  33. 
Jer.  xvii.  1.  Being  here  applied  to  the  back  of  captives,  and  cords 
having  been  the  instruments  of  it,  in  all  reason  it  is  to  be  under- 
stood of  scourging,  with  cuts,  and,  as  it  were,  digs,  and  ploughs, 
and  makes  furrows  in  the  flesh ;  and  the  longer  the  cords  of  the 
scourges  are,  the  longer  are  the  wounds  and  furrows.  For  our 
sakes,  he  who  knew  no  sin  "  gave  his  back  to  the  smiters,"  Isa.  I. 
6.  and  permitted  those  ploughers  to  make  long  their  furrows  upon  it* 
But  "  the  righteous  Lord  cut  asunder  the  cords  of  tlie  wicked;"  ven- 
geance overtook  the  wretched  instruments  of  his  sufierings;  and 
the  persecutors  of  his  servants  shall  perish  in  like  manner,  as  the 
Psalmist  proceedeth  to  assure  us  in  the  verses  following. 

5.  Let  them  all,  or,  they  all  shall,  be  confounded  and  turnea 
back  that  hate  Zion. 

Since  the  ways  of  Hod  are  etfual,  the  destruction  which  hath 
lighted  on  former  persecutors  of  the  church  affordeth  an  assurance, 
that  all  in  every  age,  «  ho  hate  Zion,  shall,  at  the  day  of  final  retri- 

*  Ecclesirp  jam  iiicle  ab  initio  in  Abel,  in  Enoch,  in  Nof,  in  Abraham,  in 
Lot,  in  iEgyptiacd  seryitutc,  in  Moysc,  ct  Prophctis,  graves  pcipessa  inimi- 
cos  ;  dicitiila  quidem  sa;pe  ajuvcntute  se  fuisse  oppugnatani ;  nihilo  taraei! 
secius  pervenissc  ad  senectutem,  ac  no  in  sencotute  quidem  opprimi  posse 
Victus  enim  qui  SKviebat,  vicit  qui  sufl'ercbat.     Bossuel. 


Day XXVII.  E.  p.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  ojl 

bution,  il"  not  before  that  day,  feel  the  weight  of  his  arm,  who  is  the 
Saviour,  the  King,  and  the  God  of  Zion. 

6.  Let  them,  or,  they  shall,  be  as  the  grass  upon  the  house-iopf;, 
which  icithcreth  afore  it  gruiceth  up ;  Ileb.  is  pulled  up.*  J. 
ffhcreirith  the  mower  fillcth  not  his  Imnd;  nor  he  that  bindclh 
sheaves  his  bosom.  8.  Neither  do  they  which  go  by  say.  The  bless- 
ing of  the  Lord  be  ujwn  you :  We  bless  you  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

The  transient  prosperity  of  mortal  man  is  often  in  sacred  wrii 
compared  to  grass,  the  history  of  which  is  contained  in  these  few 
words,  "  It  conieth  up,  and  is  cut  down."  But  here  the  com- 
parison is  carried  still  farther.  Not  the  common  grass  in  the  field, 
but  grass  growing  on  the  liouse-tops,  is  selected  to  convey  the  idea 
of  bad  menj  grass,  which  having  no  depth  of  earth,  into  which  it 
may  strike  its  roots,  doth  not  await  the  hand  of  the  gatherer,  but 
^■'  witiiereth"  even  "before  it  is  plucked  up."  And  then,  so  thin,  so 
wretched,  and  so  unprofitable  is  the  crop,  that  none  are  employed 
to  collect  and  carry  it  in ;  none  to  whom  passengers  might  address 
those  acclamations  and  salutations,  customary  at  such  times,  as 
'•  The  Lord  be  with  you,  bless  you,"  &c.  Ruth  ii.  4.  Thus,  while  the 
felicity  of  Zion's  children  is  rooted  and  grounded  in  Cin-ist,  that  of 
her  enemies  hath  no  foundation  at  all.  While  the  church  subsisteth 
from  generation  to  generation,  the  kingdoms  and  empires,  that  have 
persecuted  her,  fade  and  wither  away  of  themselves.  And  at  the 
general  harvest  of  the  world,  when  the  righteous  shall  be  carried  by 
angels,  whh  joyful  acclamations,  into  the  mansions  prepared  for 
them  above,  the  wicked,  unregarded  by  the  heavenly  reapers,  and 
unblessed  by  all,  shall  become  fuel  for  a  fire  that  goeth  not  out;  re- 
sembling, in  this  their  sad  end,  likewise,  that  worthless  grass, "  whicii 
to-day  is,  and  to-morrow  is  cast  into  the  oven." 

PSALM  CXXX. 

ARGUMENT. 

Tills  is  the  sixth  of  those  which  arc  styled  "  Penitential  Pialins. '  It  is  cal 
culated  for  the  use  of  the  church,  or  any  member  thereof;  and  containetii, 
1,  2.  a  complaint  of  great  distress;  3.  a  confession  of  man's  sinfulness; 
4 — 8.  an  act  of  faith  in  the  Divine  mercy,  and  the  promised  redemption. 

1 .  Out  of  the  depths  have  I  cried  unto  thee,  0  Lord.  2.  Lord, 
hear  my  voice :  let  thine  ears  be  attentive  to  the  voice  of  my  sup- 
plications. 

*  Mr.  Harmcr  takes  the  idea  of  the  Psalmist  to  be,  <'  Which  witluMcth  be 
fore  it  unshcaths  its  car."  ObsQTv.  11,  463. 


572  A  COMMENTARY  1'sal.  CXXX. 

From  the  depths  of  sin,  and  the  misery  occasioned  by  sin,  the 
penitent,  like  another  Jonas,  entombed  in  the  whale's  belly,  and 
surrounded  by  all  the  waves  of  the  ocean,  crieth  unto  God  for  help 
and  salvation.  Fervent  prayer  will  find  its  way,  through  every 
obstruction,  to  the  ears  of  him  who  sitteth  upon  his  holy  hill.  And 
may  not  the  bodies  of  the  faithful,  buried  in  the  dust,  be  said  to  cry, 
out  of  the  depths  of  the  grave,  for  a  joyful  resurrection,  according 
to  the  promise  and  the  pattern  of  Christ,  who,  after  three  days, 
came  forth  from  the  heart  of  the  earth,  as  Jonas  did  from  the  belly 
of  the  whale  ? 

3.  If  thou,  Lord,  shotddest  mark  iniquities,  0  Lord,  who  nhall 
stand  ? 

A  reason  is  here  urged,  why  God  should  spare  and  pardon  the 
suppliant,  namely,  because  was  he  accurately  to  note  the  offences 
of  the  best  men,  and  to  produce  them  in  judgment  against  the  of- 
fenders, no  man  could  stand  in  that  judgment,  but  the  whole  race 
of  Adam  must  continue  to  eternity  under  the  dominion  of  sin  and 
death;  which  a  gracious  and  merciful  God  would  not  permit  to  be 
the  case.  It  is  accordingly  declared  in  the  next  verse,  that  mea- 
sures had  been  taken  to  prevent  so  deplorable  a  catastrophe. 

4.  jBz^nhere  is  forgiveness  with  thee,  thai  thou  may  est  he  feared. 

True  repentance  is  founded  upon  the  sense  of  our  own  wretched- 
ness, and  faith  in  the  Divine  mercy.  Without  the  former,  we  should 
never  seek  for  pai-don  and  grace;  without  the  latter,  we  should 
despair  of  finding  them.  The  Psalmist,  therefore,  having  in  the 
three  preceding  verses,  expressed  the  one,  now  maketh  profession 
of  the  other.  "There  is  forgiveness  with  thee;"  thou  wilt  not 
"  mark  iniquities,"  or  leave  us  to  the  rigours  of  strict  justice,  but 
thou  hast  devised  means  that  we  perish  not  for  ever ;  thou  hast  pro- 
vided an  atonement,  and  in  virtue  of  that  atonement,  the  sinner 
may  obtain  pardon  ;  he  need  not,  therefore,  reject  thy  service,  and 
cast  himself  away  in  despair,  ,but  is  encouraged  to  serve  thee  ac- 
ceptably through  faith,  with  godly  fear;  "  there  is  forgiveness  with 
thee,  that  thou  mayest  be  feared."  Or  the  meaning  may  be.  Thou 
forgivest  man,  that  so,  being  restored  to  thy  favour,  and  endued 
with  thy  grace,  he  may  thenceforth  fear,  or  serve  thee,  as  it  be- 
comes one  who  hath  obtained  mercy  to  do. 

5.  7  wait  for  the  Lord,  my  soul  doth  wait,  and  in  his  icord  do 
I  hope.  6.  My  soul  waiteth  for  tlie  Lorb,  more  than  they  that 
watch  for  the  morning :  I  say,  more  than  they  that  tcatchfor  the 
morning. 

The  repetitions  here  do  beautifully  express  that  ardent  desire 
which  the  contrite  soul  hath  for  the  salvation  of  God.     Dr.  Ham- 


Day  XXVII.  E.  P.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  573 

niond  seemelli  to  have  given  the  true  construction  of  vcr.  6.  'jix*? 
'tyaj,  "  My  soul  to  the  Lord,  that  is,  riseth,  cometh,  or  hastcnetU 
to  the  Lord,  npoS  O'ln^'O,  from  the  morning  watchers,  that  is, 
from  the  time  when  they  hasten  to  their  watches ;  in  other  words, 
the  qnards  that  every  niorning  hasten  to  their  watches,  are  not  ear- 
her  than  I  am  in  my  daily  addresses  to  God.  Who  these  watchers 
or  guards  of  tlie  morning  are,  the  Chaldee  hath  best  expressed; 
Tiiey  that  observe  the  morning  watches,  that  they  may  offer  their 
morning  obhition  ;  that  is,  the  priests  which  in  their  turn  officiated ; 
or  rather,  some  officers  of  theirs,  which  were  peculiarly  appointed 
Ironi  a  tower  to  expect  the  first  appearance  of  break  of  day."  With 
such  earnestness  did  the  ancient  church  expect  the  appearance  of 
that  Day-Spring  from  on  high,  which  was,  in  the  fulness  of  time,  to 
visit  the  world.  With  equal  earnestness  have  the  faithful  since 
looked  out  for  the  dawning  of  that  last  morning,  which  is  to  abolish 
sin,  and  put  an  end  to  sorrow. 

7.  Let  Israel  hope  in  the  Lord  :  for  with  the  Lord  there  is 
mercy,  and  with  him  is  plenteous  redemption.  8.  And  he  shall  re- 
deem. Israel  J  ram  all  his  iniquities,  or,  sins. 

These  verses  are  perfectly  evangelical.  The  church  of  Israel 
was  exhorted  to  "  hope"  in  Jehovah,  because  with  him  there  was 
"  mercy  and  plenteous  redemption."  And  of  what  nature  was  that 
redemption  ?  A  redemption  from  sin ;  "  he  shall  redeem  Israel 
from  all  his  sins  ;"  consequently  from  all  trouble  and  misery, 
which  are  but  the  effects  of  sin,  and  will  cease  when  their  cause 
shall  be  finally  taken  away.  Now  what  is  this,  but  the  Gospel 
itself?  Or  where  is  the  difference  between  this  of  the  Psalmist, 
"  He  shall  redeem  Israel  from  all  his  sins,"  and  that  of  the  evan- 
gelist, "  Thou  shalt  call  his  name  Jksus,  for  he  shall  save  his 
PEOPLE  FROM  THEIR  SINS?"  Matt.  i.  2].  The  Israel  of  God,  or 
church  universal,  hoping  in  the  same  mercy,  and  the  same  plenteous 
redemption,  expecteth  the  full  accomplishment  of  this  giacious  pi'o- 
mise  at  the  second  advent  of  her  Saviour,  w  hen  the  penalty  of  sin 
shall  be  taken  off,  and  death  be  swallowed  up  in  victorv. 

PSALM  CXXXI. 

ARGUMENT. 
This  Psalm  coutainetli,  1,  2.  a  description  of  true  humility,  and  resignatiou 
to  the  will  of  God,  with,  3.  an  exhortation  to  the  j)iaclice  thereof.  It  is, 
most  probably,  a  Psalm  of  David,  and  is  eminently  applicable  to  Mes- 
siah, in  his  state  of  liumiliation  on  earth.  Happy  woidd  it  be  for  the 
world,  if  all  his  disci))lts  could  imbibe  the  spirit  of  this  short  but  lovely 
Pialoi,  and  copy  after  the  example  which  it  scttctb  before  thcin. 


574  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXXXI. 

1.  LoTi.D,my  heart  is  not  Tiaughfy,  nor  mine  eyes  lofty:  neither 
do  I  exercise  myself  in  great  matters,  or  in  things  too  high  far  me. 

Pride  beginneth  in  tlie  heart,  and  discovereth  itself  in  the  "  eyes," 
the  countenance,  and  the  carriage;  thinking  nothing  "  too  high  for 
it,"  it  is  always  aiming  at  still  "  greater  matters,"  scheming  to  be 
at  the  top  of  earthly  grandeur;  and,  when  there,  restless  because  it 
can  go  no  further.  Of  this  disposition  the  Son  of  David,  like  his 
father  and  representative  of  old,  was  by  his  enemies  affirmed  to  be; 
lie  was  accused  of  affecting  the  sovereignty,  and  therefore  hunted 
and  persecuted  even  to  the  death.  But  how  truly  do  these  words 
of  the  Psalmist  delineate  his  real  character?  lie  was  not  "  haughty," 
but  "  meek  and  lowly  in  heart ;"  his  "  eyes,"  were  not  "  lofty,"  but 
kindly  regarded  the  meanest  object  that  presented  itself  to  them  ; 
he  looked  not  "  to  great  matters"  and  "  high  things,"  but  chose  to 
be,  and  to  be  esteemed,  the  least  and  lowest  of  all. 

2.  Surely  I  have  behaved,  or,  subdued  and  quieted  myself,  as  a 
child  that  is  weaned  of  his  mother:  my  soul  is  even  as  a  toeaned 
child. 

A  child  newly  weaned  mourneth  because  of  the  favourite  aliment 
which  is  withdrawn  from  him,  but  depending  absolutely  on  the 
mother  for  every  thing,  learneth  to  acquiesce  in  her  treatment  of 
him,  and  quietly  to  accept  what  it  should  please  her  to  give.  Such 
was  the  humble  resignation  of  the  Lamb  of  God  to  the  will  of  his 
heavenly  Father,  under  the  severest  dispensations,  when  even  the 
Divine  presence,  and  that  support  which  it  afforded,  seemed  to  have 
been  withdrawn ;  "  Father,  into  thy  hands  I  commend  my  spirit !" 
Who,  then,  can  expect  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  "  ex- 
cept he  be  converted,  and  become  as  a  little  child  ?"  Matt,  xviii.  3. 

3.  Let  Israel  hope  in  the  hoRD,  from  henceforth  and  for  ever. 

After  the  example,  therefore,  of  the  King  oflsrael,  who  thus  de- 
meaned himself  in  his  afflictions,  lowly,  contented,  and  resigned, 
casting  all  his  care  upon  the  Father,  who  cared  for  him,  and  pa- 
tiently waiting  his  time  for  deliverance  and  salvation ;  after  this 
their  example  and  pattern,  let  his  faithful  people  hope  and  trust, 
not  in  themselves,  their  wisdom,  or  their  power,  but  in  Jehovah 
alone,  who  will  not  fail  to  exalt  them,  as  he  hath  already  exalted 
their  Redeemer,  if  they  do  but  follow  his  steps. 


Day  XXVIII.  M.  P.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  07  3 

TWENTY-EIGHTH  DAY.— iMORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALI\I  CXXXII. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  is  one  of  the  Proper  Psalms,  which  tlie  church  bath  appointcil  to  be  used 
on  Christmas-day.  It  containeth,  1 — 5.  a  petition  that  Jehovah  would  be 
mindful  of  the  zeal  shown  by  his  servant  David,  in  preparing  a  place  for 
his  habitation  ;  6.  the  exultation  of  the  faithful  ujion  hearinjj  the  glad 
tidings,  that  God  would  dwell  among  them ;  and,  7.  their  resolution  to 
worship  at  the  place  whieii  he  had  chosen  for  that  purpose;  8 — 10.  an  ad- 
dress to  Jehovah,  used  by  Solomon  at  tlie  dedication  of  the  temple,  whence 
some  have  thought  him  to  have  been  the  author  of  the  Psalm  ;  11 — 18.  the 
substance  of  God's  promises  made  to  David  and  to  his  seed.  The  whole 
Psalm  is  perfectly  well  adapted  to  the  festival  of  the  incarnation,  as  the 
following  comment  will,  it  is  hoped,  abundantly  demonstrate. 

1.  Lord,  rememhcr  David,  and  all  his  ajjiictions. 
Israel  beseechctli  Jehovah  to  be  mindful  of  those  sorrows  and 
siifierings  which  had  been  undergone  by  liis  servant  Daviil,  ere  he 
attained  to  the  throne,  and  estabhshed  the  ancient  chin-ch  in  the 
beauty  of  hohness.  That  God  would  remember  the  far  greater 
afllictions  sustained  for  our  sake  by  JMessiah  in  the  days  of  his  hu- 
miliation, when  through  much  tribulation  he  accomplished  our  re- 
demption, and  entered  into  his  glory,  is  the  petition  preferred,  in 
these  words,  by  us  Christians. 

2.  Hmo  he  sware  unto  the  Loud,  and  voiocd  vnfo  the  mighty 
God  of  Jacob  ^  3.  Surely  Iicillnot  come  into  the  tabernacle  of 
my  house,  nor  go  up  into  my  bed:  4.  I  icillnot  give  sleep  to  mine 
eyes,  or  slwtiber  to  mine  eyelids,  5.  Until  I  find  out  a  place  for 
the  Lord,  an  habitation  for  the  mighty  God  of  Jacob. 

In  ajl  circumstances  and  situations,  David  was  solicitous  for  the 
tabernacle  and  service  of  God.  Of  the  oath  and  vow  here  men- 
tioned, we  have,  indeed,  no  account  in  the  sacred  history;  but  we 
read,  2  Sam.  vii.  2.  of  the  uneasiness  which  h,e  expressed  to  Na- 
than the  prophet,  at  the  thought  of  his  dwelling  in  a  palace  of  ce- 
dar, while  the  ark  of  God  dwelt  only  within  the  curtains  of  a  tent. 
Nay,  we  find  by  1  Chron.  xvi.  43.  that  he  did  not  bless,  and  con- 
sequently did  not  inhabit  his  own  house,  until  he  had  brought  the 
ark  to  Zion,  where  the  temple  was  afterwards  erected.  He  could 
take  neither  pleasure  nor  rest,  until  a  place  was  prepared  for  the 
residence  of  Jehovah  in  the  midst  of  his  people;  and  from  thence- 
forth he  gave  hims(;lf,  with  unweari^id  diligence,  to  lay  in  a  plenti- 
ful store  of  the  most  costly  materials,  silver,  gold,  and  precious 
stones,  which  were  employed  by  his  sun  and  successor  Solomon,  in 


570  A  COMMENTARY  Fsal.  CXXXII. 

constructing  tlie  magnificent  and  mystic  edifice.  Tims,  in  the  co- 
venant of  grace,  did  the  Son  of  God  engage  not  to  take  possession 
of  his  heavenly  place,  nor  to  enter  into  his  eternal  rest,  until  he 
had  prepared  upon  the  earth  a  place  for  the  residence  of  the  Lordj 
a  building  framed  of  materials  more  precious  than  gold  and  silver, 
more  bright  and  beautiful  than  rubies,  emeralds,  and  diamonds.  All 
this  was  planned  and  executed  by  one  and  the  same  person,  who 
first  suffered  in  meekness  and  patience  like  David,  then  reigned  in 
glory  and  peace  like  Solon)on.  The  believer  should  spare  no  pains, 
no  time,  no  thought,  to  find  out  and  prepare  in  his  heart  an  habi- 
tation for  the  God  of  Jacob,  since  our  Lord  hath  graciously  vouch- 
safed to  make  this  general  promise  to  us  all,  "  If  a  man  love  me, 
my  Father  will  love  him,  and  we  will  come  unto  him,  and  make 
our  abode  with  him,-'  John  xiv.  23. 

6,  Lo,  ice  heard  of  it  at  Ephratah:  we  found  it  in  the  f  elds  of 
the  loood. 

In  other  words,  as  bishop  Patrick  hath  paraphrased  this  verse, 
"  And  now,  behold,  the  Lord  himself,  to  our  great  joy,  hath  told 
us  the  very  place  where  he  will  fix  his  habitation,  1  Chron.  xxi. 

18.  26.  in  the  territory  of  Bethlehem  Ephratah,*  Gen.  xxxv.  l6. 

19.  in  the  fields  of  that  forest,  where  the  angel  stood,  and  directed 
David  to  build  an  altar  to  the  Lord,"  1  Chron.  xxi.  18.  xxii.  1. 
Bethlehem  Ephratah  was  the  city  of  David;  it  was  likewise  the 
crty  wherein  the  Son  of  David  was  born,  as  the  prophet  Micah 
had  foretold :  "  And  thou  Bethlehem,  in  the  land  of  Judah,  art  not 
the  least  among  the  cities  of  Judah,  for  out  of  thee  shall  come  a 
Governor,  that  shall  rule  my  people  Israel,"  Micah  v.  2.  cited  by 
the  chief  priests  and  scribes  to  Herod,  Matt.  ii.  6.  Christians,  as 
well  as  Jews,  may  therefore  say,  and  upon  the  festival  of  Christ's 
nativity,  using  this  Psalm,  they  do  say,  "  Lo,  we  heard  of  it  at 
Ephratah  ;"  for  there  the  angel  first  ])roclaimed  the  news  of  the 
incarnation  to  the  shepherds  ;  "  Behold,  I  bring  you  good  tidings 
of  great  joy,  which  shall  be  to  all  people;  for  unto  you  is  born  this 
day,  in  the  city  of  David,  a  Saviour,  which  is  Christ  the  Lord," 
Luke  ii.  10.  there  was  found  the  true  tabernacle  and  temple,  "  not 
made  with  hands,  the  place  for  Jehovah,  the  habitation  for  the 
mighty  God  of  Jacob." 

7.  We  will  go  into  his  tabernacles :  tve  will  worship  at  his  foot- 
stool. 

If  this  were  the  resolution  of  IsraeUtes,  who  saw  the  incarnation 

*  Jorusalem,  as  Mr.  Merrick  observes  from  Geierus,  being  situated  not  far 
from  Betlik.hem,  might  be  compreheuilcil  in  the  region  of  Ephratah ;  or 
nr>1DX3   lo^y  t'C  rendered  "near  Ephratah," 


DayXXVIII.M.  p.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  .077 

only  in  type  and  figure,  liow  ranch  more  ought  it  to  be  cms,  who 
live  since  the  accomplishment  of  that  which  was  foreshown  ;  since 
tli(>  Word,  made  flesh,  hath  dwelt  upon  the  earth,  and  the  church 
hath  been  erected  among  the  nations  ?  If  they  worshipped  the  God 
of  Israel,  who  then  dwelt  in  the  holy  of  holies  between  the  cheru- 
bim, shall  not  we  worship  the  same  divine  Person,  who,  though 
ascended  up  on  high  above  all  heavens,  yet  hath  assured  us,  that 
where  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  his  name,  there  is  he 
in  the  midst  of  them  ? 

8.  Arise,  O  Lord,  into  thy  rest;  thou,  and  the  ark  of  thy 
strength. 

When  the  ark  marched  before  the  children  of  Israel,  to  find  out 
a  resting-place,  it  is  recorded.  Numb.  x.  3'),  36.  that  Moses  said, 
''  Rise  up,  Jehovah,  and  let  thine  enemies  be  scattered,  and  let 
them  that  hate  thee  flee  before  thee."  And  when  it  rested,  he, 
said,  '^  Return,  or  bring  back  the  many  thousands  of  Israel."'  The 
verse  before  us  was  used,  with  the  two  succeeding  verses,  by  So- 
lomon, as  the  conclusion  of  his  prayer  at  the  dedication  of  the 
temple,  2  Chron.  vi.  41.  The  purport  of  the  petition,  therefore, 
was,  that  the  presence  of  Jehovah  might  rest  upon  'Zion,  and  dwell 
in  the  house  prepared  for  it,  as  the  same  presence  hath  since  dwelt 
in  Christ,  and  is  to  be  with  the  Christian  church  to  the  end  of  the 
world. 

9.  Let  thy  j^riests  be  clothed  with  righteousness;  and  let  thy 
saints  shout  for  joy. 

The  ark  being  placed  in  the  temple,  prayer  is  next  made  for  the 
ministers  of  religion,  that  they  might,  througli  grace,  be  invested 
with  righteousness  Jis  with  a  garment,  and  be  both  covered  and 
adorned  with  a  robe  of  inviolable  sanctity;  that  spirhual  joy  might 
fill  their  hearts,  and  break  forth  in  songs  of  praise  to  the  Lord  God 
of  Israel.  Let  not  those  who  have  obtained  the  evangelical  priest- 
hood, be  exceeded,  by  the  sons  of  Levi,  in  holiness  and  alacrity. 

10.  For  thy  servant  David's  sake  turn  not  away  the  face  of 
thine  anointed. 

Solomon  beseecheth  God,  for  the  sake  of  his  favourite  servant 
David,  and  the  promises  made  to  him  and  his  seed,  that  he  would 
not  deny  the  request  of  David's  son,  now  "  anointed"  to  be  king 
over  Israel,  and,  by  so  doing,  confound,  put  him  to  shame,  or  '•  turn 
away  his  face."  That  this  is  the  meaning  of  the  phrase,  is  plain 
from  1  Kings  ii.  l6.  where  Adonijah  says  to  Bathslieba,  "  And  now 
I  ask  one  pethion  of  thee,  deny  me  not;"  in  the  Hebrew,  ''  turn 
not  away  my  face."  A  Christian  asked  nothing,  but  in  the  name, 
and  for  the  sake  of  the  Son  of  David,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  in 
73 


b7»-  A  COMMENTARY        Psal.  CXXXII. 

whom  all  the  promises  are  yea  and  amen,  and  in  whom  whosoever 
beheveth  sliall  never  be  confounded,  or  denied  that  which  is  really 
good  and  profitable  for  him  to  receive. 

11.  The  Loud  hath  stconi  in  truth  unto  David,  he  will  not  turn 
from  it;  Of  the  fruit  of  thy  body  icill  I  set  upon  thy  throne. 

That  this  is  a  prophecy  of  Messiah,  we  have  the  authority  of  St. 
Peter  to  say;  Acts  ii.  30.  "  David  being  a  prophet,  and  knowing 
that  God  had  sworn  with  an  oath  to  him,  that  of  the  fruit  of  his 
loins,  according  to  the  flesh,  he  would  raise  up  Christ  to  sit  on  his 
throne,"  &c.  This  promise  to  David  occurs,  2  Sam.  vii.  12.  and 
hath  a  twofold  sense,  relating  to  Solomon  in  type  and  shadow,  to 
Christ  in  truth  and  substance.     See  more  on  Psalm  Ixxxix.  3,  4. 

12.  If  thy  children  will  keep  my  covenant,  and  my  testimony 
that  I  shall  teach  them,  their  children  shall  also  sit  tipon  thy  throne 

for  evermore. 

The  promises  of  God  to  Christ  are  absolute ;  but  to  his  "  chil- 
dren," as  well  as  those  of  David,  they  are  conditional,  so  that  our 
interest  in  them  dependeth  on  our  faith,  our  obedience,  our  perse- 
verance. "  Behold,"  saith  St.  Paul,  "  the  goodness  and  severity 
of  God  :  on  them  which  fell,  severity;  but  towards  thee,  goodness, 
if  thou  continue  in  that  goodness ;  otherwise,  thou  also  shalt  be  cut 
off,"  Rom.  xi.  22. 

13.  For  the  Lord  hath  chosen  Zion:  he  hath  desired  it  for  his 
habitation.  14.  This  is  my  rest  for  ever :  here  will  I  dwell ;  for 
I  have  desired  if. 

How  ineffable  is  the  love  of  God  to  man,  that  he  should  use  such 
expressions  as  these  concerning  his  church  !  He  is  pleased  to  say, 
that  it  is  his  desire  to  dwell  with  us ;  yet  how  little  do  we  desire  to 
dwell  with  him  !  In  Zion  he  fixed  his  abode,  and  there  continued, 
till  the  iniquities  of  Israel  provoked  him  to  forsake  his  holy  moun- 
tain, and  to  give  up  Jerusalem  for  a  prey  to  the  spoilers.  Since 
that  time,  his  tabernacle  has  been  removed  into  the  possession  of 
the  Gentiles.  Forsake  not  this  thy  new  Zion,  O  God,  and  deliver 
not  us  thy  people,  in  like  manner,  sinful  as  we  arc,  into  tlie  hands 
of  the  enemy  and  the  avenger. 

15./  toill  abundantly  bless  her  provision :  I  icill  satisfy  her 
poor  with  bread.  iG.  I  will  also  clothe  herjjriests  zvith  salvation: 
and  her  saints  shall  shout  aloud  for  joy. 

That  city,  in  which  the  King  of  heaven  deigns  to  place  his  throne, 
can  want  no  manner  of  thing  that  is  good.  There  will  be  always 
"  plenty  of  provision"  for  the  body  and  for  the  soul.  The  poor  will 
be  satisfied  with  bread,  and  to  the  poor  in  spirit  will  be  given  the 
bread  of  eternal  life.     "  Salvation"  will  God  appoint  for  a  wall  and 


Day  XXVIII.  M.  p.      ON  THE  PSALMS.  679 

a  bulwark  around  the  "  priests"  and  llic  temple;  joy  and  t,dadness 
shall  be  heard  within,  thanksgiving  and  the  voice  of  melody.  What 
a  dreadful  reverse  of  all  this  do  we  behold  in  the  present  state  of 
the  once  glorious,  but  now  desolated  Jerusalem !  Let  not  any 
Christian  church,  after  what  has  happened  to  that  city,  be  high 
minded,  but  let  all  fear. 

17.  There  loill  I  make  the  horn  of  David  to  bud:  I  have  or- 
dained a  lamp  for  mine  anointed. 

Bishop  Patrick  hath  well  paraphrased  this  verse:  "  There, 
namely,  in  Jerusalem,  will  I  make  the  regal  power  and  majesty  of 
David' to  put  forth  itself,  afresh  in  his  royal  successors;  no  sooner 
shall  one  be  extinguished,  but  another  shall  shine  in  such  splendour, 
as  shall  give  a  lustre  to  the  name  of  that  anointed  servant  of  mine, 
till  the  great  prince,  the  Messiah,  appear :"  then  will  the  "  horn"  of 
salvation  be  raised  up  in  the  house  of  David,  to  subdue  the  empires 
of  the  world,  and  to  vanquish  all  opposition;  then  shall  the 
Ikanch  of  Jehovah  "  bud"  into  beauty  and  glory  upon  the  earth; 
then  shall  the  "  lamp"  of  Israel  become  a  Sun  of  righteousness, 
burning  and  shining  with  lustre  inextinguishable,  to  all  eternity. 
That  this  verse  doth  mystically  refer  to  Christ,  the  Jews  confess^ 
as  Dr.  Hammond  has  observed.  So  saith  R.  Saadiah,  "  The  lamp 
is  the  King,  which  illuminates  the  nations;"  and  Kimchi,  "The 
horn  of  David,  is  the  Messias." 

1 8.  His  enemies  will  I  clothe  loith  shame :  but  upon  himself 
shall  his  crown  flourish. 

It  is  here  predicted,  that  God  would  blast  and  bring  to  nothing 
every  design  formed  to  destroy  the  house  of  David,  until  King 
Messiah  should  arise  out  of  it,  to  sit  upon  the  throne  of  his  Father. 
In  liim  all  the  promises  centre,  and  the  kingdom  is  established  for 
ever:  "  His  enemies,"  who  will  not  have  him  to  reign  over  thera, 
shall,  at  the  last  day,  "  be  clothed  with  shame"  and  everlasting  con- 
fusion ;  '•  but  upon  himself  shall  his  crown  flourish,"  filling  heavei^, 
and  earth  with  the  brightness  of  its  glory. 

PSALM  CXXXIU. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  short  but  pleasing  Psalm  was  composed  cither  to  recommend  unity 
among  the  tribes  of  Israel,  or  to  celebrate  it  when  it  had  taken  place. 
Bishop  Patrick  justly  observes,  that  '•  it  was  as  fitly  used  by  the  first 
Christians,  to  express  their  joy  for  the  blessed  union  of  Jews  and  Gen- 
tiles ;  and  may  now  serve  the  uses  of  all  Christian  societies,  whose  happi- 
nei?s  lies  in  holy  peace  and  concord."     It  containclh,  1.  a  rapturous  ex- 


580  A  COMMENTARY        Psal.  CXXXIIL 

clamation  on  the  comforts  and  advantages  of  union,  which,  2, 3.  are  illus- 
trated by  the  two  exquisite  similitiKles  of  the  holy  anointing  oil,  and  of  dew. 

1.  Behold  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  in 
dwell  together  in  unity. 

Many  things  are  good  which  arc  not  pleasant ;  and  many  plea- 
sant, which  are  not  good.  But  unity  among  brethren,  whether 
civil  or  religious,  is  productive  both  of  profit  and  pleasure.  Of 
profit,  because  therein  consisteth  the  welfare  and  security  of  every 
society ;  of  pleasure,  because  mutual  love  is  the  source  of  delight ; 
and  the  happiness  of  one  becomes,  in  that  case,  the  happiness  of 
all.  It  is  unity  alone,  which  gives  beauty,  as  well  as  strength,  to 
the  state;  which  renders  the  church,  at  the  same  time,  "  fair  as  the 
moon,  and  terrible  as  an  army  with  banners,"  Cant.  vi.  10. 

'2.  It  is  UJce  the  precious  ointment  upon  the  head,  that  ran  doicn 
upon  the  beard,  even  Aaron  s  beard ;  that  went  down  to  the  skirts 
of  his  garments :  3.  As  the  dew  of  Hermon,*  and  as  the  dew  that 
descended  upon  the  mountains  of  Zion :  for  there  the  Lord  com- 
mandedthe  blessing,  even  life  for  evermore. 

"  Unity,  beginning  in  the  prince,  and  diffused  through  the  peo- 
ple, is  here  illustrated,"  saith  doctor  Delany,  "  by  two  images,  the 
most  apt  and  beautiful  that  ever  were  imagined.  Kingdoms  are 
considered  as  bodies  politic,  of  which  tlie  king  is  the  head,  and  the 
people,  in  their  several  ranks  and  orders,  the  parts  and  members. 
A  spirit  of  union  beginning  upon  the  prince,  whose  person  is  sacred, 
is  like  oil  poured  upon  the  head  of  Aaron,  which  naturally  de- 
scends, and  spreads  itself  over  all  parts  of  the  body,  and  diffuses 
beauty  and  fragrance  over  the  whole,  reaching  even  to  the  skirts  of 
the  garment.  Oil  is,  without  question,  the  finest  emblem  of  union 
that  ever  was  conceived.  It  is  a  substance  consisting  of  very  small 
parts,  which  yet  by  their  mutual  adhesion,  constitute  one  uniform, 
Well  united^  and  useful  body.  The  sacred  oil  carries  the  idea  and 
the  advantage  of  union  yet  farther ;  which  being  extracted  from  va- 
rious spices,  yet  made  up  one  well  cohering  and  more  valuable 
compound.  The  next  image  carries  the  exhortation  to  union,  and 
the  advantages  of  it  still  higher.  Ilermon  was  the  general  name  of 
one  mountain,  comprehending  many  lesser  and  lower  hills,  under 
the  surround  of  a  greater.  Union  in  any  nation  is  the  gift  of  God  ; 
and  therefore  unity  among  brethren,  beginning  from  the  king,  is 

*  Bishop  I^owth  scemeth  fully  to  have  justified  our  translators  in  supply- 
ing the  ellipsis  as  tliey  have  done,  and  thereby  removing  the  absurdity  of 
making  the  dew  of  Hermon,  a  niountsiin  on  one  side  of  .Jordan,  towards  the 
eastern  extremity  of  Canaan,  descend  on  the  mountain  of  Zion,  which  was 
situiittd  on  the  other  side  of  Jordan,  at  .lerusalcm. 


Day  XXVIII.  INI.  p.       ON  THE  PSALMS.  581 

like  the  dew  of  heaven,  which  falling  first  upon  the  higher  summit 
of  Hernion,  (refreshing  and  enriching  wherever  it  falls,)  naturally 
descends  to  Zion,  a  lower ;  and  thence  even  to  the  hiunble  valleys. 
Zion  was  the  centre  of  union  to  all  the  tribes;  there  God  himself 
hail  promised  his  people  rest,  and  peace  from  their  enemies;  which, 
however,  were  of  little  value  without  union  and  harmony  among 
themselves."*  Thus  far  this  learned  and  pious  author,  whose  ex- 
planation of  the  Psalmist's  imagery,  as  descriptive  of  civil  unity  in 
the  state,  is  so  just  and  elegant,  that  I  could  not  forbear  transcribing 
the  passage  at  length.  It  only  remains  to  be  added,  that  these  di- 
vine pictures  receive  an  additional  beauty,  and  the  colouring  is 
much  heightened,  by  their  being  viewed  in  another  light,  as  repre- 
sentations of  spiritual  unity  in  the  church.  The  spirit  of  heavenly 
love  was  that  oil  of  gladness  which  Jehovah  poured  without  mea- 
sure on  him  who  is  the  High  Priest  and  Head  of  his  church.  In- 
sinuating and  healing,  comforting  and  exhilarating,  it  is  diffused 
from  him  over  his  body  mystical,  even  down  to  the  least  and  lowest 
members;  "of  his  fulness  have  we  all  received;"  and,  as  it  is  said 
of  Mary's  box  of  spikenard  in  the  Gospel,  "  the  house  is  filled  with 
the  ordour  of  the  ointment."  Nor  did  the  dew  of  heaven,  in  the 
time  of  drought,  ever  prove  more  refreshing  and  beneficial  to  the 
mountains  of  Judah,  than  are  the  influences  of  grace,  when  descend- 
ing in  soft  silence  from  above  upon  the  church,  in  the  union  and 
communion  of  which,  God  hath  '"  commanded  the  blessing,  even 
life  for  evermore."  O  come  the  day,  when  division  shall  cease, 
and  enmity  be  done  away;  when  the  tribes  of  the  spiritual  Israel 
shall  be  united  in  a  bond  of  eternal  charity,  under  the  true  David, 
in  the  Jerusalem  which  is  above;  and  saints  and  angels  shall  sing 
this  lovely  Psalm  together. 

PSALM  CXXXIV. 

ARGUMENT. 
With  this  Psalm,  Christians   in  the  church,  like  the  Levites  of  old,  in  the 
temple,  1,  2.  call  upon  each  other  to  bless  God,  and,  3.  upon  God  to  bless 
llicin  all. 

1 .  Behold,  bless  ye  tlie  Lord,  all  ye  servants  of  the  Lord,  which 
by  night  stand  in  the  house  of  the  Lord.  2.  Lift  tip  yotir  hands 
in  the  sanctuary,  and  bless  the  Lord. 

The  first  word  in  this  verse,  "  Behold,"  seemeth  to  point  at  the 
reasons  which  the  priests  in  the  temple  had  to  "  bless  Jehovah;"  as 
if  it  had  been  said,  Behold,  the  house  of  God  is  built,  the  holy  sei- 

'  Life  of  King:  David,  Vol.  lU.  p.  204 


582  A  COMiMENTARY        Psal.  CXXXV. 

vices  are  appointed,  and  the  Lord  hath  given  you  rest  from  your 
enemies,  that  you  may  serve  him  acceptably ;  set  about  it,  there- 
fore, with  gratitude  and  alacrity.  We  read,  1  Chron.  ix.  33.  that 
theLevitical  singers  were  employed  in  their  work  day  and  night; 
to  the  end,  doubtless,  that  the  earthly  sanctuary  might  bear  some 
resemblance  of  that  above,  where  St.  John  tells  us,  the  redeemed 
"  are  before  the  throne  of  God,  and  serve  him  day  and  night  in  his 
temple,"  Rev,  vii.  13.  Christians  are  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord, 
redeemed  from  the  guilt  and  dominion  of  sin,  delivered  out  of  the 
hands  of  their  enemies,  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil,  that  they 
may  become  the  servants  of  Christ.  He  hath  built  his  church,  and 
in  it  he  wills  that  men  pray,  lifting  up  holy  hands,  and  that  they 
offer  the  sacrifices  of  thanksgiving.  "  Behold,"  therefore,  ''  bless 
the  Lord  Jesus,  all  ye  servants  of  his ;"  bless  him  in  the  cheerful  and 
busy  hours  of  day ;  bless  him  in  the  solemn  and  peaceful  watches 
of  the  night;  making  melody,  even  then,  in  your  hearts  at  least, 
if  not  with  your  voices.  The  pious  Mr.  Nicholas  Farrer  exhibited, 
in  the  last  century,  an  instance  of  a  Protestant  family,  in  which  a 
constant  course  of  psalmody  was  appointed,  and  so  stricty  kept  up, 
that,  through  the  whole  four  and  twenty  hours  of  day  and  night, 
there  was  no  portion  of  time,  when  some  of  the  members  were  not 
employed  in  performing  that  most  pleasant  part  of  duty  and  devo- 
tion. The  reader  may  see  the  curious  life  of  this  extraordinary  per- 
son, as  drawn  up  by  Dr.  Turner,  bishop  of  Ely,  in  the  Christian 
Magazine,  vol.  ii.  p.  356. 

3.  The  LoviD,  that  made  heaven  and  earth,  bless  thee  outof  Zion. 

The  two  preceding  verses,  as  Mr.  Mudge  observes,  seem  directed 
to  the  priests  of  the  temple,  by  some  person,  probably  of  conse- 
(juence,  come  up  to  pay  his  devotions.  This  third  verse  is  therefore 
returned,  as  from  the  priests.  And  thus  it  is,  that  prayer  anil 
praise,  which  by  grace  are  caused  to  ascend  from  our  hearts  to  God, 
will  certainly  return  in  the  benedictions  of  heaven  upon  our  souls 
and  bodies,  our  persons  and  our  families,  our  church  and  our  coun- 
try; like  the  vapours,  which,  exhaled  by  the  warmth  of  the  sun 
from  the  bowels  of  the  earth,  mount  upwards  into  the  air;  but  sooii 
fall  again  in  fruitful  showers,  causing  the  little  hills  to  rejoice,  and 
the  valleys  to  laugh  and  sir\g. 

PSALM  CXXXV. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  this  Psalm,  1,  2.  the  servants  of  Jehovali  arc  exhorted  to  praise  him,  3.  on 
account  of  his  goodness;  of  the  pleasure  to  be  found  in  the  einpioymont , 


Day  XXVIII.  M.  P.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  583 

4.  of  his  peculini-  mercies  shown  to  Israel ;  5.  of  his  inQnitc  superiority 
over  the  gods  of  tlic  nations,  manifested,  6,  7.  in  the  works  of  neatioii,  '.» 

14.  in  his  dealings  with  the  ihiach,  and  with  her  adversarie-;.     lo — lo 

The  folly  of  idolatry,  and  of  those  who  practise  it,  is  described;  and  19 — 
21.  Israel  is  again  stirred  up  to  praise  Jehovah. 

1.  Praise  ye  the  Lord.  Pt-aise  ye  the  name  of  the  Lord; 
praise  him,  0  ye  servants  of  the  Lord.  2.  Ye  that  stand  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  in  the  courts  of  the  house  of  our  God.  ". 
Praise  the  Lord  ;  for  the  Lord  is  good:  sing  j^''^'^^^  ""'^  ^'^ 
name  ;  for  it  is  pleasant. 

All  the  servants  of  God,  they,  more  especially,  who  minister  in 
the  temple,  are  repeatedly,  as  in  the  foregoing  Psalm,  e.xcited  to 
praise  their  blessed  Master.  Two  reasons  are  assigned  why  they 
should  do  this.  First,  the  "goodness"  of  that  Master,  and  secondly, 
the  '•  pleasantness"  of  the  employment.  The  latter  of  these  reasons 
hath  a  natural  and  necessary  dependence  on  the  former.  A  .sense 
■«)f  the  Divine  mercy  will  tune  our  hearts  and  voices  to  praise. 
We,  who  are  upon  earth,  often  find  ourselves  indisposed  for  the 
duty  of  thanlc^giving,  because  the  concerns  of  the  body,  the  cares 
and  pleasures  of  life,  extinguish,  for  a  time,  this  sense  in  us,  until 
grace,  prayer,  and  meditation,  render  it  again  lively  and  active. 
In  tiie  inhabitants  of  heaven,  who  behold  God  without  the  veil  of 
matter  interposed,  it  is  always  so ;  and,  therefore,  they  rest  not 
day  or  night  from  singing  hallelujahs,  nor  cease  one  moment  to  re- 
joice in  God  their  Saviour. 

4.  For  the  Lord  hath  chosen  Jacob  unto  himself,  and  Israel  for 
Ids  peculiar  treasure.  5.  For  I  know  that  the  Loud  is  great,  and 
that  our  Lord  is  above  all  gods. 

A  third  reason  why  the  children  of  Israel  should  praise  the  name 
of  Jehovah,  was  the  circumstance  of  their  having  been  "  selected 
from  among  the  nations"  to  be  his  church,  to  receive  the  law  and 
the  promises,  to  have  his  presence  residing  in  the  midst  of  them, 
and  to  be  the  guardians  of  the  true  faith  and  worship.  And  a  fourtii 
reason,  was  the  "  superiority  of  Jehovah  their  God  over  the  gods  of 
the  heathen,"  and  consequently  over  those  who  worshipped  them; 
from  whence  followed  this  comfortable  inference,  that  he  was  able 
to  protect  and  to  defend  his  people  against  every  enemy  that  had 
evil  will  at  Zion.  Shall  not  we,  Christians,  then,  praise  the  same 
gracious  Lord,  who  hath  chosen  us  out  of  the  world,  who  hath 
given  unto  us  his  Gospel,  who  dwelleth  in  us  by  his  Spirit,  and  who 
by  that  Spirit  maketh  us  more  than  conquerors  over  our  spiritual 
adversaries  ? 

G.  Whatsoever  the  Lord  jdcascd,  that  did  he  in  heaven,  and  in 
rarth,  in  the  seas,  and  all  deep  places. 


S84  A  COMMENTARY         Psal.  CXXXV. 

The  pre-eminence  of  Jehovah  above  the  gods  of  the  nations^  is 
evinced  by  this  consideration,  that  he,  at  the  beginning,  created 
and  formed  those  powers  of  nature,  whose  operations  "  in  the  hea- 
vens, the  earth,  and  the  waters,"  led  the  heathen  world,  after  it 
had  lost  the  knowledge  of  the  Creator,  to  adore  the  creature  as  in- 
dependent. Let  us  praise  him,  who,  in  the  intellectual  as  in  the 
material  world,  is  Lord  and  King ;  who  is  obeyed  by  the  angels  in 
heaven,  served  by  the  church  upon  earth,  and  feared  by  the  spirits 
imprisoned  in  deep  places  beneath. 

7.  He  causeih  the  vapours  to  ascend  froin  the  ends  of  the  earth; 
he  maketh  lightnings  for  the  rain;  he  bi'ingeth  the  luind  out  of  his 
treasuries. 

They  who  in  old  time  paid  their  devotions  to  the  elements,  ima- 
gined those  elements  to  be  capable  of  giving  or  withholding  rain 
at  pleasure.  Therefore  we  find  the  prophet  Jeremiah  reclaiming 
that  power  to  Jehovah,  as  the  God  who  made  and  governed  the 
world.  "  Are  there  any  among  the  vanities  of  the  Gentiles  that 
can  cause  rain  ?  or  can  the  heavens  give  showers  ?  Art  thou  not 
he^  O  Jehovah  our  God  ?  Therefore  we  will  wait  upon  thee  :  for 
thou  hast  made  all  these  things,"  Jer.  xiv.  22.  Among  the  Greeks 
and  Romans  we  meet  with  a  Jupiter  possessed  of  the  thunder  and 
the  lightning,  and  an  vEolus  ruling  over  the  winds.  The  Psalmist 
teacheth  us  to  restore  the  celestial  artillery  to  its  rightful  owner. 
Jehovah,  the  God  of  Israel,  and  Creator  of  the  universe,  con- 
trived the  wonderful  machinery  of  light  and  air,  by  which  "  vapours 
are  raised  from  the  earth,"  compacted  into  clouds,  and  distilled  in 
"rain."  At  his  command  the  "  winds"  are  suddenly  in  motion, 
and  as  suddenly  at  rest  again ;  we  hear  the  sound,  but  cannot  tell 
whence  they  come,  or  whither  they  go ;  as  if  they  were  taken  from 
secret  "  storehouses"  of  the  Almighty,  and  then  laid  up  till  their 
service  was  required  again.  The  same  idea  God  himself  is  pleased 
to  give  us  in  the  book  of  Job,  where  he  describeth  the  instruments 
of  his  power,  as  so  many  weapons  of  war  in  the  arsenal  of  a  mighty 
prince :  "  Hast  thou  entered  into  the  treasures  of  the  snow  ?  Or 
hast  thou  seen  the  treasures  of  the  hail  which  I  have  reserved 
against  the  time  of  trouble,  against  the  day  of  battle  and  war  ?  By 
what  way  is  the  light  parted,  which  scattereth  the  east  wind  upon 
the  earth  ?  Who  hatli  divided  a  water-course  for  the  overflowing  of 
waters  ?  or  a  way  for  the  lightning  of  thunder,  to  cause  it  to  rain 
on  the  earth  ?"  Job  xxviii.  22,  &c.  It  is  a  great  instance  of  the 
Divine  wisdom  and  goodness,  that  lightning  should  be  accompanied 
by  rain,  to  soften  its  rage,  and  prevent  its  miscliievous  effects. 
Thus,  in  the  midst  of  judgment,  does  God  remember  mercy.  Tlic 


Day  XXVIII.  M.  p.       ON  THE  PSALMS.  585 

llireatenings  in  his  word  against  sinners  arc  like  ligiitning;  tlioy 
would  blast  and  scorch  us  up,  were  it  not  for  his  promises  made  in 
the  same  word  to  penitents,  which,  as  a  gracious  rain,  turn  asidt^ 
their  tiny,  refreshing  and  comforting  our  affrighted  spirhs. 

>s.  U'/to  smote  the  frst-born  of  Egypt,  both  of  man  and  beast. 
1>.  Who  sent  tokens  and  wonders  into  the  midst  of  thee,  O  Egypt, 
upon  Pharaoh,  and  upon  all  his  servants. 

"  Egypt''  was  the  theatre  of  the  grand  contest  between  the  God 
tif  Israel  and  the  gods  of  the  heathen.  The  superiority  of  the  for- 
mer over  the  latter  was  shown  in  every  possible  way  by  the  mira- 
cles of  Moses,  which  demonstrated  all  the  j)owers  of  nature  to  be 
imder  the  dominion  of  Jehovah,  and  to  act  at  his  command,  so  that, 
instead  of  being  abl«'  to  jirotect,  they  were  made  to  torment  and 
destroy  their  deluded  votaries.  See  more  on  Psalm  Ixxviii.  44,&:c. 
The  objects  of  a  man's  sin  frequently  become,  in  the  end,  the  in- 
struments of  his  punishment. 

10.  IJ'ho  smote  great  nations,  andsleio  mighty  hings:  11.  Sihon 
lang  of  the  Amoritcs,  and  Og  king  of  Doshan,  and  all  the  king- 
doms of  Canaan:  1 2.  And  gave  their  land  for  an  heritage,  an  he- 
ritage unto  Israel  his  people. 

The  victories  gained  by  Israel  over  "  Sihon  and  Og,"  in  their 
passage  to  Canaan,  and  afterwards  over  the  idolatrous  kings  of  that 
country,  are  more  proofs  of  the  same  point.  For  Israel  therefore 
conquered,  because  Jehovah  fought  for  them,  and  "  put  them  in 
possession  of  that  good  land,"  when  the  iniquity  of  its  old  inhabi- 
tants was  full,  and  cried  to  Heaven  for  vengeance.  The  enemies 
weJiavc  to  encounter  in  our  way  to  the  promised  inheritance,  w  ill 
also,  if  vigorously  opposed,  fall  before  us.  "  The  kingdom  of  hea- 
ven suflereth  violence,  and  the  violent  take  it  by  force."  But  it  is 
God  who  figliteth  for  us,  and  with  us,  who  giveth  us  the  victory, 
and  putteth  us  in  possession,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 

13.  Thy  name,  O  Lord,  endureth/or  ei'cr;  and  thy  memorial, 
O  Lord,  throughout  all  generations.  14.  For  the  Lord  icill  judge, 
his  people  ;  and  he  toill  repent  himself  concerning  his  servants. 

Hy  the  destruction  of  Pharaoh,  with  his  Egyptians,  and  by  tlic 
battles  and  victories  of  Joshua;  much  more,  by  the  overthrow  ot 
the  spiritual  Pharaoii,  with  iiis  infernal  host,  and  by  the  battles  and 
victories  of  the  true  Joshua,  Jehovah  hatli  gotten  him  glory,  ami 
his  ''  name  is  magnified"  in  the  church  from  age  to  age.  The  peo- 
[)le  whom  he  hath  redeemed,  may,  indeed,  for  the  chastisement  of 
their  iniquities,  be  sometimes  delivered  into  the  hands  of  their  ene- 
mies, and  oppressed  by  them ;  but  it  is  only  to  show  them  their 
transgressions,  and  lead  them  to  repentance.  When  .this  elfect  is 
7! 


jSG  a  commentary       Psal.  cxxxyi. 

wrought,  he  is  always  ready  to  "  judge''  them,  to  plead  and  to 
avenge  their  cause ;  "  he  repenteth  him"  of  the  evil,  and  averteth  it ; 
lie  is  entreated  for  the  land,  and  becometh  gracious  to  his  servants. 

15.  The  idols  of  the  heathen  are  silver  and  gold,  the  work  of 
men^s  hands.  16.  They  have  mouths,  hut  they  speak  not ;  eyes 
have  they,  but  they  see  not.  17 .  They  have  ears,  hut  they  hear 
not;  neither  is  there  ?i.ny  hrcath  in  their  mouths.  18.  They  that 
make  them  are  like  unto  them :  so  is  every  one  that  trusteth  in 
them. 

In  these  verses  is  set  forth  the  difference  between  the  God  of  Is- 
rael, and  the  idols  of  the  nations,  as  also  between  the  worshippers 
of  each;  all  tending  to  confirm  the  truth  of  what  was  asserted, 
verse  5.  "  I  know  that  the  Lord  is  great,  and  that  our  Lord  is 
above  all  gods."  As  the  same  words  occur.  Psalm  cxv.  4,  &c.  the 
reader  is  referred  thither  for  the  explication  of  them. 

19.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  house  of  Israel:  hless  the  Lord,  O  house 
of  Aaron  :  20.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  house  of  Levi :  ye  that  fear  the 
Lord,  hless  the  Lord.  21.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  out  of  Zion, 
which  dwelleth  at  Jerusalem.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

He  who  proved  himself  superior  to  the  objects  of  ancient  idola- 
try, is  no  less  superior  to  every  object  on  which  deluded  man  can 
place  his  affections.  The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  will  take  them 
away.  Let  the  "  house  of  Israel,"  therefore,  and  ''  the  sons  of 
Aaron,"  the  church  and  the  ministers  thereof,  let  all  who  "  fear  the 
Lord,"  bless  and  praise  his  holy  name  in  the  temple  here  below, 
until  they  shall  be  admitted  to  do  it  for  evermore,  in  that  which  is 
above. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 

PSALM  CXXXYI. 

ARGUMENT. 

'I'liis  is  a  delightful  hymn  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  to  Jeliovah,  1 — 3.  flod 
of  gods,  and  Lord  of  lords,  for  the  wonders,  4 — 9.  of  creation,  10 — 26. 
of  providence  and  grace ;  which  were  probably  celebrated  in  due  order 
by  one  half  of  the  choir,  while  the  other  half,  or,  perhaps,  the  whole  in 
fidl  chorus,  took  up  (he  burthen  of  each  verse,  "  For  his  mercy  cndnrcth 
for  ever  !"  A  form  of  acknowledgment,  as  bishop  Patrick  observes,  pre- 
scribed by  David,  1  Chron.  xvi.  41.  to  be  used  continually  in  the  Divine 
service.  A  form  highly  jjroper  for  creatures,  and  sinful  creatines  to  use, 
whose  great  emi)l()ynient  it  is  now,  and  will  be  for  ever,  to  magnify  the 
mercy  and  loving-kindness  of  their  God. 
I,  0  give  tJtanks  unto  the  Lord  ;  for  he  is  good:  for  his  mercy 

endureth /or  ever.     2.  0  give  thanks  unto  the  God  of  gods:  fur 


Day  XXVIII.  E.  p.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  :,87 

hin  mem/  endinotliyby  ever.  3.  O give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  of 
lorih:  fur  his  mercy  endurctli/o/-  ever. 

We  are  called  upon  to  praise  Jehovah,  first,  for  his  own  essential 
attributes;  then,  for  the  exertion  of  those  attributes  in  his  works. 
Tiie  attributes  here  mentioned  are  those  of  goodness  and  power; 
the  one  renders  him  willinvf,  the  otiier  able,  to  save:  and  what  can 
we  desire  more,  but  that  he  should  continue  to  be  so  ?  Of  this  like- 
wise we  are  assured,  by  contemplating  the  imciianireableness  of  his 
nature.  His  disposition  altereth  not,  and  his  kingdom  none  can 
take  from  him  :  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever, 

4.  To  him  icho  alone  dotih  ffreut  ivondcm:  for  his  merry  en- 
dureth/or  ever. 

All  the  works  of  God  are  '•  wonderful,"  and  speak  him  alone  to 
have  been  their  author.  The  established  course  of  the  woild  is  in 
reality  no  less  admirable,  than  are  those  extraordinary  interposi- 
tions of  Omnipotence,  whereby  it  hath  been  sometimes  interrupted 
and  suspended;  though  the  latter,  on  account  of  their  novelty,  are 
apt  to  aflect  us  more  than  the  former  doth,  which  is  ever  before 
our  eyes,  and  therefore  less  regarded  by  us.  IIow  many  of  those 
for  whom  the  wonders  of  creation,  providence,  and  redemption, 
have  been  wrought,  think  none  of  them  worthy  their  attention  ! 
Angels  admire  and  adore,  where  man  will  not  deign  to  cast  an  eye, 
or  employ  a  thougiit. 

r>.  To  him  that  by  wisdom  made  the  heavens:  for  his  mercy  en- 
Jurethybr  ever.  6.  To  him  that  sti-etched  oxit  the  earth  above  the 
waters:  for  his  mercy  ejidureth/br  ever. 

The  heavens  above,  and  the  earth  beneath,  declare  the  wisdom 
of  their  great  Maker,  and  proclaim  aloud  to  an  intelligent  ear  the 
Divinity  of  the  hand  that  formed  them.  The  heavens  display  the 
love  of  God  to  man;  the  earth  teaches  the  duty  of  man  to  God. 
Heaven  is  glorious  and  gracious,  earth  verdant  and  fruitful.  The 
l)right  and  ample  circumference  of  heaven,  the  variegated  sm-face 
of  the  earth,  and  the  profusion  of  good  things  that  distinguish  the 
seasons,  contaminated  as  tln;y  all  have  been  by  man's  transgression, 
even  now  yield  a  prospect  which  annihilates  all  human  grandeur. 
Wliat  idea,  then,  are  we  to  frame  of  those  new  heavens  and  earth, 
from  which  sin  and  corruption  are  excluded,  and  where  righteous- 
ness hath  fixed  her  eternal  throne  ? 

7.  To  him  that  made  great  lights:  for  his  mercy  endureth /or 
ever:  8.  The  sun  to  ride  by  day  :  for  his  mercy  endureth /or  ever; 
9'  The  moon  and  stars  to  rule  by  night :  for  his  mercy  endureth 
for  ever. 

*•  Liirht''  is  the  life  and  soul  of  the  imiverse,  the  noblest  emblem 


588  A  COMINIENTARY         Psal.  CXXXVI. 

(if  tlir  power  .'uid  dorv  of  God,  who  in  the  nit^ht  season  leaves  nui 
himself  without  witness,  buteivos  us  some  portion  of  that  light  re- 
flected, which  by  day  we  behold  flowing  from  its  great  fountain  in 
the  heart  of  heaven.  Thy  church  and  thy  saints,  O  Lord,  "  arc 
the  moon  and  tlie  stars,"  which,  by  the  communication  of  doc- 
trine, and  the  splendour  of  example,  guide  our  feet,  while  wc  travel 
on  in  the  niglit  that  hath  overtak(;n  us,  wailing  for  the  dawn  of  ever- 
lasting day.  Then  we  shall  behold  thy  glory,  and  see  thee  as  thou  art. 

10.  To  him  that  smote  Egypt  in  their  first-born  :  for  his  mercy 
endurethybr  ever :  11 .  Aiid  brought  out  Israel  from  among  them: 
for  his  mercy  ^nCMY^th.  for  ever :  12.  With  a  strong  hand,  and 
with  a  stretched  out  arm:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever.  13. 
7b  him  which  divided  the  Red  Sea  into  parts :  for  his  mercy  en- 
dureth/"or  ever:  14.  And  made  Israel  to  pass  through  the  midst  of 
it:  for  his  mercy  endureth ^br  ever :  15.  IhU  overthreio  Pharaoh 
and  his  host  in  the  Red  Sea:  for  Jtis  mercy  endureth  for  ever.  l6. 
To  him  ivhich  led  his  people  through  theivilderncss :  for  his  mercy 
endureth /or  ever.  1".  To  him  lohich  smote  great  kings:  for  his 
mercy  emhuetb  for  ever:  18.  And  sleiv  famous  kings:  for  his 
merct/  endureth/or  ever:  19.  Sihon  king  of  the  Amorites :  for  his 
mercy  endureth  for  ever:  20.  And  Og  the  king  of  Bashan:  for 
his  mercy  endureth  for  ever:  21.  And  gave  their  land  for  an  he- 
ritage:  for  his  mercy  erxdxxxeth  for  ever :  22.  Even  an  heritage 
unto  Israel  his  sei'vant:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever.  23. 
Who  reniemhcred  us  in  our  low  estate :  for  his  mercy  endureth  jfor 
ci'er;  24.  And  hath  redeemed  us  from  our  enemies:  for  his  mercy 
endureth  jTor  ever. 

From  the  works  of  creation  the  Psalmist  proceeds  to  those  of 
providence  and  grace.  He  celebrates  that  mercy  which  rescued 
Israel  from  oppression,  brought  them  out  of  the  house  of  bondage, 
divided  the  sea  (o  make  a  way  for  them,  supported  and  conducted 
them  through  a  waste  howling  wilderness,  crushed  the  might  and 
power  of  those  who  opposed  them,  and  at  length  settled  them  in  the 
inheritance  promised  to  their  fathers.  Eternal  mercy  hath,  in 
Christ  Jesus,  realized  all  these  figures,  and  accomplished  the  great 
redemption,  thus  foreshadowed  of  old.  The  Israel  of  God  hath 
been  rescued  from  the  oppression  of  Satan,  and  brought  out  of  the 
house  of  spiritual  bondage.  In  the  waters  of  baptism  the  old  man 
of  sin  is  buried,  and  we  arise  triumj)hant,  to  sing  the  praises  of  God 
our  Saviour,  who  from  thenceforth  supports  and  conducts  us  in  our 
passage  through  the  world,  strengthening  us  in  the  day  of  battle 
against  every  enemy  that  opposelh  us,  until  wc  enter  the  heavenly 
Canaan,  promised  to  the  fathers  of  our  faith,  and  dwell  for  ever  in 


4 


Day  \\\  III.  t:.  P.        OX  THE  PSALMS.  5Sy 

tlic  possession  of  peace.  VVlien  we  consider  liow  God  has  thus 
"  remembered  us  in  our  low  estate,*'  and  thus  "  redeemed  us  from 
fiur  enemies,-'  can  we  be  weary  of  repeating,  '■  For  his  mercy  en- 
dureth  for  ever?" 

23.  Who  giveth  food  to  all  flesh  :  for  Ms  mercy  endurethybr 
ever.  26.  O  give  thanks  unto  the  God  of  heaven :  for  his  mercij 
iidureth/br  firr. 

The  same  bounty,  which,  in  the  natural  worki,  provideth  proper 
nutriment  for  every  creature,  hath  also  provided,  for  the  spirits  of 
all  llesh,  the  bread  of  eternal  life.  In  either  sense,  Jehovah  "  opcn- 
t  th  his  hand,  and  lilleth  all  thins^s  living  with  plenteousness."'  Be, 
liiciefore,  his  praise  as  universal  and  lasting  as  his  mercy. 

PSALIM  CXXXVII. 

AUGOIENT. 

'  iic  Israelites,  raj)tivcs  in  Babylon,  1 — 2.  dcscrilie  their  woliil  rotate,  ami, 
3,  4.  tiic  insults  of  their  rriicl  masters.  5,  6.  They  declare  their  in\ioln- 
l)le  adeetion  for  Jerusalem  ;  7.  pray  that  God  would  remember  the  !><•- 
Iiaviour  of  Edom  ;  and  8,  9.  predict  the  destruction  of  Babylon.  The 
J'salin  admits  of  a  beautiful  and  useful  application  to  the  statu  of  Chri^- 
tians  in  this  world,   and  their  expected  deliverance  out  of  it. 

1.  Bij  the  rivers  of  Babylon,  there  we  sat  down;  yea,  we  wept 
when  wc  remembered  '/ion. 

What  an  inexpressible  pathos  is  there  in  these  few  words  ?  IIow 
do  they  at  once  transport  us  to  Babylon,  and  place  before  our  eyes 
the  mournful  situation  of  the  Israelitish  captives !  Driven  from 
their  native  country,  stripped  of  every  comfort  and  convenience, 
in  a  strange  land,  among  idolaters,  wearied  and  broken-hearted, 
they  sit  in  silence  by  those  hostile  waters.  Then  the  pleasant 
banks  of  Jordan  present  themselves  to  their  imaginations;  the 
towers  of  Salem  rise  to  view ;  and  the  sad  remembrance  of  much- 
loved  Ziion  causes  tears  to  run  down  their  cheeks:  "  By  the  waters 
of  Babylon  we  sat  down, yea,  we  we])t,  when  we  remembered  Zion  !•' 
Besides  the  use  which  may  be  made  of  this  Psalm  by  any  church, 
when,  literally,  in  a  state  of  captivity,  there  is  a  sense  in  which  it 
may  be  used  by  us  all.  For  Zion  is,  in  Scri|)ture,  the  standing 
type  of  heaven,  as  Babylon  is  the  grand  figure  of  the  world,  the  seat 
«tf  confusion,  the  oppressor  and  persecutor  of  the  people  of  God. 
In  these,  or  the  like  terms,  we  may,  therefore,  suppose  a  sinner  to 
l)emoan  himself  upon  the  earth— O  Lord,  I  am  an  Israelite,  exiled 
by  my  sins  from  thy  holy  city,  and  left  to  mourn  in  this  Babylon, 
the  land  of  my  captivity.    Here  I  dwell  in  sorrow,  by  these  tran- 


590  A  COMMENTARY        Psal.  CXXXVlf. 

sient  waters,  musing  on  the  restless  and  unstable  nature  of  earthly 
pleasures,  which  pass  swiftly  bj'-  me,  and  arc  soon  gone  for  ever. 
Yet  for  these,  alas !  I  have  exchanged  the  permanent  joys  of  Zion, 
and  parted  with  the  felicity  of  thy  chosen.  Wherefore  my  heart 
is  pained  within  me,  and  the  remembrance  of  my  folly  will  not  let 
ine  rest  night  or  day.  O  Zion,  thou  holy  and  beautiful  city,  the 
temple  of  the  Lamb,  the  habitation  of  the  blessed,  the  scat  of  de- 
light, the  land  of  the  living,  when  shall  I  behold  thee  ?  When  shall 
I  enter  thy  gates  with  thanksgiving,  and  thy  courts  with  praise  r 
The  hope  of  a  return  to  thee  is  n)y  only  comfort  in  this  vale  ol 
tears,  where  I  am  and  will  be  a  mourner,  till  my  captivity  be 
brought  back,  and  my  sorrow  be  turned  into  joy. 

2.  IFe  hanged  our  harps  ujion  the  toilloivs  in  the  midst  thereof. 
The  additional  circuinstance,  which  the  divine  painter  hath  here 

thrown  into  his  piece,  is  to  the  last  degree  just  and  striking.  It 
was  not  enough  to  represent  the  Hebrew  captives  weeping  on  the 
banks  of  the  Euphrates,  at  the  remembrance  of  Zion,  but,  upon 
looking  up,  we  beheld  their  harps  unstrung,  and  pendent  on  the  wil- 
lows that  grew  there.  The  sincere  penitent,  like  them,  hath  bid- 
den adieu  to  mirth;  his  soul  refuseth  to  be  comforted  with  the  com- 
forts of  Bai^ylon  ;  nor  can  he  sing  any  more,  till  pardon  and  resto- 
ration shall  have  enabled  him  to  sing,  in  the  temple,  a  song  of 
praise  and  thanksgiving. 

3.  For  there  they  that  carried  ns  away  captive  required  of  us  a 
song  :  and  they  that  toasted  us,  required  of  us  mirth,  saying.  Sing 
us  one  of  the  songs  of  Zion.  4.  Hotc  shall  wc  sing  the  Lono's 
song  in  a  strange  land  ?* 

The  Babylonians  are  introduced  as  insulting  over  the  Israelites, 
and  scoffing  at  their  ftiith  and  worship,  not  without  a  tacit  reflec- 
tion on  their  God,  who  could  not  protect  his  favoured  people  against 
their  enemies.  '•  Now  sing  us  one  of  your  songs  of  Zion;  now  let 
us  hear  you  sound  the  praises  of  that  God,  of  whouj  you  boasted, 
that  be  dwelt  among  you  in  the  temple  which  we  have  laid  waste, 
and  burnt  with  fire."  Thus  the  faithful  have  been,  and  thus  they 
will  be,  insulted  by  infidels  in  the  d;iy  of  their  calamity.  And 
'•'  how,"  indeed,  "  can  they  sing  the  Lord's  song  in  a  strange  land  ?"' 
IIow  can  they  tune  their  voices  to  festive  and  eucharistic  strains, 
when  God,  by  punishing  them  for  their  sins,  calleth  to  mourning 

''''  Many  singnrs  were  carried  captives,  Ezra  ii.  41.  Tliese  would  of  cotu se 
take  their  iiistruiiieiits  with  thcni,  and  be  insulted,  as  liere.  Their  songs 
were  sacred,  and  unfit  to  be  sungf  before  idohiters.  But  the  words,  ''  How 
shall  we  sing,".&ic.  arc  not  an  answer  given  to  them,  but  the  free,  utterance 
afterwards  of  the  feelings  of  the  Jews  among  themselves.  Jinoiiymoui  .Kules 
in  Merrick's  Jlnolations. 


DayXXVIII.  E.  p.        ON  THE  PSALIMS.  591 

and  woeping ?  But  then,  Israel  in  Babylon  loresaw  a  day  of  re- 
demption; and  so  doth  the  church  in  the  world;  a  day  when  she 
shall  triumph,  and  her  enemies  shall  lick  the  dust.  Xo  circum- 
stances, therefore,  should  make  us  forget  her,  and  the  promises  con- 
cerning her. 

5.  If  I  forget  thee,  O  Jerusalem,  let  my  right  hand  forget  her 
cunning.  G.  If  I  do  not  remember  thee,  let  mtj  tongue  cleave  to  the 
roof  of  my  mouth  :  if  I  prefer  not  Jerusalem  above  my  chief  joy. 

The  wliole  nation  may  be  supposed  in  these  words  to  declare,  as 
one  man,  that  neither  the  alllictions  nor  the  allurements  of  Babylon 
should  eflace  from  their  minds  the  remembrance  of  Jernsalem,  or 
prevent  their  looking  forward  to  her  future  glorious  restoration. 
If  any  temptation  should  induce  them  to  employ  their  tongues 
and  their  hands  in  the  service  of  Babel,  rather  than  in  that  of  Zion, 
tliey  wish  to  lose  the  use  of  the  former,  and  the  skill  of  the  latter. 
The  thoughts  and  aflections  of  true  penitents,  both  in  prosperity 
and  adversity,  are  fixed  upon  their  heavenly  country  and  city ;  they 
had  rather  be  deprived  of  their  powers  and  faculties,  than  of  the 
will  to  use  them  aright ;  and  the  hope  of  glory  hereafter  to  be  re- 
vealed in  the  church,  is  the  flower  and  crown  of  their  joy. 

7.  Remember.,  O  Lord,  the  children  of  Edom  in  the  day  of  Je- 
rusalem ;  icho  said,  Rase  it,  rase  it,  even  to  the  foundation  thereof 

The  jjeople  of  God  beseech  him  to  take  their  cause  in  hand,  and 
to  avenge  them  on  their  adversari<s,  particularly  on  the  Edomites, 
who,  though  their  brethren  according  to  the  flesh,  being  descended 
from  Esau,  the  brother  of  Jacob,  yet  in  the  day  of  Jerusalem's  af- 
fliction, when  the  Chaldeans  came  against  it,  were  aiding  and  en- 
couraging those  pagans  to  destroy  it  utterl}-.  Edom  is  charged 
with  this  unnatural  behaviour,  and  threatened  for  it,  by  God  him- 
self, in  the  prophecy  of  Obadiah,  verse  10,  &c.  "  For  thy  violence 
against  thy  brother  Jacob,  shame  shall  cover  thee,  and  thou  shall 
be  cut  oft'  for  ever.  In  the  day  that  thou  stoodest  on  the  other  side, 
in  the  day  that  the  strangers  carried  away  captive  his  forces,  and 
foreigners  entered  into  his  gates,  and  cast  lots  upon  Jerusalem,  even 
ihou  wast  as  one  of  them.  But  thou  shouldest  not  have  looked  on 
the  day  of  thy  brother,  in  the  day  that  he  became  a  stranger:  nei- 
ther shouldest  thou  have  rejoiced  over  the  children  of  Judah  in  thf 
day  of  their  destruction — For  the  day  of  the  Loud  is  near  upon  all 
the  heathen  :  as  thou  hast  done,  it  shall  be  done  unto  thee,  thy  re- 
ward shall  return  upon  thine  own  head — but  upon  mount  Zion  shall 
lie  deliverance,  and  there  shall  be  holiness,  and  the  house  of  Jacob 
shall  possess  their  possessions.-'  It  may  be  observed,  that  the  Jews 
nfierwards  acted  the  same  part  towards  the  Christian  church,  which 


592  A  COMMENTxVRY        Psal.  CXXX\  III. 

the  Edomites  had  acted  towards  them,  encouraging  and  stirring  up 
the  Gentiles  to  persecute  and  destroy  it  from  off  the  face  of  the 
earth.  And  God  "  remembered"  them  for  the  Christians'  sakes,  as 
they  prayed  him  to  "  remember"  Edom  for  tlieir  sakes.  I.earn  we 
hence,  what  a  crime  it  is  for  Christians  to  assist  the  common  enemy, 
or  call  in  the  common  enemy  to  assist  them,  against  their  brethren. 

8.  O  daughter  of  Bahylon,  who  art  to  be  destroyed;  happy  shall 
he  be  that  rewarded  thee  as  thou  hast  served  us.  9-  Happy  shall 
he  be  that  iaketh  and  dasheth  thy  little  ones  against  the  stones. 

The  subject  of  these  two  verses  is  the  same  with  that  of  many 
chapters  in  Isaiah  and  .Jeremiah,  namely,  the  vengeance  of  heaven 
executed  upon  Babylon  by  Cyrus,  raised  up  to  be  king  of  the  Medes 
and  Persians,  unhed  under  him  for  that  purpose.  The  meaning  of 
the  words, ''  happy  shall  he  be,"  is,  he  shall  go  on  and  prosper,  for 
the  Lord  of  hosts  shall  go  with  him,  and  fight  his  battles  against  the 
enemy  and  oppressor  of  his  people,  empowering  him  to  recompense 
upon  the  Chaldeans  the  works  of  their  hands,  and  to  reward  them 
as  they  served  Israel.  The  slaughter  of  the  very  infants,  mentioned 
in  the  last  verse,  is  expressly  predicted  by  Isaiah,  chap.  xiii.  l6. 
"  Their  children  also  shall  be  dashed  to  pieces  before  their  eyes; 
their  houses  shall  be  spoiled,  and  their  wives  ravished."  The  de- 
struction was  to  be  universal,  sparing  neither  sex  nor  age.  Terri- 
ble, but  just,  are  thy  judgments,  O  Lord  !  The  fall  of  the  mystical 
Babylon  is  described,  Rev.  xviii.  in  terms  and  phrases  borrowed 
from  this  and  other  prophecies,  relating  primarily  to  the  ancient 
city  called  by  that  name.  Whoever  will  carefully  read  over  the 
chapter  referred  to,  with  the  three  subsequent  ones,  concerning  the 
triumph  of  Messiah,  and  the  glory  of  the  new  Jerusalem,  will  be 
able  to  form  proper  ideas  of  the  world  and  the  church,  and  will 
know  where  to  choose  his  portion. 


PSALM  CXXXVTII. 

ARGUMENT. 

'J  Ills  Psahu  containetR,   1 — 3.  a  rrsolutiou  to  praise  God  /or  a  delivcraiuc 
vouchsafed  ;  4,  5.  a  prophecy  that  the  kings  of  the  eartli  should  glorify 
Jehovah  for  his  mercy,  shown,  6.  in  exalting  the  humble,  and  abating-  the 
proud  ;  7,  8.  an  act  of  faith  and  confidence  in  God. 
1,  I  tvill praise  thee  with  my  whole  heart:  before  the  gods  will 

I  sing  praise  unto  thee.     2.  I  will  tcorship  toward  thy  holy  temple, 

and  praise  thy  name  for  thy  loving-kindness  and  for  thy  truth; 

for  thou  hast  magnified  thy  word  above  all  thy  name:  or,  thou  hast 

magnified  thy  name,  even  thy  word,  above  all. 


Day  XXVIII.  E.  p.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  593 

In  these  verses  we  evidenlly  hoar  the  voice  of  one  whom  God  liad 
deUvcred  fiom  a  state  of  great  aflliction  and  danger,  and  who  tliere- 
fore  determines  to  make  the  due  acknowledgments  in  pubHc ;  to 
give  thanks  before  the  gods,  tliat  is,  before  "•  kings"  and  '*  rulers,"' 
in  the  great  congregation;  to  '•  worship  in  the  temple,'*  and  there 
to  set  forth  the  loving-kindness  and  truth  of  Jehovah,  in  having  ac- 
comphshed  the  promised  salvation,  and  thereby  magnified  his  holy 
'•  name"  and  his  faithful  "  word"  over  every  thing  that  opposeth 
itself  against  it.  The  Christian  church  cannot  find  stronger  and 
more  emphatical  terms,  in  which  to  express  her  sense  of  the  greatest 
of  all  mercies,  the  redemption  of  the  world  by  the  resurrection  of 
Jesus  from  the  dead,  and  his  exaltation  ^'  above  every  name  that  is 
named  in  heaven  and  earth." 

3.  I/t  the  day  token  £  cried  thou  ansioerednt  me,  and  strvngthea- 
cdst  me  with  strength  in  viij  soul.  4.  AH  the  kings  of  the  earth 
shall  praise  thee,  0  Lord,  when  they  hear  the  words  of  thy  mouth. 
5.  Yea,  they  shall  sing  in  the  ways  of  the  Lord  :  for  great  is  the 
glory  of  the  Lord. 

From  this  part  of  the  Psalm  it  appears  to  be  a  prophetical  one. 
The  deliverance  which  it  celebrates  is  of  such  a  nature,  that  when 
the  glad  tidings  of  it  should  be  published  to  the  world,  we  are  told, 
it  should  induce  the  nations,  with  their  princes,  to  adore  Jehovah, 
to  walk  in  his  ways,  and  to  chant  forth  his  praises.  The  call  of 
the  Gentiles  to  the  Gospel  is  here  foretold  in  words  which  cannol 
be  mistaken,  and  the  redemption  of  the  church,  in  Christ  her  head, 
is  spoken  of  as  the  subject  of  thanksgiving  among  the  kings  ol  the 
earth.  "  In  the  day  when  I  cried,  thou  answeredst  me,  and 
strengthenedst  me  with  strength  in  my  soul."  For  this  reason, 
'•  All  the  kings  of  the  earth  shall  praise  thee,  O  Lord,"  &c. 

6.  Though  the  Lord  be  high,  yet  hath  he  respect  unto  the  loicly  : 
hut  the  proud  he  knoioeth  afar  off. 

Humility  is  the  way  to  salvation  and  glory.  It  is  said  of  our 
blessed  Lord,  that  "  because  he  humbled  himself,  therefore  God 
highly  exalted  him  :"  and  the  great  potentates  of  the  world  must 
tread  in  his  steps,  if  they  would  be  exalted  with  him.  As  to  the 
proud,  God  knowetli,  and  he  detesteth  them ;  he  beholdeth  and 
keepeth  them  at  a  "  distance." 

7.  Though  I  walk  in  the  midst  of  trouble,  thou  wilt  revive  me; 
thoushult  stretch  forth  thine  hand  against  the  wrath  of  mine  ene- 
mies, and  thy  right  hand  s'hall  save  me. 

Who  doth  not  "  walk  in  the  midst  of  trouble,"  while  his  pil- 
grimage is  prolonged  upon  the  earth  ?    Who  hath  not  enemies  en- 
compassing him  on  every  side  ?  O  how  comfortable,  then,  the  re- 
75 


:i94  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXXXIX. 

flection  that  he  is  with  us,  who  can  revive  the  deadj  that  we  are 
under  the  protection  of  an  arm  which  is  almighty !  Yes,  blessed 
Lord,  we  believe  that  this  saying  of  thy  holy  Psalmist  will  be  veri- 
fied to  every  child  of  thine,  even  as  it  was  to  him,  and  to  thy  Son 
Jesus,  in  whose  person  he  might  speak  it,  as  a  prophet.  Great 
indeed  were  the  "  troubles,"  in  the  midst  of  which  the  true  David 
walked  up  and  down  amongst  us.  He  carried  all  our  sorrows,  be- 
cause he  bare  all  our  sins.  "  Yet  didst  thou  revive  him  ;  thou  didst 
raise  him  from  the  dead,  and  exalt  him  to  thy  throne  in  heaven, 
where  he  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  us,"  that  we  who,  in 
the  days  of  our  ilesh,  do  also  walk  in  the  midst  of  trouble,  may  be 
revived  by  thy  Spirit,  the  giver  of  life  and  holiness. 

8.  TAeLoRD  will  perfect  that  which  concerneth  me :  thy  mercy,  O 
Lord,  endureth/or  ever :  forsake  not  the  works  of  thine  own  hands. 

In  troublous  times,  and  the  days  of  affliction,  we  must  look  back 
on  that  which  God  hath  already  done  for  us,  and  from  thence  draw 
an  argument,  that  he  will  perfect  that  which  remains,  and  not  leave 
his  work  unfinished :  we  must  remember,  that  his  mercies  fail  not, 
after  a  time,  but  endure  for  ever  the  same ;  and  when  we  call  to 
mind  that  we  are  tire  "  work  of  his  own  hands,"  how  can  we  think 
he  will  forsake  us,  unless  we  utterly  and  finally  forsake  him  ? 

TWENTY-NINTH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  CXXXIX. 

ARGUMENT. 

Jt  seems  evident,  fi-om  the  latter  part  of  this  noble  and  instructive  Psahn,  tliat 
the  author  penned  it,  at  a  time  vv  hen  he  was  persecuted  and  cakminiated, 
as  an  appeal  to  the  all-seeing  Judge  between  him  and  his  adversaries.  He 
takes  the  opportunity  of  expatiating  in  the  sublimest  manner,  1—12.  on 
the  omnipresence  and  omniscience  of  him  who,  13 — 16.  formeth  man  in 
the  womb  by  his  power,  and,  17.  preserveth  him  through  life  by  his  provi- 
dence. He  then,  19,  20.  exprcsseth  his  confidence,  that  God,  as  knowing 
all  things,  would  deliver  him  from  his  enemies;  21,  22.  he  declareth  his 
zeal  and  fidelity  in  the  service  of  his  divine  Master,  by  whom,  23,  24.  he 
petitioneth  to  be  proved,  purifijd,  and  perfected  in  the  way  of  holiness. 

1.  OLoRD,  thou  hast  searched  me,  and  knoivn  me.  2.  Thou 
knowcst  my  dozen-sitting  and  mine  up-rising,  thou  nndersfandest 
my  thought  afar  off,  3.  Thou  compassest  tny  path,  and  my  lying 
down,  and  art  acquainted  with  all  my  ways.  4.  For  there  is  jwt 
a  word  in  my  tongue,  but,  h,  0  Lord,  thou  knowest  it  altogether, 
or.  When  there  is  not  a  word  in  my  tongue,  lo,  0  Lord,  8fc.  5. 
Thou  hast  beset  me  behind  and  before,  and  laid  thine  hand  upon 


Day  XXIX.  M.  P.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  593 

mc.  6.  Such  knowledge  is  too  wonderful  for  me;  it  is  high,  lean- 
not  attain  unto  it. 

The  Psahiiist  omployeth  a  beautiful  variety  of  expressions  to  de- 
note his  faith  in  the  omnipresence  and  omniscience  of  Jehovah,  to 
whom,  in  the  latter  part  of  this  Psalm,  he  appealeth,  as  the  proper 
judge  between  him  and  his  implacable  enemies.  He  describeth  his 
God  as  having  that  complete  knowledge  of  him  and  his  aftairs, 
which,  among  men,  the  most  accurate  search,  and  the  strictest  scru- 
tiny, could  not  obtain;  as  being  thoroughly  "  acquainted  with  all 
his  ways,"  or  proceedings,  nay,  with  his  very  thoughts,  while  yet 
existing  only  in  embryo,  in  his  own  mind ;  as  watching  and  ob- 
serving him  at  all  seasons,  during  the  actions  of  the  day,  and  his 
repose  at  night;  and,  in  short,  as  having  so  beset  him  on  all 
sides,  and  laid  his  hand  upon  him,  that  he  could  not  move  without 
his  knowledge  and  consent.  When  we  reflect  ''  that  all  things 
are  thus  naked  and  open  to  him  with  whom  we  have  to  do;" 
that  although  he  dwelleth  in  the  highest  heavens,  he  surveyeth 
not  only  the  oirtward  acts,  but  the  very  hearts  and  imaginations  of 
men  upon  earth — must  we  not  each  of  us  cry  out,  "  Such  know- 
ledge is  too  wonderful  for  me;  it  is  high,  I  cannot  attain  unto  it;"' 
I  cannot  admire  it  enough,  for  I  cannot  conceive  of  it  aright ! — 
'•  The  actual,  constant  consideration  of  God's  presence,  would  be 
ihe  readiest  way  in  the  world  to  make  sin  cease  from  among  the 
children  of  men,  and  for  men  to  approach  to  the  blessed  estate  of 
the  saints  in  heaven,  who  cannot  sin,  for  they  always  walk  in  the 
presence,  and  behold  the  face  of  God."  See  Bishop  Taylor's  Holy 
Living,  chap.  i.  sect.  3. 

7.  Whither  shall  1  go  from  thj  Spirit  ?  or  tvhither  shall  I  flee 
from  thy  presence  ?  8.  If  I  ascend  up  into  heaven,  thou  art  there  : 
If  I  make  my  bed  in  hell,  or,  the  grave,  behold,  thou  art  there.  9. 
If  /  take  the  wings  of  the  morning,  and  dwell  in  the  uttermost 
parts  of  the  sea  ;  10.  Even  there  shall  thy  hand  lead  me,  and  thy 
right  hand  shall  hold  me.  11.  If  I  say,  Surely  the  darkness  shall 
cover  me  ;  even  the  night  shall  be  light  about 'me.  12.  Yea,  the 
darkness  hideth  not  from  thee;  but  the  night  shineth  as  the  day  : 
the  darkness  and  the  light  are  both  alike  to  thee. 

We  can  never  sin  with  security,  but  in  a  place  where  the  eye  of 
God  cannot  behold  us.  And  wliere  is  that  place  ?  Had  we  a  mind 
to  escape  his  inspection,  "  whither  should  we  go  ?"  Heaven  is  the 
seat  of  his  glory,  creation  the  scene  of  his  providence,  and  tlie  grave 
itself  will  be  the  theatre  of  his  power;  so  that  our  eflorts  will  be 
equally  vain,  whether  we  ascend,  or  descend,  or  fly  abroad  upon 
the  wings  of  the  morning  light,  which  diffuseth  itself  with  such  ve- 


b90  A  COMMENTARY        Psal.  CXXXIX. 

locity  over  the  globe,  from  east  to  west.  The  arm  of  the  Almighty 
will  still  at  pleasure  prevent,  and  be  ready  to  arrest  the  fugitives  in 
their  progress.  Darkness  may,  indeed  conceal  us  and  our  deeds 
from  the  sight  of  men  ;  but  the  Divine  presence,  like  that  of  the  sun, 
turns  night  into  day,  and  makes  all  things  manifest  before  God. 
The  same  consideration  which  should  restrain  us  from  sin,  should 
also  encourage  us  to  work  righteousness,  and  comfort  us  under  all 
our  sorrows;  namely,  the  thought,  that  we  are  never  out  of  the 
sight  and  protection  of  our  IMaker.  The  piety  and  the  charity 
which  are  practised  in  cottages;  the  labour  and  the  pain  which  are 
patiently  endured  in  the  field,  and  on  the  bed  of  sickness;  the  mi- 
sery and  torment  inflicted  by  persecution  in  the  mines,  the  galleys, 
and  the  dungeons;  all  are  under  the  inspection  of  Jehovah,  and  are 
noted  down  by  him  against  the  day  of  recompence.  lie  sees,  and 
he  will  reward  all  we  do,  and  all  we  suffer  as  becometh  Christians. 
He  who,  for  our  sakes,  caused  his  Son  to  descend  from  heaven  to 
the  lower  parts  of  the  earth,  and  from  thence  to  ascend  to  heaven 
again,  will  watch  over,  preserve,  and  reassemble  the  parts  of  our 
bodies,  though  dissolved  in  the  grave,  buried  in  the  ocean,  or  dii« 
persed  to  the  four  winds.  So  that,  with  allusion  to  this  event  also, 
a  dying  servant  of  God  may  exclaim  ;  Whither  can  I  go  from  thy 
Spirit  ?  or  whither  can  I  flee  from  thy  presence  ?  If,  as  to  my  spi- 
ritual part,  I  ascend  into  heaven,  thou  art  there  to  receive  me ;  if, 
as  touching  my  body,  I  make  my  bed  in  ^iNty,  or  the  grave,  behold 
thou  art  there,  to  secure  me.  If  I  take  the  vk'ings  of  the  wind,  or 
those  yet  more  expeditious  ones  of  the  morning,  and  am  carried  by 
them  to  dwell  in  the  midst  of  the  sea,  instead  of  the  bowels  of  the 
earth,  still  shall  I  be  under  thy  power  and  providence ;  even  there 
shall  thy  hand  lead  me,  and  thy  right  hand  shall  hold  me  fast,  pre- 
serving me  for  a  joyful  resurrection  at  the  time  appointed. 

13.  For  thou  hast  possessed,  or,  formed,  vvj  reins :  tJiou  hast 
covered  me  in  mij  mother's  toovib.  14.  I  will  praise  thee ;  for  I 
am  fearfulhj  nnd  wonderfully  made:  marvellous  are  thy  works ; 
and  that  my  soul  knoweth  right  tcell. 

That  God  seeth  in  darkness,  and  that  from  him  nothing  is  hid- 
den, his  knowledge  of,  and  power  over,  our  most  inward  parts,  do 
plainly  show.  He  "  formed,-'  and  he  therefore  "  possesseth,"  as 
his  own  property,  "  our  reins,"  and  is,  consequently,  privy  to  all 
those  aflections  and  desires  which  flow  from  thence.  It  was  he 
who  "  covered"  us  in  the  womb,  or,  as  it  is  elsewhere  expressed. 
Job  X.  11."  who  "clothed  us  with  skin  and  flesh,  and  fenced  us 
with  bones  and  sinews :"  A  work  so  astonishing,  that  before  the 
Psalmist  proceeds  in  his  description  of  it,  he  cannot  help  breaking 


Day  XXIX.  M.  p.         ON  TIIK  PSALMS.  597 

forth  in  r;i|)tine  at  the  thought :  '•  I  will  praise  thee,  for  I  am  feav- 
liiily  and  wonderfully  made  !" 

"  Obstupco,  et  memet  heta  formidine  iustro, 


nivini  moiuiiiuntiiiu  opens!" 

AVilh  awliil  iiiv  '  view  this  Cranio  of  mine, 
btiipciuloiis  iiiouumcnt  of  power  divine  !  I.OWTH. 

J  5.  My  substance  was  not  hid  from  tfiee,  when  I  was  made  in 
secret,  and  airiovslij  tvrought,  or  variegated  like  needle-ioork,  in 
the  lowest  parts  of  the  earth.  l6.  Thine  eyes  did  sec  my  substance, 
yet  being  imperfect;  and  in  thy  book  all  my  members  loere  tcrit- 
ten,  which  in  continuance  were  fashioned,  when  as  yet  there  was 
none  of  them. 

By  the  '•  lower  parts  of  the  earth"  is  undoubtedly  to  be  under- 
stood the  womb,  where  the  foptus  is  gradually  formed  and  matured 
for  the  birth,  like  plants  and  flowers  under  ground.  The  process 
is  compared  to  that  in  a  piece  of  work  wrought  with  a  needle,  or 
fashioned  in  the  loom ;  which,  with  all  its  beautiful  variety  of  co- 
lour, and  proportion  of  figure,  ariseth  by  degrees  to  jierfection  un- 
der the  hand  of  the  artist,  framed  according  to  a  pattern  lying  before 
him,  from  a  rude  mass  of  silk,  or  other  materials.  Thus,  by  the 
wisdom  and  power  of  God,  and  after  a  plan  delineated  in  his  book, 
is  a  shapeless  mass  wrought  up  into  the  most  curious  texture  of 
nerves,  veins,  arteries,  bones,  muscles,  membranes,  and  skin,  most 
skilfully  interwoven  and  connected  with  each  other,  until  it  becom- 
eth  a  body,  harmoniously  diversified  with  all  the  limbs  and  linea- 
ments of  a  man,  not  one  of  which  at  first  appeared,  any  more  than 
the  figures  were  to  be  seen  in  the  ball  of  silk.  But  then,  (which  is 
the  chief  thing  here  insisted  on  by  the  Psalmist,)  whereas  the  iiuman 
artificer  must  have  the  clearest  light  whereby  to  accomplish  his  task, 
the  Divine  Work-master  seeth  in  secret,  and  effecteth  all  his  won- 
ders within  the  dark  and  narrow  confines  of  the  womb.  The  refor- 
mation of  our  corrupted  and  dissolved  bodies,  which  is  to  be 
wrought,  at  the  last  day,  in  the  womb  of  the  earth,  in  order  to  their 
new  birth,  will  crown  all  the  works  of  the  Almighty. 

17.  Jlow  precious  also  are  thy  thoughts  unto,  or,  concerning^ 
v)e,  O  (iod!  How  great  is  the  sum  of  them/  18.  If  I  should  count 
them,  they  are  mure  in  number  than  the  sand:  when  I  awake,  lam 
still  with  thee. 

From  the  wonders  of  (iod's  forming  hand,  the  Psalmist  proceeds 
1(»  those  of  his  all-directing  providence,  which  afl'ord  additional 
proofs  of  the  Divine  omniscience  and  omnipresence.  The  thoughts 
and  coimsels  of  Jehovah  concerning  David,  his  appointment  to  the 
throne,  his  troubles  and  his  preservation  in  the  midst  of  them,  were 
precious  and  delightfiil  subjects  of  meditation  and  praise,  never  to 


598  A  COMMENTARY        Psal.  CXXXIX. 

be  exhausted  of  the  rich  matter  they  contained.  With  these  in  his 
mind  he  lay  down  at  night  to  rest,  and  "  when  he  awoke"  in  the 
morning,  his  thoughts  naturally  recurred  to  the  pleasing  theme;  he 
began  where  he  had  left  off,  and  found  himself,  in  heart  and  soul, 
"  still  present  with  God,"  still  ruminating  on  him  and  his  works. 
The  mercies  of  heaven  in  the  redemption  of  the  church  by  the  suf- 
ferings and  exaltation  of  the  true  David,  according  to  the  Divine 
decree  concerning  him — how  precious  are  they  to  believers !  How 
great  is  the  sum,  how  far  exceeding  all  human  arithmetic  to  number 
them?  Let  them  be  to  us  the  constant  subjects  of  contemplation, 
admiration,  and  thanksgiving,  day  and  night;  and  let  death,  that 
last  sleep,  find  us  engaged  in  an  employment,  which,  when  we 
awake  and  arise  from  the  grave,  we  shall  resume  and  prosecute  to 
eternity,  in  the  presence  of  God. 

19-  Surely  thou  toilt  slay  the  wicked,  O  God;  or,  wilt  thou  not 
slay  ihetvickcd,  0  God?  depart  from  me  therefore,  ye  bloody  men. 
20.  For  they  speak  against  thee  wickedly,  and  thine  enemies  take 
thy  name  in  vain. 

David  now  draws  the  intended  conclusion  from  the  premises  so 
largely  expatiated  upon  in  the  former  part  of  the  Psalm.  As  if  he 
had  said —  And  wilt  thou  not,  O  God,  thou  who  art  every  where 
present,  seeing  and  knowing  all  things :  thou  to  whom  the  justice  of 
my  cause,  and  the  iniquity  of  mine  adversaries,  are  equally  open ; 
thou  who  hast  formed,  and  hitherto,  in  so  wonderful  a  manner, 
watched  over  and  preserved  thy  servant ;  "  wilt  thou  not  slay  the 
wicked,"  and  deliver  me,  as  thou  hast  promised  to  do,  out  of  their 
hands  ?  I  know  thou  wilt ;  "  depart  from  me,  therefore,  ye  bloody 
men  ;"  I  trust  in  my  God,  and  will  have  no  connexion,  in  the  way 
of  freaty  or  friendship,  with  you.  You  are  not  my  enemies,  but 
those  of  Jehovah;  against  whom,  not  considering  that  he  is  privy 
lo  all  your  words,  and  even  to  your  thoughts,  3'ou  speak  presumptu- 
ously and  "  wickedh',"  and  whose  "  name"  you  '•  take  in  vain," 
no  less  when  you  do  evil  under  a  godly  pretence,  and  call  him  to 
witness  the  truth  of  your  lies  and  calumnies,  than  when  you  openly 
blaspheme  him.  Such  seemeth  to  be  the  full  import  of  these  two 
verses ;  and  their  application  to  the  members  of  the  church,  when 
at  any  time  in  similar  circumstances,  is  obvious. 

21.  Do  not  I  hate  them,  O  Lord,  that  hate  thee?  and  am  not 
I  grieved  with  those  that  rise  up  against  thee?  22.  I  hate  them 
7oith  perfect  hatred:  I  count  them  mine  enemies. 

A  faithful  servant  hath  the  same  interests,  the  same  friends,  the 
same  enemies,  with  his  master,  whose  cause  and  iionour  he  is,  upon 
all  occasions,  in  duty  bound  to  support  and  maintain.     A  good 


Day  XXIX.  M.  P.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  599 

man  hates,  as  God  himself  doth ;  he  hates  not  the  persons  of  men, 
but  tlieir  sins  ;  not  what  God  made  them,  but  what  they  have  made 
themselves.  We  are  neither  to  hate  the  men,  on  account  of  the 
vices  they  practise;  nor  to  love  the  vices,  tor  the  sake  of  the  men 
who  practise  them.  He  who  observeth  invariably  this  distinction, 
fulfiUeth  the  perfect  law  of  charity,  and  hath  the  love  of  God  and  of 
his  neighbour  abiding  in  him. 

23.  Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my  heart:  try  me,  and  know 
my  thoughts :  24.  And  see  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me,  and 
lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting. 

In  the  first  verse  of  the  Psalm,  David  declared,  that  Jehovah  had 
"  searched  him  out,  and  known  him  ;"  he  concludes  with  a  petition 
that  his  proceedings,  and  even  his  thoughts,  might  be  still  scrutinized 
by  his  Maker,  in  order  to  their  perfect  purification  tVom  any  evil 
which  might  be  in  them,  or  adhere  to  them.  Should  the  hottest 
furnace  of  adversity  be  found  necessary  to  purge  the  dross  from  the 
silver,  he  refuseth  not  to  be  dissolved  in  it,  and  new  formed,  so  that 
he  might  only  become  a  vessel  of  honour,  fitted  for  the  Master's  use 
here  below,  and  vouchsafed  a  place  afterwards  in  his  temple  above. 
"  See  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me,  and  lead  me  in  the  wa\' 
everlasting !" 

PSALM  CXL. 

ARGUMENT. 
This  Psalm  conlainclli,  1 — 8.  a  prayer  for  delivcrancf  from  pcriccutori,  and 
calumniators,  their  violence  and  their  wiles;  9 — 11.  a  prophecy  of  their 
final  destruction,  and,  12,  13.  the  salvation  of  the  afflicted  righteous.  It 
was  composed  by  David  in  his  troubles,  and  is  applicable  to  Christ  and 
to  the  church,  respectively,  in  theirs. 

1 .  Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  fro7n  the  evil  man :  preserve  me  from 
the  violent  man  ;  2.  Which  imagine  mischiefs  in  xheir  heart :  con- 
tinually are  they  gathered  together  for  loar. 

"  Evil  and  violent  men"  exist  in  all  ages,  to  harass  and  oppress 
the  servants  of  God;  their  thoughts  are  employed  in  "  imagining 
mischief"  against  such,  and  their  hands  are  ready  at  all  times  for 
the  "  war."  Had  we  no  enemies  without,  there  are  those  within, 
who  are  ever  fighting  and  troubling  us.  We  cannot  put  off  our 
Christian  armour  for  a  moment  in  this  world,  nor  enter  into  peace 
and  rest,  but  by  a  happy  death,  and  a  joyful  resurrection.  Then 
God  will  "  deliver  us,"  as  he  delivered  David,  and  our  blessed 
Lord  and  Master,  the  Son  of  David,  from  their  respective  enemies. 

.3.  They  have  sharpened  their  tongues  like  a  serpent :  adders' 
poison  is  under  their  lipx. 


600  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.CXL. 

Slander  and  calumny  must  always  precede  and  accompany  per- 
secution, because  malice  itself  cannot  excite  people  against  a  good 
man,  as  such ;  to  do  this,  he  must  first  be  represented  as  a  bad 
man.  What  can  be  said  of  those,  who  are  busied  in  this  manner, 
but  that  they  are  a  "  generation  of  vipers,"  the  brood  of  the  old 
"  serpent,'"  that  grand  accuser  and  calumniator  of  the  brethren, 
having  under  their  tongues  a  bag  of  poison,  conveying  instant  death 
to  the  reputation  on  wiiich  they  fasten.  Thus  David  was  hunted 
as  a  rebel,  Cluist  was  crucified  as  a  blasphemer,  and  the  primitive 
Christians  were  tortured  as  guilty  of  incest  and  murder. 

4.  Keep  me,  O  Lord,  from  the  hands  of  the  ivic/ced;  preserve 
me  from  the  violent  men,  ivho  have  purposed  to  ovcrthroio  my  go- 
ings. 5.  The  proud  have  hid  a  snare  for  me,  and  cords :  they 
have  spread  a  net  by  the  icay-side :  they  have  set  gins  for  me. 

David  here  describeth  the  subtlety  and  industry  employed  by  his 
enemies  to  effect  his  destruction,  by  lying  in  wait  for  him,  as  a 
skilful  fowler  doth  for  liis  game,  so  that  they  thought  it  impossible 
he  should  escape  their  hands.  Such  was  the  conduct  of  the  Jews 
with  regard  to  the  Son  of  David.  And,  O  how  refined  the  policy, 
how  unwearied  the  application  of  our  spiritual  adversaries,  to 
"  overthrow  our  goings"  in  the  path  of  life  and  salvation,  to  cir- 
cumvent and  to  destroy  us  for  ever  !  "  How  are  the  snares,  the 
nets,  and  the  gins,"  placed  for  us  by  that  cunning  and  experienced 
artist,  who  takes  care  that  nothing  should  appear  in  view,  but  the 
alluring  baits  of  honour,  pleasure,  and  profit,  while  of  the  toils  we 
have  no  notice,  till  we  find  ourselves  entangled  and  caught  in  them. 
Who  shall  preserve  us  thus  walking  in  the  midst  of  dangers  ?  He 
to  whom  David,  in  the  following  verses,  preferreth  his  prayer,  and 
teacheth  us  to  do  likewise. 

6.  I  said  unto  the  Lord,  Thou  art  my  God:  hear  the  voice  of 
my  supplications,  O  Lord.  7.  O  God  the  Lord,  the  strength  of 
my  salvation,  thou  hast  covered  my  head  in  the  day  of  battle.  8. 
Grant  not,  O  Lord,  the  desires  of  the  wicked :  further  not  his 
wicked  device  ^   lest  they  excdt  themselves. 

Jehovah  the  God  of  David,  is  also  our  God,  and  he  is  always 
ready  to  hear  our  supplications.  He  is  our  strength,  and  hath  often 
covered  our  head  with  the  helmet  of  salvation,  in  the  day  of  battle 
and  open  war  with  our  spiritual  enemies.  Nor  will  he,  for  the 
glory  of  his  name,  grant  their  desires,  or  permit  their  more  secret 
"  devices"  and  machinations  to  work  the  destruction  of  his  peo- 
ple ;  lest  they  exult  themselves,  as  having  frustrated  his  counsels  for 
the  redemption  of  his  servants. 

0.  As  for  the  head  of  those  that  cojnpass  me  about,  the  mischief 


Day  XXIX.  M.  P.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  601 

of  their  oion  lips  shall  cover  them.  10.  Burning  coals  shall  fall 
vpon  them  ;  thci/  shall  be  cast  into  the  f  re,  into  deep  pits,  that  they 
rise  not  vp  again.  11.  An  evil  speaker  shall  not  be  established  in 
the  earth  ;  evil  shall  hunt  the  violent  man  to  overthroio  him. 

The  prophet  in  these  tliree  verses,  predicted  tiiose  just  judgments, 
which  Heaven  will  inilict  on  the  slanderers  and  persecutors  of  the 
righteous.  Their  lips,  wiiich  uttered  mischief  against  others,  shall 
be  the  moans  of  covering  themselves  with  confusion,  when  out  of 
their  own  mouths  they  shall  be  judged.  Those  tongues,  which  have 
contributed  to  set  the  world  on  fire,  shall  be  tormented  with  the  hot 
iiurning  coals  of  eternal  vengeance  :  and  they  who,  with  so  much 
eagerness  and  diligence,  have  prepared  pits  for  the  destruction  of 
their  brethren,  fhall  be  cast  into  a  deep  and  bottomless  pit,  out  of 
V  hich  they  will  not  rise  up  again  any  more  for  ever.  Evil  speakers 
and  false  accusers  shall  gain  no  lasting  establishment,  but  punish- 
ment shall  hunt  sin  through  all  its  doubles,  and  seize  it  at  last  as  its 
legal  prey.  Let  these  great  truths  be  fnmly  rooted  in  our  hearts, 
nd  they  will  keep  us  steady  in  the  worst  of  times. 

12.  I  knoio  that  the  Lord  icill  maintain  the  cause  of  the  af- 
flicted^ and  the  right  of  the  poor.  Sureli/  the  righteous  shall  give 
thanks  unto  thy  name :  the  upright  shall  dwell  in  thy  presence. 

That  unjust  and  oppressive  men  shall,  in  the  end,  sufler  propor- 
tionably  to  their  deserts,  we  are  assured  from  this  consideration, 
namely,  that  the  Almighty  is  the  patron  of  the  injured  and  op- 
pressed.  He  will  plead  the  cause  of  the  meek  and  lowly,  who  are 
used  by  the  world,  as  their  blessed  Mjuster  was  used  before  them. 
A  day  will  come,  when,  delivered  but  of  all  their  troubles,  they 
shall  give  thanks  unto  thy  name,  O  Lord,  and  ''  dwell  in  thy  pre- 
sence" for  evermore. 

PSALM  CXLL 

ARGUMENT. 

Pavid  .iccms  to  have  comjioscd  this  Psahn  just  before  his  flight  to  Achish 
king  of  GatJi;  when  he  hart  a  second  time  spared  Saul's  hfe,  but  could 
trust  hiin  no  longer.  See  1  Sam.  xxvi.  and  xxvii.  1,  2.  He  praycth 
earnestly  for  help,  and  eutrcatcth  to  be  heard,  as  when  able  to  attend  the 
service  of  the  tabernacle;  3 — 5.  he  jictitionclh  to  be  preserved  from  the 
snares  of  idolatry,  in  the  country  whither  he  was  going;  6,  7.  he  relateth 
his  own  conduct  toward  Saul,  and  that  of  Saul  toward  him;  8,  9.  he  pro- 
fesscth  his  faith  in  Jehovah,  and  redoubleth  his  prayer  to  him  ;  10.  he  pre- 
dictcth  Ihe  de.struction  of  iiis  enemies,  and  his  own  deliverance.  Many 
parts  of  the  exposition  of  this  Psalm,  given  by  tlic  late  learned  Mr.  Peters, 
in  his  "  Critical  Dissertation  on  the  Book  of  Job,"  have  been  adopted  in 
the  ensuing  comment 

76 


002  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXLI. 

1.  Lord,  I  will  cry  unto  thee:  make  haste  nnto  me;  give  ear 
iinto  my  voice,  token  I  cry  unto  thee.  2.  Let  my  prayer  he  set 
forth  before  thee  as  incense  ^  and  the  lifting  up  of  my  hands  as 
the  evening  sacrifice. 

The  earnest  and  repeated  supplications  for  help,  in  the  first  of 
these  verses,  sufficiently  declares  the  Psalmist  to  have  been,  at 
the  time,  in  a  situation  of  the  utmost  distress.  And  the  second 
verse  as  plainly  showeth,  that  he  was  then  at  a  distance  from  the 
tabernacle,  where  all  the  solemn  prayers  of  the  Israelites,  together 
with  their  daily  sacrifices,  were  oflfered  up.  And,  therefore,  with 
his  face,  probably,  directed  thither,  like  Daniel  in  Babylon  praying 
toward  Jerusalem,  he  begs  that  God  would  accept  of  all  which  it 
was  in  his  power  to  perform,  namely,  the  devotion  of  his  heart,  and 
the  elevation  of  his  hands  in  prayer;  that  the  one  might  ascend  to 
heaven,  fragrant  and  well  pleasing,  as  the  cloud  of  "  incense"'' 
mounting  from  the  holy  aUar;  and  the  other,  in  conjunction  whli 
it,  prevail  instead  of  the  "  evening  oblation,"  for  the  deliverance  o! 
himself  and  his  companions. 

3.  Set  a  watch,  0  Lord,  before  my  mouth  ;  keep  the  door  of 
my  lips;  or,  a  guard  over  the  door  of  my  lips.  4.  Incline  not  mine 
heart,  i.  e.  suffer  not  my  heart  to  he  inclined,  to  any  evil  thing,  to 
practise  wicked  icorks  ivith  men  that  loork  iniquity,  or,  idolatry  ; 
and  let  me  not  eat  of  their  dainties. 

David  was  now  going  to  seek  a  retreat  from  the  persecutions  of 
his  master  Saul  amidst  a  race  of  idolaters,  who  would  be  curious 
to  observe  all  his  words  and  actions,  and  would  attempt  to  draw 
him  in  to  be  a  partaker  with  them  in  their  idol  worship,  or  to  sus- 
pect him  as  a  spy  and  an  enemy,  if  he  refufed  to  comply  with 
them.  He  therefore  beseeches  God  to  "  set  a  watch  before  his 
mouth,  a  guard  over  the  door  of  his  lips,"  that  he  might  neither  en- 
danger his  own  safety  by  his  imprudent  carriage,  nor  violate  his 
religion  by  any  weak  compliances.  He  entreats  to  be  preserved 
from  that  greatest  of  all  evils,  the  renouncing  Jehovah  to  follow 
vain  and  strange  gods.  He  desires  that  he  might  not  be  guilty  of 
this  heinous  and  presumptuous  sin,  no,  not  so  much  as  in  thought 
— "  Suffer  not  mine  heart  to  be  inclined  to  any  evil  thing:"  that  he 
might  abhor  to  play  the  hyi)ocrito,  by  joining  in  the  abominations 
of  the  heathen,  "  the  men  that  work  idolatry,"  though  but  in  show 
and  appearance  only,  and  that  he  might  never  be  allured  by  the 
pomp  and  pleasure  of  their  feasts,  by  their  luxurious  meats,  and  las- 
civious rites,  to  mix  in  their  religious  festivals,  to  eat  and  drink,  and 
rise  up  to  play — "  neither  let  me  eat  of  their  dainties."  A  Chris- 
tian, living  among  unbelievers  and  sensualists  in  the  worlil,  hath 


Day  XXIX.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  603 

abundant  reason  to  put  up  tlie  same  prayers,  and  to  use  the  same 
precaution. 

T).  Let  the  righteous  smile  me;  it  shall  be  a  kindness  :  and  let 
him  reprove  me ;  it  shall  be  an  excellent  oil,  \\\\\c\\  shdl  not  break, 
or,  depress,  my  head:  for  yet  my  prayer  also  shall  be  in  their  ca- 
lamities, or,  against  their  icickedness. 

David  continueth  his  prayer,  and  beggeth  of  Heaven,  as  one 
of  its  best  and  choicest  blessings,  that  if  at  any  time,  through  the 
frailty  of  nature,  he  should  be  inclined  to  yield  to  the  above-men- 
tioned temptations,  he  might  find,  among  his  attendants,  some 
■■•  righteous"  and  faithful  friend,  who  might,  with  a  kind  severity, 
check  and  "  reprove  him."  Such  reproof,  he  says,  would  at  dial 
season  be  to  him  as  the  v/'iO  iDiy,  "chief,"  or  most  precious  and 
'•excellent  oil;"  see  Exod.  xxx.  23.  it  would  not  '"depress  his 
head,"  'lyNi  U'  '7N,  or  cause  him  to  "  hang  it  down,"  as  people  in 
sorrow  do,  but  it  would  be  "  the  oil  of  gladness,"  refreshing,  en- 
livening, strengthening,  and  enabling  him  to  lift  up  his  head  above 
the  temptations;  against  which  he  had  been  praying,  and  with  re- 
newed vigour,  would  still  continue  to  pray ;  "  for  yet  my  prayer" 
shall  be  on'r\ViD  against  their  wickedness.  The  blessed  eflects 
of  reproof,  when  given  and  taken  as  it  ought  to  be,  never,  surely, 
were  more  exactly,  or  more  beautifully  described. 

G.  When  their  judges  are  overthroum  in  stony  places,  they  shall 
hear  my  words;  for  they  are  sweet. 

Of  this  verse,  as  it  stands  in  our  translation,  I  know  not  what 
ran  be  made.  When  literally  rendered  from  the  Hebrew,  it  runs 
thus — "  Their  judges  have  been  dismissed  in  the  sides  of  the  rock, 
and  have  heard  my  words  that  they  were  sweet."  David,  reflect- 
ing on  Saul's  cruelt}'  in  driving  him  out  of  his  country,  to  wander 
amongst  aliens  and  idolaters,  very  naturally  calls  to  mind,  and  men- 
tions, his  owii  difTcrent  behaviour  towards  that  implacable  enemy, 
whose  life  he  had  spared  at  two  several  times,  when  he  had  it  in  his 
|)ower  to  destroy  him  as  he  pleased.  '•  Their  judges,"  or  princes, 
leaders,  generals,  &c.  according  to  the  frequent  u^age  of  the  word 
in  Scripture,  I0£3tyj,  "  have  been  dismissed"  (the  common  significa- 
tion of  the  verb)  DOty,  in  the  sides  of  the  rock,  when  I  had  them 
at  an  advantage  there,  1  Sam.  xxiv.  3.  '•  and  have  heard  my  words, 
that  they  were  sweet;"*  they  only  heard  me  expostulate  with 
them  in  a  manner  so  mild  and  humble,  that  even  Saul  himself  was 
overcome,  and  "  lift  up  his  voice  and  wept,  saying,  My  son  David, 
iliou  art  more  righteous  than  I — The  Lord  reward  thee  good  for 

'  This  is  Mr.  Prters's  iiitcrprctiition  of  the  vri  ?o  ;  aiul  \>r.  Piinll  lialli 
fuUcn  iipou  the  same. 


604  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXLI. 

that  thou  hast  done  unto  me  this  day,*'  1  Sam.  xxiv.  16.  Such 
hath  been  my  conduct  towards  the  servants  of  Saul.  Yet  how  have 
my  people,  alas  !  been  by  them  most  miserably  butchered  ! 

7.  Our  hones  are  scattered  at  the  grave's  inouth,  as  u'hen  one 
vidteth  and  cleaveth  wood  npon  the  earth. 

This  probabl}'  alludes  to  the  bloody  massacre  of  iVhlmelech  and 
the  priests  that  were  in  Nob,  who,  to  the  number  of  eighty-five  per- 
sons, all  of  a  sacred  character,  and  all  innocent,  were  inhumanly 
slaughtered  together  by  Doeg  the  Edomite.  Such  havoc  as  this 
might  well  be  compared  to  the  cutting  and  cleaving  of  wood,  like 
the  fragments  of  which,  the  bones  of  the  sufferers  lay  scattered 
here  and  there  upon  the  ground,  as  many  of  the  bodies  might  \w 
devoured,  before  pits  were  prepared,  near  the  fieki  of  slaughter,  A.i 
their  interment.  To  feel  the  force  of  the  Psalmist's  expressions  in 
this  verse,  Ave  need  not  have  recourse  to  such  extraordinary  scenes 
of  tyranny  and  cruelty.  The  daily  dissolution  and  destruction  of 
our  bodies,  in  the  common  way,  will  be  found  abundantly  suflkienl 
for  the  purpose.  For  who  can  attend  the  digging  of  a  grave,  and 
view  the  ruins  then  disclosed,  without  exclaiming,  "  Our  bones  lie 
scattered  at  the  grave's  mouth,  as  when  one  cuttetb  and  cleaveth 
wood  upon  the  earth  !"  Indeed,  Rachel  hath  often  had  occasion 
to  bemoan  her  children,  thus  untimely  slain  by  the  unrelenting 
sword  of  persecution.  But  let  her  refrain  her  voice  from  weeping, 
and  her  eyes  from  tears.  Her  children  shall  return  again  from  the 
dead,  and  their  bones  shall  rejoice  and  flourish  as  an  herb,  Jer. 
xxxi.  15.  Isa.  Ixvi,  14. 

8.  But  mine  eyes  are  unto  thee,  0  God  the  Lord:  in  thee  is  my 
trust ;  leave  not  mij  soul  destitute.  9-  Keep  me  from  the  snares 
which  they  have  laid  for  me,  and  the  gins  of  the  workers  of  ini- 
quity. 

The  principle  upon  which  David  acted,  and  supported  himself 
under  his  troubles,  was  a  firm  trust  in  God,  and  a  steady  resolution 
to  obey  him.  With  confidence,  therefore,  he  made  his  prayer,  that 
Jehovah  would  keep  him  from  the  snares  which  Saul  and  his 
counsellors  had  laid  for  him  on  one  hand,  and  from  those  of  the 
idolaters,  among  whom  he  was  driven,  on  the  other;  that  so  he 
might  not  be  left  destitute  and  lose  his  life,  or,  which  he  prized 
more,  his  faith.  For  it  is  remarkable,  that  in  his  last  speech  to 
Saul,  1  Sam.  xxvi.  19.  where  he  mentions  the  wicked  policy  of  his 
enemies,  who  had  contrived  to  force  him  into  banishment,  he  men- 
tions not  the  danger  of  his  life,  but  only  that  of  his  religion — 
"  They  have  driven  me  out  this  day  from  abiding  in  the  inheritance 
of  the  Lord,  saying,  Go  serve  other  gods  j"  intimating,  that  they 


Day  XXIX.  K.  P.  ON  THE  PSALI^IS.  Cm 

hail  done  what  lay  in  their  power  to  drive  him  to  idolatry,  by 
lorciiiff  him  into  a  country,  where  he  would  have  the  strongest 
temptation  to  it. 

10.  Let  the  wicked,  ov,  the  icickcd  shall,  fall  into  f/ieir  oicnnets, 
V'/tilt^'t  that  I  withal  escape. 

From  the  sequel  of  the  history,  we  find  that  the  hope  and  assu- 
rance; here  expressed  by  the  Psalmist  were  not  vain.  He  escaped 
all  the  snares  that  were  laid  for  him  on  every  side;  he  lived  to 
see  the  death  of  Saul,  who  fell  in  a  battle  with  the  Philistines,  and 
those  Philistines  subdued  by  himself  and  his  sul)jerts.  So  will  the 
devices  of  all  our  enemies  he  in  the  end  turned  airainst  themselves  : 
ihev  shall  fall  and  perish,  but  we  shall  trlumpli  w  ith  our  Redeemer 
(u  eternity. 

TWENTY-NINTH  DAY.— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  CXLII. 

ARGUMENT. 

Tlic  title  of  tliis  Psahn  informs  us,  that  it  was  a  prayer  of  David,  wlicu 
he  was  in  the  cavo,  that  is,  most  probably,  the  cave  of  Adullam,  whither 
he  fled,  wlieii  in  danger  Ijoth  from  Saul  and  from  the  Philistines,  1  Saju. 
xxii.  1.  It  containeth,  1,2.  a  supplication;  3 — 5.  an  act  of  confidence 
in  God  at  that  season  of  danger  and  destitution;  6.  a  tender  complaint 
of  his  sufferings,  and,  7.  a  petition  for  deliverance.  Our  translators  hav- 
ing rendered  some  of  the  verbs  in  the  past  tense,  the  liberty  hath  been 
taken  to  alter  them,  agreably  to  the  Hebrew,  and  to  the  tenor  of  the 
Psahn,  which  secmeth  to  be  an  actual  prayer,  and  not  the  relation  of  one. 

1.  I  will  cri/  unto  the  Lord  tvifh  my  voice;  with  my  voice  unto 
the  Loud  will  I  make  my  snpjdication.  2.  J  tvill  pour  out  my 
complaint  before  him  ;  I  will  shew  before  him  my  trouble. 

The  state  of  David  in  the  cave  of  Adullam  was  a  state  of  utter 
destitution.  Persecuted  by  his  own  countrymen,  dismissed  by 
Achish,  and  not  yet  joined  by  his  own  relations,  or  any  other  attca- 
tlants,  he  look  refuge  in  the  cave,  and  was  there  alone.  But  in  that 
disconsolate,  and  seemingly  desperate  situation,  he  desponded  not. 
He  had  a  Friend  in  heaven,  into  whose  bosom  he  "  potu-ed  forth 
liis  complaint,-'  and  told  him  the  sad  story  of  his  trouble  and  dis- 
tress. When  danger  besetteth  us  around,  and  fear  is  on  every  side, 
let  us  follow  the  example  of  David,  and  that  of  a  greater  than  David, 
who,  when  Jews  and  Gentiles  conspired  against  him,  and  he  was 
left  all  alone,  in  the  garden,  and  on  the  cross,  gave  himself  unto 
prayer. 

H.   Hlicn  my  spirit  /.<?  ovvnrhrlmcd  within  me,  then  thou  knowrsf 


GOG  A  COMMENTARY         Psal.  CXLII. 

my  path.     In  the  icay  wherein  I  icalk,  have  they  privily  laid  a 
snare  for  me. 

The  meaning  is,  Though  my  thoughts  are  so  broken  and  con- 
fused, that  I  am  not  able  to  counsel  and  direct  myself  in  these 
straits,  3'et  thou  knowest  the  path  wherein  I  walk,  thou  art  with 
me,  and  wilt  preserve  me  from  those  who  watch  all  my  steps,  and 
lie  in  ambush  for  me.  Such  should  be  at  all  times  the  confidence 
of  believers  in  the  wisdom,  the  power,  and  the  goodness  of  God, 
even  when  human  prudence  has  done  its  utmost,  and  is  at  its  wit's 
end. 

4.  Look  on  my  right  hand,  and  see  that  there  is  no  man  that  ivill 
knoiD  me ;  refuge  faile.th  me;  no  man  eareth  for  my  soul.  5.  i 
cry  unto  thee,  O  Lord  ;  I  say,  Thou  art  my  refuge,  and  my  portion 
in  the  land  of  the  living. 

David  beseccheth  God  to  consider  his  destitute  condition,  to 
'•'  look  on  his  right  hand,"  the  place  where  the  advocate  used  tu 
stand,  and  to  "  see  that  there  was  no  man  that  would  know;"  ac- 
knowledge him,  and  take  his  part ;  "  refuge  failed  him  5"  there  was 
on  earth  no  patron,  to  whom  he  could  commit  himself  and  his 
cause;  no  one,  tyn?-»,that  would  "seek,  require,  or  avenge  his  soul." 
Thus  Dr.  Hammond  expounds  the  words  in  a  forensic  sense.  How 
affectingly  do  they  describe  the  destitution  of  David  in  the  cave, 
and  that  of  the  Son  of  David  in  the  day  of  his  passion,  death  and 
burial !  Death  will,  in  like  manner,  strip  us  of  all  our  earthly  con- 
nexions and  dependencies.  But  even  at  that  hour,  may  we,  each  of 
us,  "  cry  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  and  say,  Thou  art  my  refuge  and  my 
portion  in  the  land  of  the  living!" 

C.  Attend  unto  my  cry  ;  for  I  am  brought  very  low :  deliver  me 
from  my  persecutors ;  for  they  are  stronger  than  I.  7-  Bring  my 
soul  out  of  prison,  that  I  may  praise  thy  name :  the  righteous 
shall  compass  me  about  ;  fyr,  or,  when,  thou  shall  deal  bountifully 
with  me. 

This  prayer  of  David  was  heard  and  answered  ;  he  was  delivered 
from  his  persecutors,  enlarged  from  his  distress,  exalted  to  the 
throne,  and  joined  by  all  the  tribes  of  Israel.  The  true  David  was 
delivered  from  his  stronger  persecutors,  brought  from  the  sepulchre, 
exalted  to  his  heavenly  throne,  owned  and  submitted  to  by  the  ct)n- 
verted  nations,  who  became  the  Israel  and  people  of  God.  Nor  let 
us  fear,  though  we  be  brought  very  low,  and  our  persecutors,  the 
world,  the  flesh,  and  the  ilevil,  be  at  any  time  too  strong  for  us. 
God  will  deliver  us  from  the  bondage  of  sin,  and  redeem  us  from 
the  prison  of  the  grave,  to  join  the  great  assembly  before  the  thron<' 
and  there  to  praise  his  name  for  ever. 


DayXXIX.  E.  p.        ON  THE  PSALMS.  607 


PSALM  CXLIIL 

ARGUMENT. 

This  is  the  scvoiiJh  ;m<l  last  of  die  Penitential  Psalms  ;  and  as  we  are  not  in- 
formed of  any  particular  tompoial  calamilics,  which  gave  occasion  to  it-; 
lu'ing  composed,  we  shall  explain  it  according  to  the  general  use  now  niadi- 
of  it  in  the  church,  for  which,  indeed,  it  seems  to  have  been  originally  and 
entirely  designed.  After  the  example  of  David,  the  penitent,  1.  niaketh  his 
prayer  to  God  for  pardon  ;  2.  acknowledgcth  the  impossibility  of  any  being 
saved,  but  by  grace:  3,  4.  deploretli  the  lamentable  effects  of  sin ;  5.  com- 
forteth  himself  with  a  retrospect  of  God's  mercies  of  old;  and,  6 — 12. 
prayeth,  in  a  variety  of  exjuessions.  lor  remission  of  sin,  sanctification, 
and  redemption. 

1 .  Hear  imj  prayer,  O  Lord,  gu'C  car  to  my  supplications  :  in 
thy  faithfulness  ansiocr  me,  and  in  thy  righteousness. 

When  Mary  Magdalene  washed  the  feet  of  Christ  with  her 
I  ears,  he  knew  what  the  petition  was  which  her  soul  desired  to 
have  granted,  and  answered  it  accordingly,  before  it  was  made  in 
w  ords,  by  saying,  '•'  Thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee."  Thus  the  peni- 
tent, without  mentioning  the  subject  of  his  request,  as  being  well 
known  to  God,  begs  that  his  "  prayer  and  supplication  may  be 
licard  and  answered,"  agreeably  to  the  ^'  faithfulness  and  righteous- 
ness of  Jehovah.'' 

2.  And  enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  servant :  for  in  thy 
sight  shall  no  man  living  he  justified. 

In  the  first  verse,  the  su])pliant  appealed  to  the  promises  of  God, 
and  his  fidelity  in  performing  them.  Here  he  urgeth  the  fallen, 
sinful,  wretched  state  of  human  nature,  which  hath  rendered  it  ab- 
solutely impossible  that  any  son  of  Adam  can  be  saved,  should 
<^Jod  "  enter  into  judgment  with  him,"  and  exact  the  punishment 
due  to  his  offences  according  to  the  law,  instead  of  pardoning  them 
by  an  act  of  grace.  The  thoughts  of  such  a  trial  are  enough  to 
appal  the  soul  of  the  best  man  living,  to  make  his  flesii  tremble, 
and  all  his  bones  shake,  as  if  he  stood  at  the  foot  of  Sinai,  and  be- 
held Jehovah  ready  to  break  forth  upon  him  in  the  flame  of  devour- 
ing fire. 

3.  For  the  enemy  hath  persecuted  my  soul ^  he  hath  smitten  my 
life  down  to  the  ground;  he  hath  made  me  to  dwell  in  darkness,  as 
those  that  have  been  long  dead.  4.  Therefore  is  my  spirit  over- 
whelmed icithin  me;  my  heart  within  me  is  desolate. 

We  have  an  enemy  who  "  persecutes"  us  with  unrelenting  malice ; 
he  "  smites  our  life  down  to  the  ground,"  as  often  as  we  yield  to 
temptation,  and  fall  from  our  state  of  holiness,  to  grovel  in  base 


608  A  COMMKiNTARY  Psal.  CXLIII. 

and  earthly  desires ;  he  makes  us  to  dwell  in  darkness,  when  he 
has  thus  withdrawn  us  from  the  light  of  heaven,  which  before  illu- 
minated us,  while  we  walked  in  it;  the  spiritual  life,  for  a  time,  is 
extinsT-iished,  and  we  become,  for  all  the  purposes  of  faith  and 
charity,  "  like  those  that  have  been  long  dead."  Therefore  at  the 
consideration  of  this  our  sad  estate,  when  God  has  enabled  us  to 
see  and  know  it,  our  "  spirit  is  overwhelmed  within  us''  with  re- 
morse, anxiety,  and  despondency ;  and  "  our  heart  within  us,"  de- 
prived of  the  comforts  of  conscience,  the  joys  of  the  Spirit,  and  the 
presence  of  the  Beloved,  "  is  desolate,"'  forlorn,  miserable.  To  res- 
cue the  sinner  from  this  disconsolate  and  lost  condition,  our  blessed 
Saviour  was  forsaken  on  the  cross ;  "  his  spirit  was  overwhelmed 
Avithin  him,  and  his  heart  within  him  was  desolate;"  the  enemy  was 
suffered  to  smite  his  precious  '•  life  down  to  the  ground,"  and  he 
dwelt,  for  three  days,  in  darkness,  as  the  men  that  have  been  long 
dead. 

5.  Irememher  the  days  vf  old;  I  meditate  on  all  ilnj  tcorks  ;  I 
fuuse  on  the  work  of  thy  hands. 

WJien  sin  has  thus  laid  us  low,  and,  as  it  were,  slain  and  en- 
tombed us,  we  begin  to  revive,  and  to  arise  from  the  dead,  through 
hope  of  forgiveness  and  restoration  to  the  Divine  favour,  by  ''  re- 
membering the  days  of  old,  and  meditating  on  all  the  works"  of 
love  and  mercy,  which  Jehovah  then  wrought  towards  those  wh« 
were  sinners  like  ourselves.  While  we  ''  muse"  on  such  instances 
of  his  goodness,  the  reflection  is  obvious  :  Is  he  not  still  the  same 
gracious  God?  AVill  he  not  do  as  much  for  us,  upon  our  repent- 
ance, as  he  hath  formerly  done  for  others,  upon  theirs  ?  "  Let  us 
arise,  and  go  to  our  Father!" 

6.  I  stretch  forth  my  hands  unto  thee  ;  my  so?/Z  thirstcth  after 
thee,  as  a  thirsty  land. 

Prayer  is  the  voice  of  faith.  The  sinner  who  views  his  situa- 
tion, and  believes,  on  having  consitlered  God's  works  of  old,  that 
he  shall  be  delivered  out  of  it,  will  soon  '•'  stretch  forth  his  hands," 
in  supplication  to  heaven,  flis  soul  will  gasp  and  pant  after  that 
grace  and  mercy  which  descend  from  above,  like  the  rain  in  its  sea- 
son, to  bestow  refreshment,  beauty,  and  fertihty,  on  a  parched  and 
"  thirsty  land."  While  we  recite  this  verse,  let  us  not  be  unmind- 
ful of  Him,  whose  hands  were  often  stretched  forth  in  prayer  for  his 
people,  and  whose  soul  thirsted  after  our  salvation,  even  then,  when 
he  felt  the  extremity  of  bodily  thirst  on  the  cross. 

7.  Hear  me  speedily,  0  Lord  ;  ?ny  spirit  faileth  :  hide  not  thy 
face  from  me, lest  I  be  like  unto  them  that  go  down  into  the  pit. 

These  words  would  come  with  propriety  from  the  mouth  of  one 


DayXXIX.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  C09 

in  danger  of  temporal  death.  Tlioy  arc  no  less  proper  in  the  mouth 
of  him  who  is  in  danger  of  death  eternal.  Rather,  they  receive  an 
additional  force  and  energy  when  used  in  this  latter  sense. 

S.  Cause  me  to  hear  thy  loving-kindness  in  the  morning  ;  for  in 
thee  do  I  trust:  cause  me  to  know  tlce  Kay  icherein  I  should  walk; 
I  lift  up  my  soul  unto  thee. 

The  penitent  prayeth,  that  he  may  '•  hear  the  voice  of  God's 
loving-kindness,"  speaking  pardon  and  peace  to  his  soul,  "  in  the 
morning,"  speedily  and  early,  after  the  long  dark  night  of  fear  and 
sorrow,  through  which  he  is  passing.  This  he  hopes,  because,  dis- 
claiming all  other  reliance,  he  placeth  his  confidence  in  God  alone; 
"  in  thee  do  I  trust."  Nor  is  he  only  solicitous  for  the  forgiveness 
of  what  is  past,  but  for  future  direction  in  the  course  of  duty; 
*'  show  thou  me  the  way  wherein  I  should  walk."  And  to  the  end 
that  he  may  follow  such  directions,  he  hath  withdrawn  his  affections 
from  things  below,  and  set  them  on  things  above;  '•  I  lift  up  my 
soul  unto  thee." 

9.  Deliver  me,  O  hono,  from  mine  enemies:  J  fee  unto  thee  to 
hide  me.  10.  Teach  me  to  do  thy  will ;  for  thou  art  my  God: 
thy  spirit  is  good:  lead  me,  or,  let  thy  good  Spirit  lead  me  into  the 
land  of  uprightness. 

He  continueth  to  pray  that  he  may  be  "  delivered  from  his  ene- 
mies," the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil,  from  whose  temptations 
he  fleeth,  by  repentance  and  faith,  to  the  Almighty,  to  hide  and 
protect  him.  He  requcsteth  to  be  fully  instructed  in  the  "  will"  of 
him,  whom,  as  his  Lord  and  his  "  God,"  he  hath  determined  to 
serve  and  obey.  But  conscious  of  his  own  inability  to  do  the  will 
of  Jehovah,  even  when  known,  he  entreateth  the  good  Spirit  of 
God  to  ''  lead"  him  out  of  the  mazes  of  error,  and  the  pollutions  of 
vice,  into  the  pleasant  "  land"*  of  truth  and  holiness. 

11.  Quicken  me,  O  Lord, /or  thy  name\s  sake :  for  thy  righte- 
ousness'' sake  bring  my  soul  out  of  trouble.  1 2.  And  of  thy  mercy 
*:ut  off  mine  enemies,  and  destroy  all  them  that  afflict  my  soul:  for 
I  am  thy  servant. 

The  verbs  in  these  hist  verses,  as  Dr.  Hammond  hath  noted, 
should  be  rendered  in  the  future;  '•  Thou  shalt  quicken,"  &;c.  and 
then  the  Psalm  will  end,  as  usual,  withau  act  of  faith  and  assurance, 
that  all  those  mercies,  which  have  been  asked,  shall  be  obtained; 
that  God,  for  the  sake  of  his  "  name,"  and  his  "  righteousness," 

"  Mr.  Merrick  mentions  the  similar  phrases  o(  vtiiov  <tA.»S-«yac,  and  xu- 
uBcv  ct\n^-un(,  amonj  the  Greeks.  Or  Tlff^D  }""1X  may  signify  "  the  land 
that  is  plain  and  dirert,  even  and  straight,"  where  he  might  pursue  his  in 
trndcd  course  of  piety  and  goodness,  witiiout  fear  of  inciting  with  obstnu  - 
tions  in  the  way,  or  danger  of  wandering  out  of  it 


dlO  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  OXLIV. 

of  liis  glory,  and  his  faithfulness  in  the  performance  of  his  promises, 
will  not  fail  to  be  favourable  and  gracious  to  his  servants,  quicken- 
ing them,  even  when  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins,  and  bringing  them, 
by  degrees,  '•  out  of  all  their  troubles;"  going  forth  with  them  to 
the  battle  against  their  spiritual  "  enemies,"  and  enabling  them  to 
vanquish  the  authors  of  their  affliction  and  misery,  to  mortify  the 
flesh,  and  to  overcome  the  world  ;  that  so  they  may  triumph  with 
their  Redeemer,  in  the  day  when  he  shall  likewise  quicken  iheh" 
moltal  bodies,  and  put  all  enemies  under  their  feet. 


THIRTIETH  DAY.— MORNING  PRAYER. 
PSALIM  CXLIV. 

ARGUMENT. 

It  appears  from  verse  2.  and  verse  10.  of  this  Psalm,  that  it  was  composcu 
after  David's  accession  to  the  throne.  And  it  is  evident,  from  verse  5,  &iv 
that  he  had  more  enemies  still  to  conquer,  such  as  the  Philistines,  &.c.  He 
therefore,  1,2.  blesseth  Jehovah,  and,  3,  4.  expresseth  his  astonishment 
at  the  Divine  goodness  shown  to  such  a  creature  as  man.  5 — 8.  He  be- 
seecheth  God  to  perfect  his  «ork,  and  subdue  the  remaining  adversaries  by 
the  might  of  his  power.  9,  10.  He  breaks  forth  again  into  a  strain  o( 
thanksgiving,  and,  11 — 15.  again  returns  to  his  prayers  for  the  complete 
redemption,  and  the  prosperity  of  Israel.  If  we  substitute  in  our  minds, 
Messiah  for  David,  the  church  for  Israel,  and  spiritual  for  temporal  bless- 
ings, the  Psalm  will  present  itself  to  us,  as  a  noble  evangelical  hymn. 

1 .  Blessed  be  the  Lord  7ni/  strength,  ivliich  teachetk  my  hands 
to  war,  and  my  fingers  to  fight. 

What  David  here  acknowledgeth,  with  regard  to  his  victories, 
and  that  skill  or  might  by  which  they  were  obtained,  should  be 
likewise  acknowledged  by  all  earthly  kings  and  generals,  in  the 
day  of  battle  and  conquest.  For  success  in  our  spiritual  warfare, 
we  depend  on  the  grace  of  God,  which  alone  can  give  us  wisdom 
and  "  strength  to  have  victory,  and  to  triumph  against  sin,  the 
world,  and  the  devil."  Even  the  Captain  of  our  salvation  fougiit 
and  overcame  by  a  power  that  was  Divine.  Jehovah  taught  his 
hands  to  war,  and  his  fingers  to  fight,  and  "  blessed,"  on  that  ac- 
count, be  the  name  of  Jehovah,  in  the  church  for  evermore. 

2.  My  goodness,  Ileb.  my  mercy,*  and  my  fortress ;  my  high 
lower,  and  my  deliverer  ;  my  shield,  and  hi}  in  whom  I  trust  ^  who 
subdueth  my  people  under  me. 

*  That  is,  "  who  art  merciful  to  me,"  the  abstract  being  put  for  the  con- 
crete, as  in  Psalm  xii.  1.  Prov.  X.29.  Ezek.  xliv.  6.  Hos.  viii.  9.  Dr.  Durell 
thinks  we  should  re.ad  "TOn  "  my  refuge,"  as  in  other  parallel  places. 


Day  XXX.  M. p.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  Gil 

The  ''  goodness,"  or  "  mercy"  of  God,  inclineth  us  in  time  of 
trouble,  to  fly  to  him  as  to  a  "  fortress,"  or  "  tower,"  in  which  we, 
find  refuge;  and  when  we  have  thus  put  ourselves  under  his  pa- 
Jronatr*',  he  becometh  our  "  deliverer"  from  present  danger;  our 
"  shield,"  or  protector,  against  any  that  may  afterwards  arise  ;  the 
object  of  our  unlimited  "  trust"  and  confidence;  and,  at  last,  the 
"  subduer"  of  all  opposition  "  under  us." 

3.  Lord,  7ohat  is  man,  that  thuu  takest  knowledge  of  him/  or 
the  son  of  man,  that  thou  makest  account  of  him  !  4.  Man  is  like 
to  vanity:  his  days  are  as  a  shadow  that passeth  away. 

After  a  thanksgiving  for  the  works  which  Jehovah  had  wrought, 
followeth  a  reflection  on  the  creature  "  man,"  for  whojn  they  were 
wrought.  Such  a  reflection  introduced  in  the  same  manner,  and 
almost  in  the  same  words,  we  meet  with  in  Psalm  viii.  4.  which 
passage,  being  cited  by  the  Apostle,  Hcb.  ii.  6.  and  applied  to 
Christ,  aflbrds  an  argument,  as  Dr.  Hammond  hath  justly  observed, 
for  a  like  application  of  the  verses  now  before  us,  in  their  more 
eminent,  prophetic,  mystical  sense.  For,  certainly,  if  David,  upon 
the  rememcmbrance  of  what  God  had  done  for  him,  could  break 
forth  into  this  reflection,  much  more  may  we  do  so,  for  whom  the 
Redeemer  hath  been  manifested  in  the  form  of  a  servant,  and  in 
that  form  halh  humbled  himself  to  the  death  of  the  cross,  to  gain 
us  the  victory  over  principalities  and  powers,  to  put  all  things  un- 
der our  feet,  and  to  make  us  partakers  of  his  everlasting  kingdom. 
Lord,  what  indeed  is  man,  CDix,  or,  what  is  the  son  of  such  a  nii- 
scrabk  creature,  D'tJN  p,  that  thou  shouldst  take  this  knowledge, 
and  this  account  of  him  ?  man,  who  is  now  become  like  vanity,  or 
instability  itself;  whose  days  are  fleeting  and  transient  as  a  sha- 
dow, which  glides  over  the  earth,  vanishes,  and  is  seen  no  more  ! 
Such  was  human  nature;  but  the  Son  of  God  hath  taken  it  upon 
himself,  rendered  it  immortal,  and  exalted  it  to  heaven ;  whither 
all  will  follow  him  hereafter,  who  follow  him  now  in  the  paths  of 
righteousness  and  holiness. 

j.  Bow  thy  heavens,  0  Lono,  and  come  down  :  touch  the  moun- 
tains, and  they  shall  smoke.  G.  Cast  forth  lightning,  and  scatter 
them;  shootout  thine  arrows,  and  destroy  them.  7-  Send  thine 
hand  from  above;  rid  me,  and  deliver  me  out  of  great  waters, 
from  the  hand  of  strange  children;  8.  Whose  mouth  speaketh  va- 
nity, and  their  right  hand  is  a  right  hand  of  falsehood. 

David,  having  celebrated  his  victories  over  some  of  his  enemies, 
;md  extolled  the  mercy  and  goodness  of  God,  to  whom  he  ascribed 
the  achievement  of  them,  now  proc(!edeth  to  request  a  farther  ma- 
nifestation of  the  Omnipotent  arm  in  his  favour,  against  oilier  lios- 


612  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXLIV. 

tile  forces,  which  still  threatened  his  country,  upon  his  accession  to 
the  throne 5  such  as  the  Philistines,  Moabites,  Ammonites,  &c. 
See  2  Sam.  v.  and  viii.  These  are  called,  metaphorically,  "  great 
waters,"  threatening  to  overwhelm  and  destroy  every  thing;  and,  in 
plainer  terms,  "  strange  children,"  or  aliens  from  the  covenant  of 
Jehovah,  and  the  commonwealth  of  Israel;  children  who  "  speak 
lies,  and  work  wickedness;"  or,  as  Dr.  Hammond  interpreteth  the 
8th  verse,  "  whose  mouth  speaketh,  or  maketh  profession  of  vanity, 
Nity,  that  is,  idolatry;  and  their  right  hand,"  that  on  which  they 
depend  for  support,  the  object  of  their  confidence,  <■•  is  a  right  hand 
of  falsehood,"  inK'',  and  one  that  will  fail  all  who  rely  upon  it  for 
help.  Jehovah,  the  God  of  Israel,  is  therefore  entreated  once  more 
to  appear  in  the  cause  of  his  Anointed;  to  go  forth,  as  of  old,  to  the 
battle  against  the  enemies  of  his  people,  with  all  the  tokens  of  dis- 
pleasure  and  vengeance,  dismaying  and  putting  to  flight  these 
"  armies  of  aliens."  In  like  manner,  the  church,  or  mystical  body 
of  Christ,  is  instant  in  prayer  for  the  final  completion  of  her  hope. 
She  wisheth  for  the  glorious  day,  when  her  God  and  Saviour  shall 
bow  the  heavens,  and  come  down  to  judgment,  causing  the  moun- 
tains to  smoke,  and  flame,  and  dissolve,  and  flow  down  before  him; 
when  his  lightnings,  those  arrows  of  his  indignation,  and  ministers 
of  his  vengeance,  shall  scatter  the  host  of  darkness,  and  destroy 
the  antichristian  powers ;  when  we  shall  be  delivered  from  every 
enemy,  and  from  all  that  hate  us,  and  David  our  King. 

9.  I  will  sing  a  neio  song  unto  thee,  O  God;  npon  a  psaltery 
and  an  instrument  often  strings  loill  I  sing  praises  unto  thee.  10. 
It  is  he  that  giveth  salvation  unto  kings :  who  deliver eth  David 
his  servant  from  the  hurtful  Sioord. 

In  the  mean  time,  as  the  Israelitish  church  praised  Jehovah  for 
the  mercies  already  vouchsafed  to  the  son  of  Jesse,  so  do  we  dailv 
magnify,  with  voices  and  instruments  of  music,  that  salvation  which 
God  hath  effected  for  us,  by  the  deliverance  of  his  Son,  our  Lord, 
from  death  and  the  grave. 

11.  Rid  me,  and  deliver  me  from  the  hand  of  strange  children, 
whose  mouth  speaketh  vaniti/,  and  their  right  hand  is  a  right  hand 
of  falsehood:  12.  That  our  sons  may  be  as  plants  groton  up  in 
their  youth;  that  our  daughters  may  be  as  corner-stones,  polished 
after  the  similitude  of  a  palace.  13.  That  our  garners  may  be 
full,  affording  all  maimer  of  store,  that  our  sheep  may  bring  forth 
thousands  and  ten  thousands  in  our  streets,  or,  fields:  14.  That 
our  oxen  may  be  strong  to  labour ;  that  there  be  no  breaking  in, 
nor  going  out;  that  there  be  fio  complaining  in  our  streets. 

Prayer  is  again  made  for  a  continuance  of  God's  favour,  and  a 


Day  XXX.  IM.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  Gl3 

complete  victory  over  every  enemy ;  the  happy  consequences  of 
wliich,  ill  tlie  establishment  of  Israel,  and  tiie  prosperity  of  Jerusa- 
lem, are  particularly  described.  Victory  is  productive  of  peace, 
and  peace  is  the  mother  of  all  earthly  blessings  to  communities,  and 
the  families  that  compose  them ;  whose  happiness  consisteth  in  a 
numerous  anil  hopeful  progeny  of  sons  and  daughters;  the  former 
Jiealthyaiid  well  nurtured,  growing  up,  like  young  plants  in  a  kindly 
soil,  until  they  attain  to  their  full  strength  and  stature;  the  latter, 
fair  and  virtuous,  like  so  many  tall,  well-proportioned,  highly  po- 
lished, and  richly  ornamented  columns,  gracing  the  house  to  which 
they  belong.  When  to  these  we  have  added  plenty  of  corn,  and 
all  other  provisions,  in  the  granaries  and  storehouses;  flocks  and 
lierds,  ever  thriving  and  increasing;  freedom  from  hostile  invasions, 
and  domestic  complaints,  so  that  there  be  no  breaking  in,  nor  going 
out.  no  irruption  of  aliens  into  the  commonwealth,  nor  emigration  of 
inhabitants  to  foreign  countries,  by  captivity,  or  otherwise :  we  shall 
find  oui-selves  possessed  of  most  of  the  ingredients,  which  enter  into 
(he  composition  of  temporal  felicity.  Such  felicity  God  promised 
to  his  peo|)le  Israel,  and  bestowed  on  them,  while  they  kept  iiis  sta- 
tutes, and  observed  his  laws.  And  therefore  there  is  no  reason 
for  supposing,  as  the  Fathers,  with  many  others,  have  done,  that 
these  wishes  for  "  sons,  daughters,  corn,  sheep,  oxen,  &c."  are  ut- 
tered by  the  '•  strange  children,"  the  aliens  and  idolaters  mentioned 
in  the  llth  verse.  The  good  things  of  this  world  may  fall  to  the 
lot  of  the  righteous,  who  are  distinguished  from  the  wicked  by  the 
use  which  they  make  of  them  when  given ;  and  by  their  meek  re- 
signation of  them  when  taken  away.  Whatever  be  the  will  of  God 
concerning  our  having  or  wanting  these  outward  comforts,  we  know 
that  we  have,  as  the  faithful  servants  of  God  in  ever}'  age  had  be- 
fore us,  greater  and  more  precious  promises,  a  better  and  an  en- 
during substance,  pleasures  that  fade  not,  and  riches  that  fly  not 
away,  reserved  for  us  in  a  heavenly  country,  and  a  city  which  hath 
foundations. 

10.  Happi/  is  that  people  that  is  in  such  a  ca.ie :  yea,  happy  is 
\h<ii  people  ivhose  God  is  the  Lord. 

The  Psalmist  concludes  with  pronouncing  the  happiness  of  the 
Israelites,  when  in  the  state  of  prosperity  above  described,  and 
their  far  greater  happiness  in  "  having  Jehovah  for  their  God," 
who,  by  settling  them  in  peaceful  possession  of  the  land  of  Canaan, 
and  the  Jerusalem  below,  gave  them  a  pledge  and  foretaste  of  that 
love,  which  stood  engaged  by  covenant  to  bring  them  and  us  to  his 
everlasting  rest,  in  the  Jerusalem  above. 


C14  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.CXLV. 

P^VLM  CXLV. 

ARGUMENT. 
Hitherto,  iu  tliis  divine  book,  we  have  been  presented  with  clicquered  sccneS 
of  danger  and  deliverance,  distress  and  mercy.  The  voice  of  complaint 
hath  sometimes  been  succeeded  by  that  of  thanksgiving;  and  praise,  at 
other  times,  hath  teniiinated  in  prayer.  Bnt  now,  as  if  the  days  of  mourn- 
ing in  Ziou  were  ended,  we  hear  no  more  of  Messiah,  as  a  man  of  sorrows; 
or  of  the  church,  as  despised  and  afflicted,  after  the  same  example,  in  the 
world.  Henceforth  we  seem  not  to  be  upon  earth,  but  in  heaven,  mingling 
with  celestiaJ  spirits  around  the  throne,  and  singing,  as  in  the  following 
Psalm,  1,  2.  the  praises  of  our  God  and  King;  extolling,  3.  his  g;"eat- 
ness,  4.  his  might,  5.  his  glory,  6,  7.  his  justice,  8,  9.  his  mercy  ;  10 — 13. 
the  majesty  of  his  kingdom,  and,  14 — 21.  all  his  adorable  perfections,  and 
wondrous  works.  This  is  an  alphabetical  Psalm.  The  verse,  which  should 
begin  with  the  letter  Nun,  is  wanting.  But,  as  Dr.  Hammond  hath  ob- 
served, it  is  not  uncommon  for  one  letter,  or  more,  to  be  left  out  in  aa 
alphabetical  Psalm,  as  in  Psalm  xsv.  where  "1  being  twice  repeated,  p  is 
certainly  omitted.  We  shall  therefore  content  ourselves  with  what  we  find 
in  the  original  Hebrew,  and  in  the  Chaldee,  without  inserting  the  verse 
which  is  now  read  in  the  LXX.  and  other  translations.  Bishop  Patrick 
mentions  a  saying  of  the  ancient  Hebrews,  taken  notice  of  by  Valentine 
Schindler,  that  "  He  could  not  fail  to  be  a  child  of  the  world  to  come, 
who  would  say  this  Psalm  three  times  every  day."  Perhaps  they  who, 
while  they  chant  it  in  full  choir,  entering  thoroughly  into  the  spirit  of  it, 
do  experience  as  lively  a  foretaste  of  the  next  world,  as  can  be  experienced 
in  this. 

1 .  I  will  extol  thee,  my  God,  0  King  ;  and  will  bless  thj  name 
for  ever  and  ever.  2.  Every  day  will  I  bless  thee;  and  I  ivill 
praise  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

The  same  divine  person,  who  was,  in  a  pecuhar  manner,  the 
"  God"  and  "  King"  of  Israel,  now  standeth  in  those  relations  to 
the  Gentile  Christian  church,  and  by  her  is  extolled  in  the  words 
of  this  Psalm,  originally  composed  and  used  for  that  purpose  among 
the  Israelites.  Christ  is  our  "  God,"  who  hath  saved  us  according 
to  his  covenant  and  promise ;  he  is  our  "  King,"  who  hath  set  up 
the  universal  and  everlasting  kingdom,  foretold  by  Daniel  and  the 
other  prophets;  who  hath  "  all  power  in  heaven  and  earth;"  and 
who  "  must  reign  till  he  hath  put  all  enemies  under  his  feet,  and 
swallowed  up  death  in  victory."  In  the  mean  time  it  is  the  daily 
employment  of  us,  his  redeemed  subjects  and  servants,  to  chant 
forth  the  praises  of  his  saving  and  glorious  "  name,"  with  which  the 
church,  on  earth,  and  in  heaven,  will  resound  "  for  ever  and  ever."' 

3.  Great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be  praised ;  and  his  great- 
ness is  tinsearchable.  4.  One  generation  shall  praise  thy  loorhs 
vtrto  another,  and  shall  declare  thy  mighty  acta. 


Day  XXX.  M.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  Gl5 

The"  greatness"  of  Jehovah,  whether  \vc  consider  it  as  relating 
fo  his  essence,  or  his  works,  is  never  to  be  fully  comprehended  by 
iiis  saints,  whose  delight  it  is  to  contemplate  "  the  breadth,  and 
lengtii,  and  depth,  and  insight,"  Eph.  iii.  1  8.  the  extent  and  dura- 
tion of  his  being  and  his  kingdom,  the  profundity  of  his  counsels, 
and  the  sublimity  of  his  power  and  glory-  These  are  the  inex- 
haustible subjects  of  divine  meditation,  transmitted  from  age  to  age. 
And  as  the  greatness  of  God  our  Saviour  hath  no  bounds,  so  his 
praises  shall  have  no  end,  nor  should  the  voice  of  thanksgiving 
ever  cease  in  the  church.  "  As  one  generation"  drops  it,  "  ano- 
ther" shall  take  it  up,  and  prolong  the  delightful  strain,  till  the  sun 
and  the  moon  shall  withdraw  their  light,  &m\  the  stars  fall  extin- 
guished from  their  orbs. 

T).  T  tcill  speak  of  the  glorious  honour  of  thy  majesty,  and  of 
thif  icondrous  works.  6.  And  men  shall  speak  of  the  might  of 
thy  terrible  acts :  and  I  will  declare  thy  greatness.  7-  They  shall 
abundantly  utter  the  memory  of  thy  great  goodness,  and  shall  sing 
'4'  thy  righteousness. 

Those  works  of  God,  which  demand  to  be  celebrated  by  tlie 
longues  of  men,  are  here  divided  into  three  kinds.  First,  such  as 
declare  his  glory,  and  excite  our  admiration,  whenever  we  beliold 
Jhem.  Of  this  sort  are  the  shining  Irame  of  the  heavens,  and  all 
the  bodies  which  move  therein ;  the  earth,  with  its  furniture  with- 
out, and  its  contents  within ;  the  magnificent  and  stupendous  ocean, 
which  flows  around  it ;  the  diflerent  tribes  of  animals  inhabiting 
both  the  one  and  the  other;  and,  above  all,  the  construction  of 
man,  the  lord  of  this  lower  world.  Under  the  second  class  of 
God's  works,  are  ranged  all  those  which  the  Psalmist  styleth  his 
"  terrible  acts,"  or  tlie  exertions  of  his  power  against  his  enemies ; 
such  as,  the  destruction  of  the  old  world  by  water ;  of  Sodom  and 
Gomorrah  by  fire ;  of  Pharaoh  and  his  host  in  the  Red  Sea  ;  of  the 
Canaanitish  nations  by  the  sword ;  and  the  victory  gained  over  sin 
and  death  by  the  resurrection  of  Christ.  In  the  third  rank  stand 
those  works  w  liich  have  proceeded  from  the  goodness  of  God,  and 
his  "  righteousness"  in  the  performance  of  his  promises.  And 
among  these  we  may  reckon  all  the  dillerent  species  of  provision, 
which  have  been  made  by  Providence  for  the  bodies  of  men  in  the 
world,  and  by  grace  for  their  souls  in  the  church.  On  any  of  these 
sul))ects  meditation  cannot  be  long  employed,  without  breaking 
forth  into  wonder,  gratitude,  and  praise. 

8.  The  Lord  h  gracious,  and  full  of  compassion ;  slow  to  an- 
ger and  of  great  mercy.  9.  The  Lord  h  good  to  all;  and  his 
fender  nurcies  are  over  all  /hs  rcorks. 


GlG  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXL\  . 

Mercy  hath  misery  for  its  object,  and  is  that  attribute,  towards 
which  the  eye  of  a  fallen  world  must  naturally  be  turned.  The 
Psalmist  hath,  accordingly,  introduced  her  last,  with  great  pomi-' 
and  splendour,  seated  in  her  triumphal  chariot,  and  invested  with  a 
supremacy  over  all  the  works  of  God.  She  is  above  the  heavens, 
and  over  all  the  earth,  so  that  the  whole  creation  findeth  that  re- 
fuge under  the  shadow  of  her  wings,  of  which,  by  reason  of  man's 
transgression,  it  standeth  in  need.  The  original  word  for  "  his 
tender  mercies,"'  is  from,  the  singular  of  which,  am,  signifies  the 
womb.  The  "  mercies"  of  God  towards  man,  are,  therefore,  re- 
presented by  this  word,  to  be  like  those  of  a  mother  towards  the 
child  of  her  womb.  And  this  is  the  very  similitude  which  he  him- 
self hath  made  use  of  in  that  most  afiecting  and  comforting  passage 
of  the  prophecy  of  Isaiah;  chap.  xlix.  15.  "  Can  a  woman  forget 
her  sucking  child,  that  she  should  not  have  compassion  on  the  son 
of  her  womb  ?  Yea,  they  may  forget,  yet  will  I  not  forget  thee." — 
And  now  what  follows?  Are  such  "  tender  mercies"  in  God?  and 
are  they  "  over  all  his  works  ?"     Why  then, 

10.  AH  thy  works  shall  praise  thee,  O  Lord  ;  and  thy  saints 
shall  hless  thee.  1 1 .  They  shall  speak  of  the  glory  of  thy  king- 
dom, and  talk  of  thy  poioer ;  12,  To  7nuke  known  to  the  sons  oj 
men  ?tis  mighty  acts,  and  the  glorious  majesty  of  his  kingdom. 
13.  Thy  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  kingdom,  and  thy  dominiov. 
endureth  throughout  all  generations. 

As  "  all  the  works"  of  God,  in  their  several  ways,  make  a  due 
return  for  the  mercy  vouchsafed  unto  them,  and  set  forth  his  glory  ; 
so  more  especially  ought  this  to  be  done  by  man,  who  is  the  prin- 
cipal party  concerned  in  the  fall  and  redemption.  The  saints  arc 
the  subjects  of  Messiah's  kingdom;  and  of  that  kingdom  it  is  their 
duty  to  publish  to  tlie  world  the  blessings  and  the  glories,  to  the 
end  that,  when  these  are  made  known,  the  nations  may  be  thereb\ 
induced  to  submit  their  hearts  to  so  gracious  a  sceptre,  and  the  do- 
minion of  Christ  may  become  as  universal  in  its  extent,  as  it  is  ever- 
lasting in  its  duration. 

14.  The  Lord  upholdeth  all  that  fall,  and  raiseth  up  all  those 
that  be  bowed  down. 

After  having  proclaimed  the  glory  and  eternity  of  the  kingdom, 
the  prophet  draws  a  character  of  the  King,  who,  in  the  execution 
of  his  regal  and  pastoral  office,  is  ever  mindful  of  the  necessities  o,' 
his  subjects.  To  those  who,  like  Peter  on  the  water,  are  sinking 
under  temptation,  he  stretcheth  out  his  saving  arm,  supporting  and 
upholding  thera  by  his  grace ;  and  to  those  who,  like  the  woman 
in  the  Gospel,  have  long  been  "  bowed  down"  with  sin  or  sorrow. 


Day XXX.  M.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  Cj7 

fee  lioldeth  forth  a  pardon,  "  raising  and  settins;  them  upright  again 
by  his  mercy."  The  case  is  the  same  with  regard  to  outward  dis- 
tresses, from  whicli  God  either  preserves  or  delivers  his  people,  as 
he  sees  best  for  them. 

l.O.  The  C1JCS  of  all  wait  upon  thee. :  and  thou  giccst  them  their 
meat  in  due  season.  1 6.  Thou  openest  thine  hand,  and  satisfiest 
the  desire  of  evert/  living  thing. 

What  a  just  and  beautil'ul  picture  is  here  presented  to  view!  We 
s<?e  the  whole  animal  world  assembled  before  us,  with  their  eyes 
fixed  on  the  great  King  and  Father  of  ail  things,  like  those  of  a 
flock  on  their  shepherd,  when  he  ent«'rs  the  field,  in  time  of  dearth, 
with  provender  for  them.  From  the  same  divine  person,  as  the 
Saviour  of  men,  as  the  King,  Father,  and  Pastor  of  the  church,  do 
believers,  with  earnest  expectation,  wait  for  the  food  of  eternal  life. 
And  neither  one  nor  the  other  look  and  wait  in  vain.  To  both  he 
giveth  their  meat  in  due  season ;  ''  he  openeth  his  hand,  and  sa- 
tistleth  the  desire  of  every  living  thing."' 

17.  The  Lord  is  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and  holy,  or,  good, 
merriful,  in  all  his  works. 

Thus  in  all  his  ways,  or  dispensations  towards  his  creatures, 
whether  in  nature,  or  in  grace,  "  Jehovah  is  rigkteous,"  faithful  and 
just,  in  extending  his  promised  care,  by  makin^>  due  provision  for 
their  wants;  and  "  all  his  works,''  which,  from  the  beginning  of  the 
world  he  hath  wrought  in  behalf  of  the  sons  of  men,  are  full  of 
"  mercy  and  loving-kindness." 

18.  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  all  them  that  calTupon  him,  to  all 
that  cull  upon  him  in  truth.  19.  He  willfulfl  the  desire  of  them 
that  fear  him:  he  also  trill  hear  their  cry,  and  will  save  them. 

It  is  our  happiness  to  have  a  King,  who  is  not,  like  earthly  princes, 
diffirult  of  access,  but  one  of  whom  the  meanest  subject  may  at 
any  time  obtain  an  audience,  and  be  certain  of  having  his  request 
granted  if  it  be  made  in  truth,  without  wavering,  and  without  hy- 
pocrisy, with  humble  confidence,  and  with  unwearied  constancy, 
expecting  salvation  from  God,  from  none  but  him,  and  from  him 
only  in  the  way  of  duty  and  obedience ;  "  he  will  fulfil  the  desire 
of  them  that  fear  him." 

20.  The  Lord  prescrveth  all  them  that  love  him:  but  all  the 
wicked  will  he  destroy. 

To  protect  his  subjects,  and  destroy  their  enemies,  is  the  finish- 
ing part  of  the  regal  character,  as  here  drawn  from  its  great  original 
in  the  King  of  saints.  By  his  grace  he  now  preserveth  us  from  in- 
numerable dangers  and  temptations,  and  gradually  destroyeth  sin  in 
119 :  and  by  his  power  he  will  hereafter  execirte,  in  (he  fullest  an«l 

rs 


618  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXLVI- 

most  extensive  sense,  this  part  of  his  office,  "  when  the  wicked 
shall  be  consumed  with  the  spirit  of  his  mouth,  and  destroyed  with 
the  brightness  of  his  coming."  Tlien  the  bodies  of  the  righteous, 
i)reserved  to  a  joyful  resurrection,  shall  be  reunited  to  their  souls, 
-and  both  together,  perfected  and  glorified,  shall  reign  and  shine 
with  him  for  ever.  Thus  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  "  preserveth  all 
that  love  him,"  and  maketh  good  his  promise.  "  There  shall  not 
an  hair  of  your  head  perish,"  Luke  xxi.  18. 

21.  Ml/  mouth  shall  speak  the  praise  of  the  Lord  :  and  let  all 
fiesh  bless  his  holy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

The  Psalmist  having  now  given  the  reasons  why  he  had  resolved 
"  to  extol  his  God  and  King,  and  to  bless  his  name  for  ever  and 
ever,"  concludes  with  repeating  his  resolution,  and  exhorts  all  the 
world  to  follow  his  example,  in  time  and  eternity. 

PSALM  CXLYL 

ARGUMENT. 

Jn  this  Psalm  the  chinch  is  (auglit,  I,  2.  to  piolonnj  the  praises  of  Jehovah,  as 
her  God  and  King;  3 — 6.  to  lieware  of  trusting  in  the  powers  of  the  world, 
and  to  rely  on  the  world's  Creator  and  Redeemer,  whose  miracles  of  love 
and  mercy,  wrought  for  the  children  of  men,  7 — 9.  are  enumerated,  and 
the  eternity  of  whose  kingdom,  10.  is  proclaimed. 

1.  Praise  ye  the  Lord.  Praise  the  Lord,  0  7ny  soul.  2.  irhile 
J  live  will  I  praise  the  Lord:  I  icill  sing  praises  unto  my  God, 
while  I  have  any  being. 

No  sooner  is  one  hallelujah  ended,  but  another  begins;  and  the 
prophet,  in  imitation  of  those  who  "  rest  not  day  or  night,"'  stirs 
iumself  up  afresh  to  praise  the  King  of  glory,  the  Creator  and  Re- 
deemer of  men,  declaring  himself  resolved  to  emyloy  the  jiowers 
and  faculties  of  his  soul  in  the  service  of  that  God  who  gave  and* 
preserved  them. 

3.  Put  not  your  trust  in  princes,  nor  in  the  son  of  man,  in  trhom 
there  is  no  lielp.  4.  His  breath  goeth  forth,  he  returncth  to  Ms 
earth;  in  that  very  day  his  thoughts  perish.  5.  Happy  is  he  that 
hath  the  God  of  Jacob  for  his  help,  whose  hope  is  in  the  Lord  his 
God:  6.  Which  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that 
therein  is :  which  kccpcth  truth  for  ever. 

From  Him,  who  is  "  the  Prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth,"  Sion 
looks  for  deliverance,  and  by  Him,  her  true  sons  expect  to  be  ex- 
alted. He  "  keepeth  truth  for  ever ;"  he  is  able  and  willing  to  per- 
form his  promises,  and  never  disappoints  those  who  rely  on  him. 
There  are  no  changes  in  the  politics  of  lieavcn.     The  faithful  scr- 


Day  XXX.  M.  P.         ON  THE  PSALMS.  Cl9 

vant  of  his  master  is  by  that  Master  infallibly  approved  and  re- 
warded. Earthly  princes,  if  they  have  the  will,  often  want  the 
power,  oven  to  protect  their  friends.  And  should  they  w  ant  neither 
will  nor  power  to  advance  thcni,  yet  still  all  depends  upon  the 
breath  in  their  nostrils,  which,  perhaps,  at  the  very  crhical  moment; 
'•'  i^oeth  forth ;  they  return  to  their  earth  ;  their  thouc;hts,*'  and  all  the 
thoughts  of  tliose  who  had  hoped  to  rise  by  their  means,  "  fall  into 
rlie  same  grave,*'  and  are  buried  with  them  for  ever.  "  Cease  ye 
from  man,  whose  breath  is  in  his  nostrils;  for  wherein  is  he  to  be 
accounted  of?  r>ut  trust  ye  in  the  Lord  for  ever;  for  in  the  Lord 
Jehovah  is  everlasting  strength,"'  Isa.  ii.  22.  xxvi.  4. 

7.  Winch  cxecHteth  judgment  for  the  oppressed:  ichich  givclh 
food  to  the  huiignj.  The  Lono  looseth  t/ic  ^jm-o/jers;  8.  27*6 
Loud  opcncth  the  eyes  of  the  blind:  The  Lord  raiseth  them  that 
are  bowed  down:  The  Lord  loveth  the  righteous :  9-  The  Lord 
prescrccth  the  strangers  ;  he  relieveth  the  fatherless  and  widoio : 
but  the  way  of  the  wicked  he  turnefh  upside  down. 

Tliat  the  Lord,  of  whom  all  these  things  are  s|)oken,  is  the  Mes- 
siah, or  Jehovah  incarnate,  appears,  as  Dr.  Hammond  hath  justly 
observed,  from  what  is  saitl  of  him  in  verse  8.  '•  The  Lord  openeth 
the  eyes  of  the  blind ;"  the  miracle  of  restoring  sight  to  men  born 
blind  being  one  reserved  for  the  Son  of  God  to  work,  at  his  coming 
in  the  flesh.  "  Since  the  world  began,"  saith  the  man  to  whom  sight 
had  been  thus  restored,  '•  was  it  not  heard,  that  any  man  opened 
the  eyes  of  one  that  was  born  blind,''  John  ix.  32.  This  therefore 
was  the  first  of  those  tokens  given  by  Jesus  to  the  disciples  of  John 
whereby  it  might  be  known  that  he  was  the  expected  Christ;  "Go 
and  tell  John  the  things  which  ye  have  heard  and  seen;  The  blind 
receive  their  sight,"  &c.  But  how  did  this  evince  him  to  be  the 
Messiah  ?  Plainly,  because  it  had  been  foretold  by  the  prophets, 
(as  in  Isa.  xxxv.  5.  xxix.  18.  xlii.  18.  so  in  this  passage  of  our 
Psalm,  which  is  exactly  similar  to  those  texts,)  that  Messiah,  when 
he  came,  should  give  sight  to  the  blind.  Now,  if  one  part  of  the 
I'salmist's  description  belong  to  Christ,  the  otl\er  members  of  it 
must  do  so  likewise,  it  being  evident  that  the  whole  is  spoken  of 
the  same  person.  lie,  therefore,  is  "  the  God  of  Jacob,  who  made 
heaven  and  earth,  the  sea  and  all  that  therein  is;"  and,  uj)on  his  ap- 
peariiig  among  men  in  the  body  of  our  llesh,  he  showed  himself 
possessed  of  power  to  relieve  all  the  wants,  corporeal  and  spiritual, 
of  poor  lost  mankind.  When  he  rescued  men  from  the  bondage 
of  Satan,  "  he  executed  judgment  for  the  oppressed  ;"  when  he  fed 
thousands  by  a  miracle,  or  when  he  preached  the  word  to  such  as 
desired  to  hear  and  receive  it,  he  gave  food  to  the  hungry :  when, 


620  A  COMMENTARY         Psal.  CXLVII. 

by  pardon  and  grace,  he  released  those  who  were  bound  with  the 
chains  of  their  sins,  he  "  loosed  the  prisoners :"  when  he  poured 
light  into  the  sightless  eyeball,  or  illuminated  with  saving  know- 
ledge the  understanding  of  the  ignorant,  he  ''  opened  the  eyes  of 
the  blind  :"  when  he  made  the  crooked  woman  straight,  or  rectified 
the  obliquity  of  a  depraved  will,  he  "  raised  those  that  were  bowed 
down  :"  while  he  protecteth,  and  guideth  to  the  city  of  their  eter- 
nal habitation,  the  sons  of  Adam,  who  are  exiles,  pilgrims,  and  so- 
journers upon  earth,  he  "  preserveth  the  strangers;"  when  he  be- 
came a  husband  to  the  church,  and  a  parent  to  her  destitute  chil- 
dren, he  "  relieved  the  fatherless  and  widow :"  and  when  he  shall 
come  in  his  glorious  majesty,  to  reward  his  servants,  and  to  con- 
found their  enemies,  it  will  be  seen  how  "  he  loveth  the  righteous, 
and  turneth  the  way  of  the  wicked  upside  down.-'  Happy  the 
people  of  such  a  God  ;  happy  the  subjects  of  such  a  King  !  Re- 
joice, and  sing,  and  shout  aloud ;  for  lo, 

10.  The  Lord  shall  reign  for  ever,  even  thy  God,  O  Ziou,  tnite 
all  generatiotis.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

THIRTIETH  DAY— EVENING  PRAYER. 
PSALM  CXLVII. 

ARGUMENT. 

It  hath  been  conjectured,  from  ver.  2.  that  this  Psalm  was  written  to  cels- 
biate  the  return  of  Israel  from  Babylon,  when  Jerusalem  and  the  temple 
were  rebuilt.  1 — 3.  The  people  of  God  are  exhorted  to  praise  liim  for  the 
mercies  vouchsafed  to  them  ;  4 — 6.  for  his  wisdom,  power,  aud  goodness; 
7 — y.  for  his  providential  care,  and,  10,  11.  the  wonderful  salvation 
wrought  by  his  arm  ;  12 — 14.  for  the  security,  increase,  and  prosperity 
of  the  church  ;  15 — 18.  for  the  happy  change  of  her  condition,  like  that 
produced  in  nature,  when  spring  succeeds  to  winter  ;  19,  20.  and  for  the 
glorious  privilege  of  the  Divine  word,   revealed  and  committed  to  her. 

1.  Praise  ye  the  Lord  :  for  it  is  good  to  sing  praises  unto  our 
God:  for  it  is  pleasant ;  and  praise  is  comely. 

Praise  is  "  good"  and  acceptable  to  God  our  Saviour,  whose 
glory  is  the  great  end  of  man's  creation  and  redemption  :  and  it  is 
"  pleasant  and  comely"  for  man,  being  the  only  return  he  can  make 
for  those,  and  all  other  mercies  ;  the  offspring  of  gratitude^  and  the 
expression  of  love;  the  elevation  of  the  soul,  and  the  antepast  of 
heaven ;  its  own  reward  in  this  life,  and  an  introduction  to  the  fe- 
licities of  the  next. 

2.  The  Lord  doth  build  up  Jerusalem :  k.e  gathereth  together 
tlie  outcasts  of  Israel 


Day  XXX.  E.  p.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  G21 

If  this  Psalm  were  written  on  occasion  of  the  return  from  Baby- 
lon, and  the  rebuilding  of  the  earthly  city,  the  ideas  are  to  be  trans- 
ferred, as  in  other  Psalnis  of  the  same  kind,  to  a  more  important 
restoration  from  a  much  worse  captivity,  and  to  the  building  up  of 
the  church  under  the  Gospel,  when  Christ  "  gathered  together  in 
one  tlie  children  of  (iod  that  were  scattered  abroad  ;"  John  xi.  52. 
that  is,  in  the  words  of  our  Psalm,  he  "  gathered  together  the  out- 
casts of  Israel.  So  shall  he  "  again,  at  the  resurrection,  gather  to- 
gether his  elect  from  the  four  winds,''  Matt.  xxiv.  31.  and  ''  build 
up  a  Jerusalem,"  in  which  they  shall  serve  and  praise  him  for  ever. 

3.  He  hrnlcth  the  broken  in  heart,  and  bindeth  up  their  tcoiinds. 
The  •'  broken  hearts  and  wounded  spirits"  of  the  Israelites  were 

"  healed  and  made  whole,''  when  they  returned  to  their  own  land, 
when  they  beheld  Jerusalem  rising  again  in  beauteous  majesty, 
and  sung  the  songs  of  Zion  in  the  courts  of  the  temple.  Thus 
Christ  came  "  to  preach  deliverance  to  the  captives,  and  to  bind  up 
the  broken-hearted  ;"  Isa.  Ixi.  1.  Luke  iv.  18.  to  speak  pardon  and 
peace  to  the  wounded  and  contrite  spirit,  and  to  put  a  new  song 
of  thanksgiving  in  the  mouth  of  the  penitent,  which  he  might  sing, 
when  restored  to  the  holy  city,  and  the  house  of  his  heavenly  Fa- 
ther. The  hour  is  coming  when  God  shall  heal  the  breaches 
which  death  has  made  in  the  bodies  of  his  people,  and  translate 
tliem  likewise  from  Babylon  to  Jerusalem. 

4.  He  ielk'th  the  number  of  the  stars;  he  caUcfh  them  all  by 
theif  names. 

And  he  who  does  this,  cannot  be  ignorant  of  the  situation  and 
circumstances  of  his  elect.  lie  knoweth  each  individual,  and  iium- 
bereth  all  the  atoms  which  go  to  the  composition  of  his  frame. 
He  can  call  his  saints  from  the  depths  of  earth  and  sea,  "  by  their 
names,"  as  when  once  "  he  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  Lazarus,  come 
forth ;''  and  he  can  fix  them  in  radiant  circles  round  his  throne  in 
the  kingdom  of  glory,  vying,  for  multitude,  as  well  as  splendour, 
with  those  bright  orbs  which  glitter  by  night  in  the  spangled  fu-ma- 
ment  of  heaven  ;  so  that  what  Baruch  saith  of  the  stars,  may  well 
be  applied  to  the  seed  of  Abraham,  of  whom  it  was  foretold,  that 
they  should  equal  the  stars  in  number.  Gen.  xv.  "  The  stars  shine 
in  their  watches,  and  rejoice;  when  he  calleth  them,  they  say. 
Here  we  be ;  and  so  with  cheerfulness  they  show  light  unto  him 
that  made  them."     Baruch  iii.  34. 

5.  Great  is  our  Lord,  and  of  great  power :  his  understanding  is 
infinite:  ileb.  of  his  understanding  there  is  no  number,  or,  cowpu- 
fation ;  idl-o  ;  n. 

This  is  a  proper  conclusion  drawn  from  the  former  part  of  the 


C22  A  COMiMENTARY  Psal.  CXLVH. 

Psalm,  and  especially  from  the  preceding  verse.  The  greatness  of 
God's  power,  which  overcometh  all  difficulties  to  effect  the  salva- 
tion of  his  people,  is  not  to  be  grasped  by  the  human  mind ;  and 
that  wisdom  which  numbers  the  stars  of  heaven,  and  the  sand  of 
the  sea,  and  the  generations,  of  the  sons  of  Abraham,  can  itself  be 
subject  to  the  rules  of  no  arithmetic. 

6.  The  Lord  lifteth  up  the  meek :  he  casieth  the  wiclccd  dmm 
to  the  ground. 

To  exalt  and  reward  the  humble,  penitent,  believing,  and  obedi- 
ent; to  depress  and  punish  the  proud,  impenitent,  unbelieving,  and 
disobedient ;  these  are  the  measures  and  ends  of  all  the  Divine  dis- 
pensations. And  as  a  man  ranks  himself  in  one  or  other  of  these 
two  divisions,  he  may  expect  from  heaven  storm  or  sunshine,  mercy 
or  judgment. 

7.  Sing  unto  the  Lord  irith  thanksgiving  ;  sing  praise  upon  the 
harp  unto  our  God:  8.  JFho  covcreth  the  heaven  with  clouds,  who 
preparcth  rain  for  the  earth,  who  makcth  grass  to  grow  upon  the 
mountains.  9-  He  giveth  to  the  beast  his  food,  and  to  the  yoiuig 
ravens  which  cry. 

The  faithful  praise  God  for  his  goodness  to  the  animal  world, 
both  on  account  of  that  goodness  in  itself,  and  also  because  they 
behold  therein  an  emblem  and  assurance  of  his  mercy  to  themselves. 
The  watchful  care  of  Providence  over  all  creatures,  speaks  the  same 
language  to  us,  which  Jehovah  made  use  of  to  Joshua,  and  which 
the  Apostle  hath  applied  to  Christians ;  "  I  will  never  leave  thee,  nor 
ibrsake  thee,"  Josh.  i.  5.  Heb.  xiii.  5.  He  who,  by  sending  rain  on 
the  mountains,  which  could  not  otherwise  be  watered,  provideth 
food  for  the  wild  beasts  inhabiting  those  mountains,  will  never 
leave  the  lambs  of  his  Hock  destitute.  And  he  who  feedeth  the 
young  of  the  unclean  raven,  when  they  cry,  and,  as  it  were,  in  their 
way,  call  upon  him  for  a  supply  of  their  wants,  will  lie  in  tiie  day 
of  dearth  and  calamity  forsake  the  meek  and  harmless  dove,  that 
mourneth  continually  in  prayer  before  him?  The  desponding  ser- 
vant of  God  need  only  therefore  put  to  himself  the  question  which 
we  find  asked  by  the  Creator,  in  the  book  of  Job,  chap,  xxxviii.  41. 
"  Who  provideth  for  the  raven  his  food  ?  When  his  young  ones 
cry  unto  God,  they  wander  for  lack  of  meat;''  they  wander  and 
find  it.  Oiu-  Lord  pressed  this  argument  on  his  disciples,  Luke 
xii.  24.  "  Consider  the  ravens  ;"'  Matt.  vi.  2(5.  "  Beiiold  the  fowls 
of  the  air;  for  they  sow  not,  neither  do  they  reap,  nor  gather  into 
barns ;  yet  your  heavenly  I'ather  feedeth  them.  Are  ye  not  much 
better  than  they  ?-' 


Day  XXX.  K.  P.  OX  THE  PSALMS.  623 

liohoUl  anil  look  away  your  low  (U-spair  ; 

See  «hc  li^^lit  tenants  o(  tlie  bancn  air  ; 

To  lliein,  nor  stores,  nor  granaries  belong, 

Noiiglii  but  the  wootlland,  anj  the  pleasing^  soiig^ ;, 

Vet,  vour  kind  heav'nly  Father  l)ends  his  eye 

On  the  least  winn  liiat  Hits  alonij  the  sky. 

It)  him  they  sin;r,  when  spring  renews  the  plain,    ) 

Jo  iiim  they  cry,  in  winter's  pinching  reipn  ; 

iSor  is  their  music,  nor  their  plaint  in  vain  :  ) 

He  hears  the  pay,  and  the  distressful  call, 

And  with  unsparing  liouniy  tills  them  all. 

Will  he  not  care  tor  you,  ye  faithless,  say  ? 

Is  he  unwise  .'   Or,  are  ye  less  than  they  .''         Thomson. 

1 0.  lie  delightcth  not  in  the  strength  of  the  horse :  he  taketh 
not  pleasure  in  the  legs  of  a  man.  1 1.  The  Lord  taketh  pleasure 
in  them  that  fear  him,  in  those  that  hope  in  his  mercy. 

If,  theretoie,  the  inforonce  dodiiced  :ibove  be  a  just  one,  nanie- 
1}',  that  God,  who  takes  caic  of  the  wild  beasts,  and  the  birds  of 
tlie  air,  will  support  and  defend  his  church;  then,  however  weak 
she  may  be,  and  however  strong  her  adversaries  may  be,  yet  she 
may  rest  secure,  as  having  him  on  her  side,  to  whom  it  is  equal,  to 
save  by  many,  or  by  few ;  who  giveth  not  the  victory  to  the  pomp 
and  pride  of  carnal  strength,  to  thousamls,  or  ten  thousands,  but  to 
'<  tho.se  who  fear  him,  and  hope  in  his  mercy."  The  history  of  Is- 
ra(.l  is  one  continual  c.vemplification  of  this  truth;  and,  in  our  spi- 
ritual warfare,  "  this  is  the  victory  wliich  overcometh  the  worlil, 
even  our  faith,"'  1  John  v.  4. 

r2.  Praise  the  Lokd,  0  Jerusalem  ;  praise  thij  God,  O  Zion. 
13.  For  he  hath  strengthened  /he  bars  of  thij  gates;  he  hath 
blessed  thy  children  within  thee.  14.  He  maketh  peace  in  thy  bor- 
ders, andfillcth  thee  loith  the  finest  of  the  ivheat. 

The  church,  like  Jerusalem  of  old,  erected  and  preserved  by  the 
wisdom,  and  power,  and  goodness  of  God,  is  exhorted  to  praise  him 
for  all  the  benefits  and  blessings  vouchsafed  unto  her;  for  the  in- 
crease of  "•  her  children  witiiin  her;"  for  the  '•'  peace"  which  she  at 
aa\- time  enjoyeth  "  in  her  borders,"  while  she  is  here  below;  for 
the  plentifid  provision  made  by  her  pastors,  to  satisfy  the  needs  of 
those  wlio  "  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness;"'  and  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  Almighty,  "  strengthening  the  bars  of  her  gates,"  and 
securing  to  her  the  possession  of  all  these  comforts ;  which,  in  the 
heavenly  Jerusalem,  shall  be  rendered  perfect  and  indefesible  for 
evermore. 

15.  He  sendvth  forth  his  commandment  upon  far/// ;  his  zcord 
runneth  very  swiftly.  iG.  lie  giveth  snow  like  leool:  he  scattcreth 
the  hoarfrost  like  ashes.  1 7-  He  custcth  forth  his  ice  like  morsels  ; 
who  can  stand  before  his  cold?  is.  lie  scndeth  out  his  rcord,  and 
meltcth  them :  he  causcth  his  wind  to  blow,  and  the  waters  flow. 


624  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.CXLVII. 

The  wonders  of  nature  represent  to  us  the  miracles  of  grace,  and 
the  change  of  seasons  produceth  not  greater  akerations  in  the 
world,  than  those  which  take  place  in  the  church,  when  her  God 
hideth  from  her,  or  restoreth  to  her,  the  light  of  his  countenance, 
which,  like  hs  emblem,  the  bright  ruler  in  the  heavens,  at  its  de- 
parture leaves  winter  behind  it ;  and  brings  the  spring  with  it  at 
its  return.  "  The  sun,"  says  bishop  Sherlock,  "  is  the  great  spirit 
of  the  world,  in  the  light  of  which  all  things  are  made  to  rejoice  3 
perpetual  spring  attends  his  course ;  all  things  revive  at  his  ap- 
proach, and  put  on  a  new  face  of  youth  and  beauty ;  winter  and 
frost  lag  behind  him;  nature  grows  deformed,  and  sickens  at  his 
departure,"  Disc,  vol.  v.  p.  88.  What  the  sun  is  to  the  world 
the  same  is  Christ  to  the  church.  When  the  heart  of  man  turns 
away  from  him,  and  deprives  itself  of  his  gracious  illumination  j 
when  ignorance  succeeds  to  knowledge,  that  is,  darkness  to  light ; 
when  faith  fails,  and  all  its  fair  productions  wither  away ;  when 
"  the  love  of  many  is  waxen  cold,"  and  the  fertilizing  streams  of 
charity  are  frozen  to  the  bottom :  On  the  other  hand,  when  God 
"  sendeth  out  his  word,  and  melteth  them;"  when  he  "  bloweth 
with  his  Spirit,  and"  by  these  genial  influences  from  above,  "  the 
waters  are  made  to  flow ;"  when  faith  revives,  and  shoots  into  vi- 
<T0ur,  and  beauty,  and  fruitfulness ;  and  when  the  hearts  of  men  are 
warmed,  as  well  as  their  understandings  illuminated;  what  is  all 
this,  but  a  winter,  and  a  spring,  like  those  which,  in  their  turns,  an- 
nually deform  and  renew  the  face  of  the  earth,  at  the  "  word  and 
command  of  God,"  in  either  case,  "  running  swiftly,"  and  operating 
efficaciously  ? 

29.  He  showcth  his  toord  unto  Jacob,  his  statutes  and  his  Judg- 
ments unto  Israel.  20.  He  hath  not  dealt  so  with  any  nation :  and 
as  for  his  judgments,  they  have  not  known  them.  Praise  ye  the 
Lord. 

That  "  word,"  the  effects  of  which  upon  the  spiritual  system  are 
similar  to  those  experienced  by  nature  in  the  vernal  season ;  that 
"  word  was  showed  unto  Jacob,"  and  became  the  property  of  "  Is- 
rael," while  Israel  continued  to  be  the  church  of  God.  It  hath 
since  been  made  over,  with  all  its  types  realized,  and  its  prophecies 
accomplished,  in  Jesus,  to  the  church  Christian ;  it  is  that  peculiar 
blessing,  which  distinguishes  her  from  the  rest  of  the  world,  and  for 
which  her  children  are  bound,  at  all  times,  to  praise  the  l^ord. 


DayXXX.  E.P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  QZj 

PSALM  CXLVIIL 

ARGUMENT. 

\ll  the  creatures  in  the  invisible  anil  visible  world  arc  called  upon  by  th?^^ 
Fsalmist  to  unite  in  a  grand  chorus  of  praise  and  thanksgiving.  The  va- 
rious parts  are  to  be  performed  by  1,2.  the  angelic  hosts  ;  3 — 6.  the  ma- 
terial heavens,  and  the  luminaries  placed  in  them;  7.  the  ocean,  with  its 
inhabitants;  8.  the  meteors  of  the  air;  9,  10.  the  earth,  as  divided  ioto 
hills  and  valleys,  with  the  vegetables  that  grow  out  of  it,  and  the  animals 
fhat  move  upon,  or  about  it;  11 — 13.  the  human  race  of  every  degree,  of 
each  sex,  and  of  every  age;  14.  more  especially  the  Israel  or  church  of 
God. 

1 .  Praise  ye  the  Lord.  Praise  ye  the  Lono  from  the  heavens: 
praise  him  in  the  heights.  2.  Praise  ye  him,  all  ye  angels; 
praise  ye  him,  all  his  hosts. 

When  St,  John  saw  in  vision  the  King  of  glory  seated  on  his 
throne,  he  tells  us  that  he  heard  all  the  angels  which  stood  around 
the  throne,  with  the  elders,  and  every  creature  in  heaven,  earth, 
and  sea,  lifting  up  their  voices,  and  singing  together  a  hymn  of 
thanksgiving  in  honour  of  him.  Such  a  choir  we  find  here  sum- 
moned by  the  inspired  Psalmist,  and  exhorted  to  join  and  assist 
him  in  praising  the  same  divine  Person,  whom  the  elders  in  the 
Revelation  declare  '•'  worthy  to  receive  glory,  and  honour,  and 
power,"  because  he  "  created  all  things,  and  for  his  pleasure  they 
are,  and  were  created,"  Rev.  v.  12.  iv.  11.  From  the  heavens 
and  those  unutterable  heights,  where  hosts  of  immortal  spirits,  ad- 
mitted to  a  sight  of  their  King,  enjoy  unfading  pleasures,  the  song 
is  to  begin.  And  when  the  strain  is  thus  set  by  the  celestial  part  of 
the  choir,  it  is  to  be  taken  up,  and  echoed  back,  by  the  creatures  of 
this  lower  world,  animate  and  inanimate,  which  have  all  their  several 
parts  assigned  them,  in  the  great  works  of  glorifying  their  Creator. 
3.  Praise  ye  him,  su7i  and  moon :  praise  him,  all  ye  stars  of  light. 
4.  Praise  him,  ye  heavens  of  heavens,  and  ye  waters  that  be  above 
the  heavens.  5.  Let  them  praise  the  name  of  the  Lord:  for  he 
commanded,  and  they  icere  created.  6.  lie  hath  also  estahlished 
them  for  ever  and  ever :  he  hath  made  a  decree  which  shall  not  pass. 
The  material  heavens,  through  all  their  various  regions,  with  the 
luminaries  placed  in  them,  and  the  waters  sustained  by  them,  though 
they  have  neither  speccli  nor  language,  and  want  the  tongue  of  men, 
yet,  by  their  splendour  and  magnificence,  tiieir  motions  and  their 
influences,  all  regulated  and  exerted  according  to  the  ordinance  ot 
llicir  Maker,  do,  in  a  very  intelligible  and  striking  manner,  declare 
the  glory  of  God;  they  call  upon  us  to  tran.slate  their  actions  into 
our  language,  and  ropy  their  ol>edience  in  our  lives;  that  so  wo 
7^ 


G26  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.  CXLVIH. 

may,  both  by  word  and  deed,  glorify,  with  them,  the  Creator  and 
Redeemer  of  the  universe. 

7.  Praise  the  Lord  from  the  earth,  ye  dragons,  or,  whales,  and 
all  deeps. 

From  heaven  above,  the  Psahnist  descendeth  to  the  deep  be- 
neath, which,  while  it  proclaims  the  power,  observes  the  laws  and 
decrees  of  him  who  made  it,  and  poured  it  abroad.  And  the  same 
may  be  said  of  its  enormous  inhabitants,  which  are  under  the  com- 
mand of  Jehovah,  and  of  none  but  him. 

8.  Fire,  and  hail ;  snow,  and  vapour;  stormy  wind  fulfilling 
his  tcord. 

These  are  so  many  n)essengers,  always  ready  to  go  forth  at  the 
command  of  the  Most  High,  for  the  purposes  of  mercy  or  judgment. 
They  praise  and  glorify  God  after  their  manner,  while  they  '•  fulfil 
his  word"  upon  the  earth. 

9.  Mountains,  and  all  hills;  fruitful  frees,  and  all  cedars :  10. 
Beasts,  and  all  cattle  ;  creeping  things,  and  flying  fowl. 

Who  shall  ever  understand  and  comprehend  all  the  wisdom  of 
God  displayed  in  the  vegetable  world,  from  the  cedar  to  the  hyssop : 
in  the  animal,  from  the  elephant  to  the  pismire,  from  the  eagle  to 
the  sparrow  ?  The  more  we  study  them,  the  more  we  shall  find 
liim  glorified  in  them  ;  and  the  more,  on  that  account,  will  he  be- 
glorified  by  us. 

11.  Kings  of  the  earth,  and  all  people  ;  princes,  and  all  judges^ 
of  the  earth:  12.  Both  young  men  and  maidens;  old  men  and 
children :  13.  Let  them  praise  the  name  of  the  Lord  :  for  his  name 
alone  is  excellent ;  his  glory  is  above  the  earth  and  heaven.* 

After  the  whole  creation  hath  been  called  upon  to  praise  Jeho- 
vah; man,  for  whom  the  whole  was  made;  man,  the  last  and  most 
perfect  work  of  God;  man,  that  hath  been  since  redeemed  by  tho 
blood  of  the  Son  of  God  incarnate,  is  exhorted  to  join  and  fill  up 
the  universal  chorus  of  heaven  and  earth,  as  being  connected  with 
both  worlds,  that  which  now  is,  and  that  which  is  to  come.  Persons 
of  every  degree,  of  each  sex,  and  of  every  age ;  "  kings,"  whose 
power  God  hath  made  an  imago  of  his  own,  and  who  are  the  suns 
of  their  respective  systems;  "judges,"  and  magistrates  of  all 
kinds,  who  derive  their  power,  as  the  moon  and  planets  do  their 
light,  from  its  original  source;  "young  men  and  maidens,"  in  the 
(lower  of  health,  strength,  and  beauty;  "  old  men,"  who  have  ac- 

"  Nee  ad  solos  Hcbrtcos  luec  pcitinct  adhortatio,  sed  ad  omnrs  omnino 
lioniincs !  estqiie  adeo  vehdi  proludiiim  vocationis  GcMiJiliiini.  Deum  eiiiin 
laudare,  ul  par  est,  nou  possuut,  qui  eiiiii  non  bene  n6riiut;  iiec  euin  sati^ 
n()runt,  qui  Evaii^elimn  imnquuiu  audivcrunt ;  e  quo  maxlmte  Dei  laudi-- 
rfllorescunt.    Ckricus  in  loc. 


Uay  XXX.  E.  I*.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  627 

complished  their  warfare,  and  are  going  out  of  life;  "  children," 
who  are  just  come  into  it,  and  see  every  thing  new  before  them;  all 
tliese  have  their  several  reasons  for  "  praising  the  Lord,  whose 
name  is  excellent,  and  his  glory  above  heaven  and  earth," 

14.  He  also  exaltct/t  the  horn  of  his  people,  the  praise  of  all  his 
saints,  even  of  the  children  of  Israel,  a  people  near  unto  him. 
Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

As  men,  above  all  other  creatures,  so,  above  other  men,  '•  the 
Israel"  of  God,  "  the  people"  that  are  admitted  to  draw  "  near  unto 
him"  in  his  house,  by  faith  and  charity,  by  prayer  and  participation 
of  the  sacraments,  are  bound  to  praise  him,  who  now  "  exalteth" 
them  from  sin  to  righteousness,  and  will  hereafter  exalt  them  from 
dust  to  glory. 

Since  few  of  my  readers  may,  perhaps,  have  met  with  a  para- 
phrase on  the  foregoing  Psalm,  that  has  hitherto,  I  believe,  only 
made  its  appearance  in  a  periodical  publication  or  two,  I  shall  take 
the  liberty  to  subjoin  it,  as  a  piece  which  cannot  but  be  acceptable 
to  all  true  lovers  of  sacred  ppetry.  It  was  written,  as  I  have  been 
lately  informed,  by  the  learned  and  ingenious  Dr.  Ogilvie,  at  six- 
teen years  of  age. 

PSALM  CXLVIII. 
I. 

Regin,  my  soul,  th'  exalted  lay, 
Let  each  enraptiu'd  thought  obey, 

And  praise  tli'  Almighty's  name, 
Lo  !  heaven  and  earth,  and  seas  and  skies. 
In  one  melodious  concert  rise, 

To  swell  th'  inspiring  theme. 

II. 

Ve  fields  of  light,  celestial  plains. 
Where  gay  transporting  beauty  reigns, 

Ye  scenes  divinely  fair; 
Vour  Maker's  wond'rous  power  proclaim, 
Tell  how  he  forni'd  your  shining  frame. 

And  breath'd  the  fluid  air. 

III. 
Ve  angels,  catch  the  thrilling  sound; 
While  all  th'  adoring  thrones  around 

His  boundless  mercy  sing  ; 
Let  every  list'ning  saint  above 
Wake  ail  the  tuneful  soul  of  love, 

And  touch  the  sweetest  string. 

IV. 

Join,  ye  loud  splieres,  the  vocal  choir; 
Thou,  dazzling  orb  of  liquid  fire, 

The  mighty  chorus  aid : 
Soon  as  grey  ev'ning  gilds  the  plain. 
Thou,  moon,  protract  the  melting  strain, 

And  praise  him  iu  tho  shade. 


628  A  COMMENTARY        PsAl.  CXLVIH. 

V. 

Thou  heav'n  olheav'ns,  his  vast  abode; 
Ye  clouds,  pr9!claim  your  forming  God, 

Who  call'd  yon  worlds  from  night ; 
"  Ye  shades,  dispel !" — th'  Eternal  said  ; 
At  once  th'  involving  darkness  fled, 

And  nature  sprung  to  light. 

VI 

Whale'er  a  blooming  world  contains, 
That  wings  the  air,  that  skims  the  plains. 

United  praise  bestow: 
Ye  dragons,  sound  his  awful  name 
To  heaven  aloud  ;  and  roar  acclaim., 

Ye  swelling  deeps  below. 

vir. 

Let  every  element  rejoice : 

Ye  thunders,  burst  with  awful  voice 

To  him  who  bids  you  roll : 
His  praise  in  softer  notes  declare, 
'Each  whispering  breeze  of  yielding  air,. 

And  breathe  it  to  the  soul. 

VIII. 

To  him  ye  graceful  cedars,  bow ; 
Ye  tow'ring  mountains  bending  low, 

Your  great  Creator  own  : 
Tell,  when  aflrighted  nature  shook, 
How  Sinai  kindled  at  his  look, 

And  trembled  at  his  frown. 

IX. 

Ye  flocks  that  haunt  the  humble  valc^ 
Ye  insects,  flutt'ring  on  the  gale, 

In  mutual  concourse  rise; 
Crop  the  gay  rose's  vermeil  bloom, 
And  waft  its  spoils,  a  sweet  perfume. 

In  incense  to  the  skies. 

X. 

Wake,  all  ye  mountain  tribes,  and  sing 
Ye  plumy  warblers  of  the  spring. 

Harmonious  anthems  raise 
To  him  who  shap'd  your  finer  mould, 
Who  tipp'd  your  glittering  wings  with  gold^ 

And  tuned  your  voice  to  praise. 

XI. 

Let  man,  by  nobler  passions  sway'd, 
The  feeling  heart,  the  judging-  head 

In  heavenly  praise  employ; 
Spread  his  tremendous  name  around, 
Till  heaven's  broad  arch  rings  back  the  souna, 

The  gen'ral  burst  of  joy. 

XII 

Ye,  whom  the  charms  of  gandeur  please, 
Nurs'd  on  the  downy  lap  of  ease, 

Fall  prostrate  at  this  throne ; 
Ye  princes,  rulers,  all  adore ; 
Praise  him,  ye  kings,  who  makes  yoMt  power 

An  image  of  his  own . 


I 


Day  XXX.  E.  P.         0\  THE  PSALMS.  ♦.i^ 

XIII. 

Yc  fair,  by  nature  forra'd  to  inovo, 
U  praise  th' eternal  source  of  lofre, 

\Vith  youth's  enlivenin<j  fire : 
Let  ao;e  take  up  tlio  tuueuil  lay, 
Sigh  liis  bless'd  name — then  soar  away. 

And  ask  an  angel's  lyre. 


PSALM  CXLIX. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  children  of  Zion  are  excited,  I — 3.  to  rejoice,  and  sing  the  praises  ol 
their  King,  on  account,  4.  of  the  salvation  which  he  has  already  wrought 
for  them,  and  which  will  hereafter  be  completed  in  them,  when,  5.  they 
shall  enter  into  his  rest,  <ind,  6 — 9.  triumph  with  him  over  the  persecuting 
powers  of  the  world,  and  all  the  opposcrs  of  Christ,  on  whom  will  then 
be  executed  the  judgment  written.  The  Jews,  mistaking,  as  usual,  the 
time,  i)lare,  and  nature  of  Messiah's  glorious  kingdom,  imagine  this  Fsalm 
will  receive  its  accomplishment,  by  their  being  made  rulers  of  the  nations, 
and  lords  of  all  things  here  below. 

1.  Praise  ye  the  Lord.  Sing  unto  the  Lord  a  neto  song,  and 
/lis  praise  in  the  congregation  of  saints.  2.  Let  Israel  rejoice  in 
him  that  made  him :  let  the  children  of  Zion  be  joyful  in  their 
King.  3.  Let  them  praise  his  name  in  the  dance:  let  them  sing 
praises  unto  him  with  the  timbrel  and  harp. 

Christians  are  now  the  people,  to  whom  belong  the  names  and 
characters  of  "  saints,  Israel,  and  children  of  Zion." — They  "  sing" 
this  holy  "  song,"  as  the  Psalmist  hath  enjoined  them  to  do.  They 
sing  it  "  new"  in  its  evangehcal  sense,  as  new  men,  celebrating  new 
victories,  new  and  greater  mercies,  a  spiritual  salvation,  an  eternal 
redemption.  They  "  rejoice"  with  hearts,  voices,  instruments,  and 
every  other  token  of  joy  '*  in  him  who  hath  made,"  or  created  them 
again,  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness;  they  are  "joyful  in  their 
King,"  who  hath  himself  overcome,  and  is  now  leading  them  on  to 
final  conquest  and  triumph,  to  honour  and  immortality. 

4.  For  the  Lord  taketh  pleasure  in  his  people :  he  icill  beautify 
the  meek  with  salvation.  5.  The  saints*  shall  be jnyj'ulroith  glory  ; 
they  shall  sing  aloud  upon  their  beds,  or,  places  of  rest. 

Such  "  pleasure"  the  King  of  Zion  taketh  in  his  people,  that  he 
hatii  not  disdained  to  become  like  one  of  them  ;  to  partake  of  their 
flesh  and  blood,  and  to  give  them  his  Spirit;  he  was  made  man,  to 
purchase  them  by  his  death;  and,  as  a  man,  he  is  gone  into  hea- 
ven, to  prepare  a  place  for  them.     J>om  thence  he  will  return,  to 

'  In  this  verse  the  Hebrew  verbs  are  in  the  future  time.  In  the  verse  fol- 
lowing, the  original  hath  no  verb  at  all.  The  liberty  is  therefore  taken  1o 
render  them  accordinglv 


630  A  COMMENTARY  I'^ai,.  CL 

"  beautify  the  meek  with  salvation,"  and  place  on  the  heads  of  his 
true  disciples,  the  lowly^  patient,  and  peaceable  ones,  a  bright  and 
incorruptible  crown.  Therefore  are  "  the  saints  joyful  in  glory, 
they  sing  aloud ;"  in  a  state  of  perfect  ease  and  security,  resting 
from  their  labours,  but  not  from  their  hallelujahs. 

G.  The  high  praises  of  God  in  their  mouth,  and  a  two-edged 
sword  in  their  hand:  7-  To  execute  vengeance  upon  the  heathen 
and  punishments  upon  the  people;  8.  To  bind  their  kings  with 
chains,  and  their  nobles  uith  fetters  of  iron  ;  9-  To  execute  upon 
them  the  judgment  tcritten :  this  honour  have  all  his  saiiits.  Praise 
ye  the  Lord. 

To  those,  who  are  saints  indeed,  and  who  are  acquainted  with 
the  genuine  spirit  of  the  Gospel,  how  obvious  is  it,  that  the  scene, 
of  which  we  have  here  a  prophetical  exhibition,  is  one  that  cannot 
take  place  till  after  the  resurrection,  because  the  followers  of  the 
Lamb  have  certainly  nothing  to  do  with  vengeance  in  this  world, 
thoueh  they  are  to  judge,  not  only  men,  but  angels  in  the  next,  1  Cor. 
vi.  2,  3.;  when  they  shall  be  called  up  to  sit  on  thrones,  as  assessors 
at  the  condemnation  of  their  once  insulting  persecutors,  who  will  br 
cut  asunder  with  the  "  two  edged-sword,"  and  bound  with  indisso- 
hible  "  chains."  Thus  will  be  executed  upon  them  the  "  eternal 
judgment  written"  and  announced  against  the  enemies  of  Messiah, 
in  the  Scriptures  of  truth.    This  honour  will  all  his  saints  then  have. 

PSALIM  CL. 

ARGUMENT. 
The  Psalmist  cxhorteth  men  to  praise  Jehovah,  1.  for  his  iiolineis  and  ti. 
firmament  of  his  power,  2.  for  the  wonders  of  his  might,  and  for  his  excel 
lent  greatness,  3—5.  with  all  kinds  of  music.     6.  He  concludetli  his  divin  • 
book  of  praises,  by  calling  upon  every  thing  that  hath  breath,  to  emplo> 
that  breath  in  declaring  the  glory  of  him  who  gave  if. 
1.  Praise  ye  the  Lord.    Praise  God  in  his  sanctuary,  or,  for 
his  holiness;  praise  him  in,  or,  for,  the  firmament,  or,  expansion, 
of  his  power. 

If  our  translation  be  retained,  the  meaning  is,  (hat  God  should 
be  praised  in  the  "  sanctuary,"  or  temple,  below,  and  likewise  in 
'■*  heaven"  above;  the  former  being  planned  and  constructed,  as  a 
resemblance  of  the  latter.  But  the  context  rather  perhaps  requires 
us  to  suppose  the  Psalmist  giving  the  reasons  why  God  should  be 
praised ;  namely,  on  account  of  his  "  holiness,"  and  of  his  "  power," 
which  power  is  more  especially  displayed  in  the  formation  of  the 
"  firmament,"  or  "  expansion,"  of  the  material  heavens,  and  their 
mcessant  operations,  by  means  of  the  light  and  the  air,  of  which 


Day XXX.  E.  P.  ON  THE  PSALMS.  631 

they  are  composed,  upon  the  earth,  and  all  things  therein.  These 
are  the  appointed  instruments  of  life  and  motion  in  the  natural 
world,  and  they  aflbrd  us  some  idea  of  that  power  of  Goil  unto  sal- 
vation, which  is  manifested  in  the  church,  hy  the  eftects  produced 
on  the  souls  of  men,  through  the  gracious  influences  of  the  lkjht 
divine,  and  the  spirit  of  holiness,  constituting  the  "  firmament  of 
God's  power-'  in  the  new  creation. 

2.  Praise  him  for  his  mighty  acts:  jjraisc  him  according  to  his 
excellent  greatness. 

"  Mighty"  were  the  '^  acts"  which  God  wroiight  for  Israel,  and 
"  great"  was  the  Holy  One  in  the  midst  of  his  ancient  people;  but 
far  mightier  acts  did  he  perform  in  Christ  Jesus,  for  the  redemption 
of  the  world ;  and  more  "  excell(>nt  greatness"  hath  he  manifested 
in  the  conversion  of  the  nations,  the  overthrow  of  Paganism,  and 
the  erection  and  preservation  of  the  Christian  church.  O  that  her 
gratitude  bore  some  proportion  to  his  goodness  ! 

3.  Praise  him  with  the  sound  of  the  trumpet:  praise  him  ivith 
the  psaltery  and  harp.  4.  Praise  him  loith  the  timbrel  and  dunce : 
praise  him  with  stringed  instruments  and  organs.  5.  Praise  him 
upon  the  loud  ri/mhals :  praise  him  upon  the  high  sounding  cymbals. 

It  is  impossible  for  us  to  distinguish  and  describe  the  several  sorts 
of  musical  instruments  here  mentioned,  as  the  Hebrews  themselves 
acknowledge  their  ignorance  in  tliis  particular.  Thus  much  is  clear, 
that  the  people  of  God  are  enjoined  to  use  all  the  various  kinds  of 
them,  in  the  performance  of  their  divine  services.  And  why  should 
they  not  be  so  used  under  the  Gospel  ?  We  read  of  sacred  music 
before  the  law,  in  the  instance  of  "  Miriam,  the  prophetess,  the 
sister  of  Aaron,  who,"  to  celebrate  the  deliverance  from  Pharaoh 
and  the  Egyptians,  "  took  a  timbrel  in  her  hand,  and  the  women 
went  out  after  her,  with  timbrels  and  dances,"  Exod.  xv.  20.  The 
custom,  therefore,  was  not  introduced  by  the  law,  nor  a||olished  with 
it.  Well  regulated  music,  if  ever  it  had  the  power  of  calming  the 
passions,  if  ever  it  enlivened  and  exalted  the  afl'ections  of  men  in 
the  worship  of  God,  (purposes  for  which  it  was  fonnerly  employed) 
doubtless  hath  still  the  same  power,  and  can  still  afford  the  same 
aids  to  devotion.  When  the  beloved  disciple  was,  in  spirit,  ad- 
mitted into  the  celestial  choir,  he  not  only  heard  them  "  singing" 
hymns  of  praise,  but  he  heard  likewise  "  the  voice  of  harpers  harp- 
ing upon  their  harjjs,"  Rev.  xiv.  2.  And  why  that,  which  saints  are 
represented  as  doing  in  heaven,  should  not  be  done,  according  to  their 
skill  and  ability,  l)y  saints  upon  earth ;  or  why  instrumental  music 
should  be  abolished  as  a  legal  ceremony,  and  vocal  music,  which 
was  as  much  so,  should  bo  retained,  no  good  reason  can  be  assigned. 


632  A  COMMENTARY  Psal.CL, 

Sacred  music,  under  proper  regulations,  removes  the  hindrances  of 
our  devotion,  cures  the  distractions  of  our  thoughts,  and  banishes 
weariness  from  our  minds.  It  adds  solemnity  to  the  public  service, 
raises  all  the  devout  passions  in  the  soul,  and  causes  our  duty  to  be- 
come our  delight.  "  Of  the  pleasures  of  heaven,"  says  the  eloquent 
and  elegant  bishop  Atterbury,  "  nothing  further  is  revealed  to  us, 
than  that  they  consist  in  the  practice  of  holy  music  and  holy  love; 
the  joint  enjoyment  of  which,  we  are  told,  is  to  be  the  happy  lot  of 
all  pious  souls  to  endless  ages."  It  may  be  added,  that  there  is  no 
better  method  of  combating  the  mischievous  effects  flowing  from 
the  abuse  of  music,  than  by  applying  it  to  its  true  and  proper  use. 
If  the  worshippers  of  Baal  join  in  a  chorus  to  celebrate  the  praises 
of  their  idol,  the  servants  of  Jehovah  should  drown  it,  by  one  that 
is  stronger  and  more  powerful,  in  praise  of  him  who  made  heaven 
and  earth.  If  the  men  of  the  world  rejoice  in  the  object  of  their 
adoration,  let  the  children  of  Sion  be  joyful  in  their  King. 

6.  Let  every  thing  that  hath  breath  praise  the  Lord.  Praiac 
ye  the  Lord. 

The  breath  of  natural  life,  which  God  hath  breathed  into  our  nos- 
trils, and  the  breath  of  that  new  and  eternal  life,  which  he  hath  given 
us  t'hrough  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  should  be  returned  in  hallelujahs. 
And  then  the  church,  composed  of  many  and  different  members,  all 
actuated,  like  the  pipes  of  a  well-tuned  organ,  by  the  same  Spirit, 
and  conspiring  together  in  jierfect  harmony,  would  become  one 
gi-eat  instrument,  sounding  forth  the  pi-aises  of  God  most  high. 

Let  every  thing  that  hath  breath  praise  the  Lord  !— 
With  this  wish  the  sweet  Psalmist  of  Israel  closes  the  songs  of  Sron. 
With  the  same  wish  the  author  desires  to  close  these  meditations 
upon  them  j  giving  thanks  to  the  Father  of  mercies,  and  the  God 
of  all  comforts,  by  whose  most  gracious  favour  and  aid  they  have 
been  begun,«continued,  and  ended;  and  humbly  praying,  that  no 
errors,  or  improprieties,  from  which,  through  human  infirmity,  du- 
ring the  course  of  a  long  work,  the  most  diligent  and  careful  are  not 
exempt,  may  prevent  his  labours  from  contributing  in  some  small 
degree  to  promote  the  improvement  and  consolation  of  the  re- 
deemed, the  honour  and  glory  of  the  Redeemer,  who  is  the  root 

and    the  OFFSPRINO  of    DAVID,    AND    THE    BRIGHT    AND    MORNING 

'^taR'*    Amen. 

Rev.  xxii.  ](>. 


THE  END. 


r, 


1B4B2YH  1057 

07-10-03  321B0      MC 


•  %   9   ^    ^    n 

*  ^  ,9  1  It' 

•  .1   ^   %■  4    - 

•  i  *  *  «  ^ 


'    4    «    A 

<«    <<    ^ 

7    «    4   B^ 

;.   t   ^  4-  >  «^  ^.  4  ^    . 

«  .#  .%  >  4  J   It  >  '^    .. 

^    ♦  «    t  4  «  H  4  A.  4 

^  .1    4-  «  #  V 

<    <    ^    «  « 


■    -   ^.  •»  " 
<   <  ^  4  4 

•  f    %    4    4     . 

*  <    * 

•  7     %  '«    4     ,     ^ 

V   4    H  '4    fi    t  *ii     . 

*  4    «l    »    H    .. 
••444   4    ^ 

•     «-.4    4    ^44    — 

*  4   %.  * 
i    4    t-  '/9 

4  4  '4 


